OSH India 2024 Opens in Mumbai with Groundbreaking Discussions on Workplace Safety and Health Innovations

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  • Over 250 brands and over 1000 products at OSH India 2024, showcasing the latest innovations in workplace safety and health
  • The Indian occupational safety sector is expected to reach USD 17.86 billion by 2030, highlighting strong growth potential
  • Key discussions included risk assessment on construction sites, global safety challenges, and emerging technologies in workplace safety

India’s leading occupational safety and health (OSH) expo and conference, hosted by Informa Markets in India, commenced today at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. Scheduled from November 21st to 23rd, 2024, this three-day event gathers international safety experts, industry leaders to exchange insights, foster innovation, and tackle pressing issues in the OSH landscape. With India’s OSH sector set to expand rapidly, reaching around USD 17.86 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 11.1%, the personal protective equipment (PPE) market is also on a robust growth path, expected to increase from USD 849.8 million in 2023 to USD 1,473 million by 2032, with a CAGR of 6.3%.

The inauguration of OSH India 2024 was marked by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, with the Guest of Honour –  Mr. Ram Bhagirathibai Digambarrao Dahiphale, Additional Director, Directorate of Industrial Safety & Health, Government of Maharashtra; Special Guest-  Mr. Vipin Venu Varakoth, Dy. Director – Air Safety, Airport Authority of India and other esteemed personalities including Dr. Ajit Salvi, Director, Regional Centre for Urban & Environmental Studies, All India Institute of Local Self-Government, Mumbai; Shri G. S. Baveja, President, Mumbai Chapter, National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety, India; Shri Avinash Misar, Chairman, Indian Technical Textiles Association; Shri Mahesh Kudav, President, Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association; Shri Sanjeev Raina, Executive Director – Corp HSSE, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd; Mr. Pankaj Jain, Sr. Group Director & Digital Head, Informa Markets in India and Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India.

OSH India 2024 stands as a premier platform for presenting innovations and solutions in workplace safety and health. This year’s edition featured participation from over 250 brands, including industry leaders like 3M India, Karam Safety, Udyogi International, Rahman Industries (PERF), Bisonlife India, Aktion Safety, Dupont and Woodland (Aero Club), showcasing their latest products, services, and technologies. The event also included a focused conference track, bringing together more than 55 speakers and expected to attract over 7,000 trade visitors. This diverse participation highlighted its significance as a key gathering for advancing occupational safety and health standards.

Speaking on the 12th edition of OSH India in Mumbai, Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “With India’s workforce projected to reach 643.3 million in 2024, reflecting a significant 6% growth, the emphasis on occupational safety has never been more critical. This demographic shift not only signals economic progress but also highlights the responsibility to mitigate workplace risks and create safe working environments. OSH India has become an indispensable platform for advancing safety culture in India by showcasing innovative solutions, enabling knowledge exchange, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. As the country navigates rapid industrialisation and economic expansion, prioritising workforce safety is not just an ethical obligation but a strategic imperative for long-term resilience and sustainable growth.”

 The event garnered strong backing from key industry associations, including the All-India Association of Industries (AIAI), Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association (SAMA), Indian Technical Textiles Association (ITTA), International Power Access Federation (IPAF), World of Safety & Health Asia (WSHASIA), National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety (NFE), Thane Belapur Industrial Association (TBIA), Taloja Industries Association (TIA), Additional Ambernath Manufacturers Association (AAMA), Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH), and the Mutual Aid Response Group (MARG). This collaboration reflects a unified effort to elevate workplace safety standards and foster a culture of well-being.

The first day of OSH India 2024 delved into critical discussions focused on enhancing workplace safety and health. The agenda featured insightful sessions like Risk Assessment Beyond Era: Construction Site Logistics and Its Impact on Safety by Mr. Raaj Kumar Paul, Assistant Vice President & Head EHS (MSI-Mobility & Strategic Infrastructure) at Tata Projects. The focus shifted to the global perspective with Navigating Safety in a Dynamic World, led by Mr. Cameron S. Stokes, Vice-President of Industrial Sales at Lakeland Industries. Dr. Ajit Salvi, Director of the Regional Centre for Urban & Environmental Studies at the All India Institute of Local Self-Government, Mumbai, addressed the pressing issue of Occupational Health Hazards of Sewage Workers. The challenges of HSE in Data Centre Management were explored by Mr. Jagat Pandya, Head of HSE Data Center Business at Sterling and Wilson. The day culminated in a panel discussion on Emerging Technologies and Standards to Address Workplace Safety and Health Risks, moderated by Mr. Pravin L. Shinde, Safety, SHE & Sustainability Lead for India and Neighboring Markets at Roche.

 Day 2 will bring attention to various pivotal safety topics, starting with Management of Safety & Environmental Critical Elements (SECE) and Safety Case as a Foundation for Risk Management of Major Accident Hazards, presented by Mr. Sudarshan Singh, HSSEQ & Compliance Head for India FPSO Operations at Shapoorji Pallonji Armada Oil & Gas Offshore Exploration. The session will continue with Protex®: Save Your Life with Flame Retardant Solutions, led by Mr. Sumit Banik, Senior Manager of Sales & Marketing at Kaneka India. Dr. Kanan Yadav, Country Medical Doctor at BASF, will address Mental Wellbeing: Safeguarding Employees from Behavioral and Emotional Disorders. Advancements in technology will be explored through Transforming the Industrial Workforce with Connected Safety, presented by Mr. Shreesh Nadgouda, Region Sales Manager for India and South Asia at Blackline Safety. Additionally, workshops on Preventing Electrical Accidents & Fires in Industries, powered by the National Federation of Electrical Engineers (NFE), and Ergonomics & Employee Wellbeing for a Resilient Workplace, will offer hands-on insights. Additionally, day two will feature essential sessions on Elevate Your EHS Career: The Value of Certifications and EHS Certifications, a crucial session on First-Aid: Life

of Your Life will highlight the significance of first-aid knowledge for safeguarding employees’ health in emergencies. As session on the importance of Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) Inspections will also be covered and the day will conclude with a panel discussion on Making Workplace Safety a Priority: The Top-Down Approach.

Day 3 of OSH India 2024, in collaboration with the Indian Technical Textiles Association, will highlight advancements in protective textiles and sustainable practices in the textile industry. The conference agenda will feature a series of insightful presentations, starting with Advanced Materials for High-Performance Protective Textiles, showcasing the latest innovations designed to enhance safety and protection in various industries. The focus will then shift to Sustainable and Circular Practices in Medical & Hygiene Textiles – Innovative Solutions, a session exploring cutting-edge solutions for creating environment friendly and efficient medical and hygiene textiles.

OSH India 2024 launched the Innovation Zone Pavilion on Day 1, spotlighting safety solutions, with top innovations recognised at the OSH India Awards. The Startup Pavilion also made its debut, providing a platform for emerging occupational safety and health startups to connect with industry leaders and investors. Additionally, the OSH Everywhere global campaign invited professionals to share impactful safety stories. The OSH Market Online platform, powered by AI, is now facilitating year-round connections between buyers and sellers, ensuring continued engagement and opportunities.