Safety Training and Skill Development for Steel Industry Workforce
Natverlal T Jadav
Senior EHS Management Consultant, Project Management professional, Master Trainer, Scaffolding & Safety Management Solution provider, Career Development Facilitator, Guide & Mentor, Lead Tutor, Motivational Speaker
Despite impressive growth of steel industries in India and the abundance of labour deployment, steel plants face a significant challenge in harnessing the full potential of its workforce. High-risk sectors like the steel industry, remain unskilled or semi-skilled, lacking the necessary competencies to navigate the complexities of modern industrial operations safely and efficiently. This gap not only limits individual employability but also poses substantial risks to safety of work force, property loss and productivity.
There is need to set up technology-based skills training institutes/Centers to provide safety training and skill development programs to the workforce in the classroom and in the field during manufacturing and the construction activities. The present training infrastructure available with the steel industries is not adequate and need to be upgraded. ?
As per data available there are more than 4,650 vocational training institutes in India, known as industrial training institutes (ITI), providing occupational-based safety training in the following areas:
Safety Training at Industrial Training Institutes (ITI)
1. Craftsmen training scheme (CTS)
2. Apprenticeship training scheme (ATS)
3. Craft instructors training scheme (CITS)
4. Advanced vocational training scheme (AVTS)
5. Supervisory/foremen training scheme
6. Staff training and research program
7. Instructional media development program
8. Women’s training scheme.
Overall growth of industries lies in maintaining safe working conditions and ensuring the well-being of its workforce. To enhance productivity and eliminate / reduce injuries and incidents but also significantly boosts the organization's reputation. For current contractors’ workforce and employees re-skilling and up-skilling programs to be arranged along with assessment facilities, tailored to meet the specific needs of their roles and purpose of management.
Shifting Focus towards "Safety" – Building Workforce Competency
Safety Training and Skill development strategy for the steel sector is to be considered on topmost priority. There is need of continuous upgrading of the safety training programs on specially trade specific and other basic training through structured training programs.
Ministry for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has been formed to focus on enhancing employability of the youth through skill development.
The Ministry aims to develop skill on a large Scale with speed and high standards in order to achieve its vision of 'Skilled India’.
Roles & Responsibilities of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
? To coordinate all skill development efforts across the country and provide skilled manpower to industries
? To implement common norms across all skill development programs in the country.
? To build the vocational and skill technical training network
? Skill up-gradation
A list of Government of India initiatives for promoting skill development and employment:
·?????? Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Kaushal Yojana (DDU-GKY)
·?????? Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)
·?????? National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
·?????? Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
·?????? Director General of Training – Modular Employable Skills (DGT-MES)
·?????? Ministry of Labor and Employment (MoLE)
·?????? Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)
·?????? Ministry Of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
·?????? National Rural Livelihood Mission (Ajeevika)
·?????? Safety Skill Development Foundation (SSDF)
A Safety Training and Skill Development centre can be the workforce competency building centre which may not be just a training facility; but it is a vibrant ecosystem of learning and development. It provides a platform and engagement in steel plant, to enhance their workforce's skill set, ensuring that safety and competence are ingrained in the fabric of their operations.
The Training and Skill Development centre can be state-of-the-art facilities, including classrooms, practical training areas, simulation labs, and dedicated spaces for advanced AR/VR learning designed to offer an immersive and interactive educational experience.
Present Crucial Challenges:
·?????? Insufficient Skilled Contractors and Manpower.
·?????? Lack of Accreditation or Qualification Mechanisms.
·?????? Quality of Labour Supply and Informality.
·?????? Impact on Low-skilled Workers.
Practices followed by Skill Development and Safety Training Centres include:
·?????? Capability and Competency Building and Skill Upgradation:
·?????? Training and Assessment in Various Disciplines:
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The mitigation of potential hazards and adherence to safety procedures, rules, and regulations can be significantly enhanced through the effective management of contract workers. This involves a meticulous process of screening and assessment, providing safety skill training prior to induction, issuing skill certifications, and regularly re-skilling or up-skilling existing workers.
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Forward path-building Workforce Competencies:
Such initiatives not only ensure the safety and well-being of the workforce but also contribute to the operational efficiency and productivity of the plant, to cultivate a culture of safety and competence among its workers.
The implementation of the Capability and Competency Building Training Centre:
1.????? Submission of Personnel Lists.
2.????? Skill Assessment and Screening.
3.????? Validation and Certification.
4.????? Acceptance of Certified Personnel.
5.????? Replacement of Unacceptable Personnel.
6.????? Safety Induction and Training.
7.????? Opportunities for Upskilling.
Upon certification, these individuals will join the pool of certified persons in various trades, available for employment by the contractor.
This comprehensive approach ensures that all contractor personnel working at Steel Plant are not only competent in their respective trades but also well-versed in safety practices, contributing to a safer and more efficient work environment.
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Functioning of Training and Skill Development Centre:
1. Screening and Assessment
2. Certification for Fit Workers
3. Skill Gap Analysis for Unfit Workers
4.Provision of Skilling Capsules
5.Re-assessment Post Training
6. Certification for Workers Meeting Standards
7. Procedure for Workers Found Unfit After Re-assessment
Steps for Training and Certification
For individuals in the local area seeking employment in any trades or skill enhancement in Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), and other industry-required skills, the following steps outline the process through which they can gain the necessary qualifications and opportunities for employment:
a.????? Running Employable Courses
b.???? Conducting Skill Training According to Government Standards
c.????? Assessment and Certification
d.???? Facilitating Employment Opportunities
Advantages to establish Safety Training and Skill Development Centre:
Indirect Cost Savings and Efficiency Gains to establish Skill Development Centre.
1.????? Reduction of Incidents
2.????? Improved Efficiency
3.????? Improved Working Conditions
4.????? Enhanced Contractor Management and Employment of Contract Workers
5.????? Enhancing Morale of employees and contractors
6.????? Meets Corporate Social Responsibility- It will boost Employment Opportunities
The Safety Training and Skill Development Centre stands to improve safety of workforce development, safety, and operational excellence within the infrastructure. By offering comprehensive facilities for the screening of workers, addressing gaps in safety skills, recognizing the competencies of new workers, and facilitating the re-skilling and up-skilling of existing employees, the training center is poised to transform the landscape of workforce preparedness and compliance.