CII Safety Talk stresses tech-human integration for stronger safety culture
Jamshedpur, Oct 31: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Jharkhand organized the 6th edition of the CII Jharkhand Safety Talk in Jamshedpur, bringing together industry leaders, safety professionals, and government officials to deliberate on AI-driven safety innovations, employee well-being, and sustainable safety practices. The event emphasized that safety is both a moral duty and a strategic investment essential for industrial growth and national development.
Rajiv Mangal, Chairman, CII Eastern Region Safety Subcommittee and Vice President – Safety, Health & Sustainability, Tata Steel Ltd, said, “Safety is a continuous journey, not a destination.” He emphasized that safety is a core business responsibility and integral to organizational excellence. Highlighting the importance of technology, Mangal called for wider adoption of AI, analytics, wearables, smart PPE, and remote operation centers to separate people from hazards and manage risks effectively. He urged industries to use plant-level data and CCTV proactively for risk prediction instead of waiting for incidents to occur. He also stressed the growing significance of emotional well-being, pointing out that stress and burnout can lead to unsafe behavior and accidents.
Abhijit A. Nanoti, Chairman, CII Jamshedpur Zonal Council and Managing Director, JCAPCPL, reaffirmed the collective commitment towards safety, describing it as a moral obligation and a strategic investment in people. He said workplace safety goes beyond compliance, linking it directly to wellness, productivity, and organizational sustainability. Citing alarming global statistics, Nanoti stressed that leadership, empathy, and conviction are vital to build a strong safety culture.
Avinash Thakur, Labour Superintendent, Seraikela-Kharsawan and Chaibasa, Department of Labour, Government of Jharkhand, said safeguarding worker safety is a noble duty that protects lives and strengthens the nation’s workforce. He urged industries to comply strictly with updated labour and safety regulations, conduct regular safety audits, and ensure medical examinations for employees.
Neeraj Kumar Sinha, Convenor, CII Jharkhand Safety Panel and Chief Safety, Tata Steel Ltd, said India’s safety landscape has evolved with industrial growth but still requires continuous innovation, collaboration, and awareness.
Rahul Bahti, Director, Fall Arrest Systems & Technologies Pvt. Ltd., concluded that safety must become a value-driven culture ensuring every worker returns home safely, asserting that “a safer India is a stronger India.”
