BSC helps launch safety drive for India’s 465 million workforce
4 Dec 2018
The British Safety Council has announced the creation of a forum of international leaders in health and safety in India.
Titled the India Leadership Safety Group, it will promote best practice and expertise in the country, which boasts a colossal 465 million-and-growing workforce. To date, an estimated 80% of the working population are not protected by any legal and health framework.
BSC chairman Mike Robinson, who presented the event [see picture] commented: “Overall, workplace deaths in India are 20 times higher than in the UK: it is estimated that there are 48,000 work-related deaths in India each year, while there were 144 workplace fatalities in Britain in 2017.
“Although legislation is very important in helping to bring about this change, factors such as leadership are essential for introducing and embedding it. We should also start preparing for the changes to the global labour market.”
The problem is likely to increase as a result of changes in the country which will see the Indian economy expand rapidly, with growing automation and an increase in the older population.
These leadership meetings will take health and safety in India to the next level
Sanjai Kumar Srivastva, head of EHS, Larsen & Toubro Construction
Added Robinson: “The World Bank predicts that 69% of jobs in India will be threatened by automation or artificial intelligence over the next 20 years. Moreover, the population in India aged over 65 will double over next 30 years. Working together through the platforms like the India Safety Leadership Group, we can start to prepare for the times ahead.”
The council, which has a lengthy association with India, works with more than 100 companies, including names such as Indian Oil, Larsen & Toubro, Mumbai International Airport, Reliance Industries and Tata.
In November 2017, the organisation opened an office in Mumbai to offer a greater range of products including audit, training, e-learning, qualifications and membership adapted to the needs of the Indian market. It is also campaigning with its Indian partners and promoting its charitable work.
Safety group member, the head of EHS, Larsen & Toubro Construction, Dr Sanjai Kumar Srivastva, said after the inaugural meeting: “With the India Leadership Group, the British Safety Council has given us the forum to discuss the benchmark practices among the industry’s senior professionals. These leadership meetings will take health and safety in India to the next level.”
