Industrial safety as a theme over the years has gained momentum nationally. How do you see its relevance today from an industrial perspective and please throw light on how the National Safety Day or National Safety Week Campaign is observed throughout India and in OdishaIJ
The National Safety Day campaign spearheaded by the National Safety Council for commemorating its foundation day, 4th March, is entering its 46th year this year. The campaign, celebrated over a week, has grown into a major national Occupational, Safety & Health (OSH) drive and is widely celebrated by industry, trade unions, Government departments, regulatory agencies, NGOs and institutions with active support of the Central and State Governments and the media. The campaign is aimed at renewing the commitment of employees and general public to work safely throughout the year. The ultimate objective is to ensure integration of OSH in work culture and lifestyle. After Independence, there was rapid industrialisation in our country, which also resulted in an increase in number of accidents. At that time, there was no such body for guiding the industries on safety.
In view of the rising trend of industrial accidents, a National Safety Council (NSC) was set up on March 4, 1966 by the Ministry. Subsequently, it was decided that this day should be commemorated as National Safety Day in the form of national awareness campaign. Since 1972, the National Safety Day is celebrated throughout to reiterate the importance of safety and create an awareness campaign throughout the country. Both National and State-level campaigns are conducted across industries and specific drives are taken from bodies like Directors of Factories and Boilers and the senior management teams of manufacturing units in respective States for propagating OHS awareness among industrial workers.
Safety pledge has become a sacrosanct ritual, and on March 4 across organisations and industries it is administered to all employees and workers during the weeklong safety observance. What’s the objective of thisIJ
Swearing of safety pledge is done to sensitise industrial employees for their commitment to follow occupational health, safety rules and procedures throughout the year to eradicate incidents and achieve zero harm to people and environment. The idea of taking safety pledge is to remember the safety day or month, but the whole idea is to take oath daily for safeguarding individuals and fellow colleagues.
How leadership plays a critical role in enhancing business sustainability in the long runIJ
leadership plays a most important role in enhancing business sustainability by having a long-term vision and mission. Consideration of all aspects of business including financial, social and environmental aspects plays a major role for future of any business. As a leader, an individual needs to work on reducing business risks by assigning defined roles and responsibilities and aspiring to make all stakeholders to be proud.
You being the CEO of one of the world’s leading aluminium operations which is poised to take a leading role globally, what is the current scenario of health and safety in aluminium industryIJ
In the current scenario, all companies including the aluminium and power sectors are aspiring to become world class by adopting best EHS practices. Major aluminium companies follow very high standard of health and safety by following best industry practices of national and international reputations like IFC (International Financial Corporation) and ICMM (International Council for Mining and Metals) guidelines. We keep track of all leading and lagging indicators on occupational health and safety, adopt best environment health and safety practices to
involve more people and motivate them to achieve zero harm, zero discharge, zero waste so that people around us and environment are safe. In Vedanta and across our group companies, individual safety and safety of plant premises and operations has been at the core of our sustainability philosophy.
How do you see India fairing with regards to industrial safetyIJ
I see a very encouraging side to the efforts with regard to State and national Governments as we have seen a very positive approach, initiative and attitude with both the scenarios. The Odisha Government over the years has seriously approached this issue which is not only good in terms of improving the safety track of the industries but also is of utmost importance when it comes to saving precious life and property.
(Abhijit Pati is CEO, Vedanta, Odisha)