Human capital has never been more important than now, and ensuring occupational safety is an added responsibility of industries that involve working on the shop floor. The Indian manufacturing industry contributes significantly to the country’s economy, employing millions of workers across various sectors such as chemicals, textiles, automobiles, and engineering. Between 2017 and 2020, three people died and 11 were injured each day, on average, due to accidents in India’s registered factories, as per data from the Ministry of Labour & Employment’s Directorate General Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes (DGFASLI). Here are some reasons why the entire manufacturing industry should take the increased onus of safety at work.
The Human asset: Employees are the most valuable assets of any company, and their safety is paramount. When employees feel safe and secure in their work environment, they tend to be more productive, efficient, and motivated, leading to increased profits and growth for the company. A safe work environment helps to improve the work culture of a company. Employees tend to feel more valued, respected, and motivated when their safety is prioritized. This leads to a positive work environment, which is essential for employee retention, motivation, and productivity.
Legal compliance: The manufacturing industry is governed by various laws and regulations that require companies to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can lead to legal liabilities, penalties, and damage to the company’s reputation. Therefore, it is essential for companies to prioritise employee safety to avoid legal issues.
Global competitiveness: The Indian manufacturing industry is becoming increasingly competitive globally. In a global marketplace, companies that prioritise occupational safety can gain a competitive advantage and become a better prospective partner. Companies that provide a safe and healthy work environment can attract and retain top talent and improve their brand reputation, leading to increased profitability.
Cost saving: Prioritising occupational safety can lead to significant cost savings for companies in the Indian manufacturing industry. Workplace accidents and injuries can result in medical expenses, workers’ compensation claims, and lost productivity. By investing in occupational safety measures, companies can reduce the incidence of workplace accidents and injuries and save on costs.
Challenges faced by the manufacturing industry
Resistance to change, cost concerns, and a lack of awareness pose hurdles, requiring comprehensive solutions. Investments in user-friendly safety technologies, accompanied by thorough employee training, can overcome technology integration challenges. To address cost concerns, emphasising long-term benefits like reduced compensation claims and enhanced productivity is crucial. Conducting regular safety training programs and utilising engaging methods can enhance awareness among employees. Skill gaps can be mitigated through targeted training programs and collaboration with educational institutions. Keeping abreast of evolving safety regulations and ensuring compliance requires dedicated teams and robust management systems. Lastly, efficient communication through digital platforms helps overcome barriers in disseminating critical safety information in large manufacturing environments. By adopting a holistic approach that combines technology, training, and a commitment to safety culture, the manufacturing industry can navigate these challenges and establish a safer working environment for all.
Fast-track approaches:
Ensuring occupational safety in the manufacturing industry is a complex task that requires the implementation of various safety measures and procedures. The first step in ensuring occupational safety is to identify potential hazards in the workplace. This can be done by conducting regular safety audits, risk assessments, and job hazard analysis to identify hazards and evaluate their potential risk. Once the hazards are identified, appropriate safety measures can be implemented to mitigate the risk.
Proper training is critical for ensuring occupational safety in the manufacturing industry. Employees must be trained on safety procedures, hazard identification, proper use of equipment, and emergency response procedures. The training should be ongoing and updated regularly to ensure that employees are aware of any new safety procedures and regulations. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for protecting employees from workplace hazards. Manufacturing companies should provide the necessary PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, earplugs, and respirators, and ensure that employees are properly trained on how to use them. Another important element is to ensure that workers are wearing safety gears at all times. This should be done through strict compliance methods and regular checks.
Regular maintenance of equipment is essential for ensuring occupational safety. Manufacturing companies should have a maintenance schedule in place to ensure that equipment is in good working condition, and any potential hazards are identified and corrected promptly. Automation is increasingly being used in the manufacturing industry to improve occupational safety. The use of automation can reduce the risk of workplace injuries, enhance productivity, and save costs.
In conclusion, it is imperative to acknowledge the evolving landscape of safety practices in the manufacturing industry. Emerging trends and technologies are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of occupational safety. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive analytics and hazard detection, the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for real-time monitoring, and the rise of wearable technology for continuous health tracking are key developments. Furthermore, the adoption of virtual and augmented reality in training programs enhances safety preparedness. By investing in strong safety measures, companies can create safer working environments, improve the mental wellbeing of their employees, limit their financial liabilities, enhance their brand reputation, and ensure the safe use of new technologies.
Avinash Shinde, General manager – SHE (Safety, Health and Environment) and Instrumentation, Galaxy Surfactants
