India's PPE industry has grown to an estimated Rs 10,000 crore since the past few months

We spoke to Hemant Sapra, president, Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association (SAMA) to understand how the pandemic has transformed the focus on safety, key priorities of SAMA in the year 2021, new products or innovations in safety products and services that are expected in the near future, and how SAMA is closely working with safety heads across India in promoting occupational safety and health awareness across industries.

Interviewed by Adeesh Sharma

1. As a safety products manufacturer, how do you think the pandemic has transformed the focus on safety?

PPE or Personal Protective Equipment that was earlier cited only by industry experts and safety officers has casually found its way in everyday conversation of the common man. And it is not just valid for India but every other country around the world. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact lives of millions globally. This ongoing battle with the pandemic has compelled the Government to take significant steps to curtail the deadly spread of the virus. According to recent studies published on various news platforms, India's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) industry has grown to an estimated Rs 10,000 crore since the past few months. The rising demand for healthcare PPE like chemical splash goggles, hand gloves, face masks, protective clothing, etc. has paved the way for almost every manufacturer to think on producing PPE.  This has also resulted in India becoming the second largest PPE producer globally. 

2. What shall be the priorities of SAMA in the year 2021?

As SAMA our focus will be to encourage and help companies become competent manufacturers of highest quality PPE. We are working towards upgrading the current PPE standards laid out by BIS such that they are at par with the International standards to ensure maximum product quality and highest level of protection. Similarly, we are working to establish high quality testing labs in line with the upgraded standards. This will help companies to get their products authenticated by a genuine lab.

3. What new products or innovations in safety products and services are expected in the near future?

While COVID-19 was a challenge for the industry, many manufacturers have found creative ways of creating value for their customers and the broader community, often enabled by technology. Whether it is providing training through different e-learning platforms or organising webinars, creating engaging content through enhanced use of technology is the present and the future. We could also see an increase in technology being incorporated in PPE as the trend of ‘Smart Wearables’ continues to rise.

4. How closely is SAMA working with safety heads across India in promoting occupational safety and health awareness across industries?

SAMA, in collaboration with the safety heads across the country will assist in forming rules and regulations for the new OSH code. As seen in the recent times, emphasis on safety is now everyone’s priority and this small step will lead to a major change for a better future of the country.