The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Academy, Noida, and Mewar University, Chittorgarh, in collaboration with the International Social Security Association (ISSA), DGUV Germany, and the German Embassy, New Delhi, are organizing a groundbreaking conference on the 'Vision Zero Approach for Safety, Health & Wellbeing for Sustainable Business Growth.'
The launch of the first-ever accreditation tool to assess and measure occupational safety and health status in industries, the 'Vision Zero Rating System India' (VZ-RSI), will be the key highlight of the event. The accreditation tool VZ-RSI has been developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Academy, Noida, in collaboration with ISSA and DGUV Germany. This tool will mark a significant milestone in promoting a culture of safety and wellbeing in industries.
The conference on occupational safety and health in the manufacturing and construction sectors will support sustainable economic growth and promote collaboration and enhance professional relationships among global practitioners, Safety & Health Professionals, and various industry stakeholders.
The Vision Zero initiative, originating from Sweden in 1997, has garnered international acceptance, with its principles being adopted worldwide, especially in industrially advanced countries. The conference aims to promote and discuss the Vision Zero concept, which revolves around controlling risks, ensuring safety and health in machines, equipment, and workplaces, and skill upgrading of the workforce.
In India, the practice of Vision Zero is gaining momentum, aligning with the efforts of the Government of India to enhance occupational safety and health, thereby accelerating the Make in India movement. The conference will shed light on the significance of Vision Zero in improving the occupational safety and health situation, with a focus on preventing incidents like the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984.
At the conference, OSH Academy will release a Hindi pocket book for workers. This booklet has been published for free distribution to increase awareness about occupational safety, health, and wellbeing of workers.
The conference will be inaugurated by Mr. Shri Heeralal Samariya, Chief of the Central Information Commission, CIC Bhawan, New Delhi, and Former Secretary of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India. Distinguished speakers at the event include Prof. Karl-Heinz Noetel, President, ISSA – Construction; Dr. Sven Timm, Vice-President, ISSA – Information; Dr. Ashok Kumar Gadiya, Chancellor, Mewar University; Dr. Avneesh Singh, International Coordinator, VZ-RSI, and Former Director General, DGFASLI, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India; and Ms. Meike Jäger, Counsellor, Social and Labour Affairs /Business and Human Rights, German Embassy, New Delhi.
The conference will feature 15 industries that have successfully achieved VZ-RSI Accreditation, showcasing their best practices and contributing to the development of a Pro-OSH Culture. For industries facing technical and administrative limitations, the OSH Academy will provide guidance and support to enhance their occupational safety and health performance.
With 150 delegates representing leading industrial and technical organizations from India and abroad, the conference promises to be a pivotal moment in advancing the Vision Zero mission for a safer, healthier, and sustainable future.
