The 9th edition of OSH South India, India’s premier occupational safety and health (OSH) expo and conference, organised by Informa Markets, ran at Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) 27-28 June 2024, showcasing advancements in personal protective equipment (PPE), occupational health solutions, artificial intelligence applications in safety, and more to 4,000 trade visitors. With the global workplace safety market projected to grow from $15.7bn in 2023 to $30.3bn by 2028, the OSH expo offered an opportunity to show many new technologies and solutions for enhancing workplace safety standards in India.
Government officials and many leaders from leading institutes in the field attended the show which saw over 200 brands represented by around 90 domestic and international exhibitors. Prominent players such as RV Industries, Allen Cooper, PERF, Addsoft, Honeywell, Magnum, Reliance Retail, TVS Mobility, took part.
Equipment on display included hard hats, safety gloves, gas masks, safety shoes, workwear, and safety harnesses. The event was supported by prominent associations such as the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA), Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association (SAMA), Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA), and WSHAsia, and this reflected the collaborative approach.
Mr Mohammad Mohsin, IAS, Principal Secretary, Labour Department of the Government of Karnataka, said “Industrialisation has created unprecedented job opportunities, yet it highlights the urgent need for safety and health measures. We prioritise engineering and administrative controls, utilising AI and digital training to mitigate risks effectively. Initiatives like the ‘Advancing Safety with Advanced Technology' scheme have educated over 2,000 individuals through 11 seminars across Karnataka.”
Mr Mahesh Kudav, president of the Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association, said “OSH South India is a cornerstone event for innovation, collaboration, and advancement in the occupational safety and health sector. As our country progresses towards becoming one of the top three economies globally, it is imperative to uphold high safety standards, reflecting our values of caring for human life. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has adopted the latest ISO standards, inspiring our SAMA members to achieve the highest quality of products. This event is a journey of discovery and progress, exploring the latest technologies, practices, and insights that propel our industry forward.”
Mr Yogesh Mudras, managing director, Informa Markets in India added: “Occupational safety and health are fundamental human and labour rights. The evolving industrial landscape has significantly impacted OHS, making it essential to ensure the well-being of workers and create safe working environments… In 2023, 78% of Indian companies reported plans to increase their budgets for workplace well-being initiatives.
“By featuring the latest innovations, live demonstrations, product showcases, and invaluable networking opportunities, OSH South India stands at the forefront of driving industry standards and encouraging a safer, more resilient workforce through innovation and collaboration.”
A dedicated conference themed 'New-Age OSH Solutions for a Safer Workforce’ brought 40 speakers and 12 sessions. There was also a series of workshops.
Bengaluru, known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India,’ and the city attracts large multinational corporations and is home to top-tier engineering and research institutions. Hosting OSH South India here highlights the city’s role in technological advancement.
