Mumbai : OSH – India’s leading occupational safety and health expo and conference hosted by Informa Markets in India, commenced here on November 21 for three days featuring international safety experts, industry leaders and exchange of insights, alongside fostering innovation and tackling important issues in the OSH landscape.
With India’s OSH sector set to expand rapidly, reaching around US$ 17.86 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 11.1%, the personal protective equipment market is also on a robust growth path, which is expected to increase from US$ 849.8 million in 2023 to US$ 1,473 million by 2032 with a CAGR of 6.3%.
The event inauguration witnessed the presence of Ram Bhagirathibai Dahiphale, Additional Director, Directorate of Industrial Safety & Health, Maharashtra Government; Vipin Venu Varakoth, Dy. Director – Air Safety, Airport Authority of India and others.
OSH India 2024 featured participation of over 250 brands including industry leaders like 3M India, Karam Safety, Udyogi International, Rahman Industries (PERF), Bisonlife India, Aktion Safety, Dupont and Woodland (Aero Club), showcasing their latest products, services, and technologies.
The event also included a focused conference track, bringing together more than 55 speakers and expected to attract over 7,000 trade visitors.
Noting that safety is an essential part of human life from workplace to home, and integral to ensuring well-being in every environment, Dahiphale said that ‘Personal Protective Equipment’ (PPE) has evolved over time incorporating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence to provide advanced protection. However, proper PPE remained critical for safety of workers and investing in the implementation of comprehensive safety measures and proper PPE is far more cost-effective than addressing the aftermath of accidents, he said.
Sanjeev Raina, Executive Director – Corp HSSE, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd , said “Safety is not just a priority—it is a core value that must be ingrained into the DNA of every individual and organization. While priorities may shift over time, values remain constant.”
Mahesh Kudav, President, Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association (SAMA), said “The global safety appliance industry stands at an estimated USD 8 billion, while the Indian market currently represents a quarter of a billion dollars. However, with significant growth potential, India’s market is projected to reach USD 1 billion within the next five years, reflecting an annual growth rate of approximately 11-15%.”
Stating that the key challenges include a lack of networking platforms that connect manufacturers, suppliers, trade partners, and end-users effectively, he said initiatives like OSH India provide much-needed opportunities for showcasing products, fostering trade connections, and promoting safety awareness.
“With the shift in global trade dynamics and diminished reliance on imports from specific regions, India has a unique opportunity to strengthen its position as a reliable exporter of safety appliances. The evolving domestic manufacturing landscape, coupled with India’s political and economic strategies, positions the country to fill gaps in international markets, particularly in regions like the United States,” he said.
Avinash Misar, Chairman, Indian Technical Textiles Association, said Technical textiles have emerged as a pivotal solution in enhancing occupational safety and health, offering innovative and technologically advanced applications across industries. With a robust domestic market valued at around US$ 20 billion and growing, India stands at the forefront of this sector, he said.
“However, the pressing need for stricter compliance and effective implementation of safety standards remains critical. While large industries prioritize safety as a core agenda, MSMEs—employing the largest workforce in India—face challenges in maintaining focus amidst operational demands, and unified push from both authorities and industry stakeholders can bridge these gaps, ensuring safety becomes an uncompromised priority across all scales of operations.”
Vipin Venu Varakoth, Deputy Director of Air Safety, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), said “Safety is not merely an option but a necessity and a fundamental commitment. Years of analyzing critical incidents highlight the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), comprehensive training programs, and fostering a proactive reporting culture to enhance workplace safety.”
Anirban Pal, Business Head, Bison Life, said “The Indian safety industry is experiencing a transformative phase, driven by increased awareness and innovative solutions. Platforms like OSH India provide an essential space for showcasing products, networking with industry leaders, and fostering safety awareness.”
Hemant Sapra, President Global Sales and Marketing, Karam said “The safety and equipment industry in India is expanding at an impressive rate of 20% year-on-year, compared to a global CAGR of 10%. Currently valued at $5.6 billion globally, the industry is expected to exceed USD 11 billion by 2030.”
Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “While India’s workforce is projected to reach 643.3 million in 2024, reflecting a significant 6% growth, the demographic shift signals economic progress and also highlights responsibility to mitigate workplace risks alongside creating safe working environments.”
Bhushan Mankame, Regional Director of National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety said, “With 13,000 electrocutions annually and frequent industrial accidents, India’s electrical safety crisis demands collective action. NFE, National Federation of Engineers’ 360-degree approach for Electrical Safety, with 1,800 electrical engineers, is working tirelessly to bridge gaps in workforce sensitization, standards implementation, and professional accreditation, collaborating with BIS and CEA (Bureau of Indian Standards and Central Electricity Authority) to make Bharat electrically safe.”
