‘There Should be Legislation to Extend OSH Coverage to all Industrial Sectors’

We spoke to Aditya Saraf, Director, Acme Safety about his views on the current OSH scenario in India and how does it compare to global standards, their latest range of devices to ensure worker safety in treacherous working environs, and his views on UBM’s OSH India show and the role played by it in connecting the OSH community on one platform.

What are your views on the current OSH scenario in India and how does it compare to global standards? The occupational safety and health (OSH) scenario in India is still in the development stage. The unprecedented growth and progress go hand in hand with numerous challenges including: inadequate implementation of existing laws; lack of awareness regarding safety; shortage of OSH professionals; guidelines for selection of right PPE; substandard products in the market, Inadequate infrastructure. The three most important OSH needs are: legislation to extend OSH coverage to all sectors of working life including the unorganized sector; spreading the awareness about OSH among stakeholders; and development of OSH infrastructure and OSH professionals.

Please tell us about your latest range of devices to ensure worker safety in treacherous working environs.
We have recently launched few new range of products:

• Nitrile coating on synthetic liners with the latest cutting edge solutions and available on sandy, foam flex finishes.

• Special cut protection gloves & sleeves made from blend of synthetic fibres for cut 5 category and gives special durability and offers ultimate comfort dexterity and secure grip.

• Special Heat Proof gloves made from synthetic fabrics which can resist temperatures upto 1000 degrees.

• Complete range of Industrial Garments and high visibility workwear.

The SME segment employs more than half the workforce in India. How do you plan to penetrate this market?

It is very important to tap the SME segment as it employs more than half the workforce in India and in terms of safety requirement there is a great potential. Proper awareness and Training has to be given to them so that safety is taken seriously and equip them with necessary capability. Frequent inspections and controls to give protective measures and engage in preventive safety behaviour. Providing them with complete safety solutions and actively participating in safety discussions with the various stakeholders.  

What are your views on UBM’s OSH India show and the role played by it in connecting the OSH community on one platform?

OSH INDIA is the only platform which exclusively focuses on Occupation health and safety and covers new developments in health and safety. This focus was much needed as still there is a lot awareness needed in many areas in India, lack of information has led to accidents and near fatality situations. UBM has put forward a spectacular forum for people to interact and this experience will help the safety industry and professionals to understand best safety practices to be adopted in the near future.