Safety First newsletter - Edition #1

We are thrilled to launch our first-ever Safety First newsletter! In this edition, we delve into critical safety management insights, spotlight India-specific safety initiatives, and offer valuable statistics on health, safety & well-being. Join us on this journey to foster a safer and more secure workplace for all.

Safety Management India

There are around 8.8 million (88 lakh) so-called ‘gig workers’ in India who – as app-based taxi drivers, food delivery agents, courier riders etc. – are not formally employed by any company, so their legal status is unclear.

Some argue this allows aggregators to avoid providing employment and social security rights and protections to gig workers, such as sick pay, medical expenses in the event of accidents at work and pension schemes and contributions.

Last month, Rajasthan became the first Indian State to announce a new levy on customers’ bookings which will fund social security and welfare schemes for gig workers. Our feature on pages 10 to 12 looks at how this will work in practice.

There are those who welcome the move and say the rest of the Indian state should follow suit. Others are less convinced and say it does not go far enough.

As well as high-tech, we also turn our attention on pages 14 and 15 to a more traditional industry this month – that of sugarcane production.

Workers from all over India travel each year to the sugarcane fields of Karnataka, to plough and sow seeds, irrigate the crops, cut them with sickles and load the cane onto tractors, before transporting the produce to the sugar mills in the region. A typical working day is between 13 and 16 hours, in a four-to-five-month season.

This work is already dangerous but becoming harder due to climate change, and exploitation is rife. Wages are very low, equipment and facilities are inadequate, and children are often taken with their parents to the fields to avoid leaving them behind, with some even working alongside them.

Click here to read your online magazine.?

Yours

Stephen Cooke

Head of Policy and Communications

Main features

News

Fires pose a significant threat to businesses in India, leading to substantial losses. In 2021 alone, the National Crime Records Bureau (Source: NCRB) recorded an alarming 1.5 million fire incidents across the country. These devastating events resulted in a staggering $10 billion in property damage and claimed the lives of approximately 10,000 individuals.

To safeguard their operations and employees, businesses must prioritise fire safety measures. Our British Safety Council Certification in Fire Risk Assessment course empowers companies to proactively address fire hazards, implement effective prevention strategies, and minimise potential risks. By equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to conduct thorough fire risk assessments, businesses can mitigate fire-related incidents, protect their assets, and ensure a safer work environment for all.

Enroll now and elevate your safety expertise.

Upcoming Webinar

??? Mark your calendars for 14th September at 3:30 PM IST, as we present the next edition of our engaging webinar on "Sustaining Positive Safety Culture in Organisations: The Myths and Facts," featuring the brilliant insights of our esteemed Head of Audit and Consultancy, Suresh Tanwar.

In this power-packed session, we will debunk common misconceptions surrounding safety culture and delve into the real facts that drive a successful safety culture in organisations. Learn from the industry's finest as they share valuable strategies and best practices to foster a positive safety culture and elevate your organisation's safety standards.

?? Secure your spot now by registering on this link: Register Now

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance safety and well-being in your workplace. Join us on the journey to excellence! ??

At the British Safety Council, we are committed to prioritising safety across all industries. Let's build a culture that values the well-being of every individual in your organisation.

For more insightful news, in-depth articles, access to British Safety Council e-learning courses and other premium membership benefits, subscribe to our Premium Corporate Membership.