Mr. Yogesh Mudras on the Evolution of OSH India
At the 12th edition of OSH India, held from November 21-23, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India, engaged in a comprehensive discussion with the TVC Media Team. His insights shed light on the evolution of the event and its significance in fostering a safety culture across various industries in India.
The Genesis and Growth of OSH India
Mr Mudras reflected on the journey of OSH India, which began in 2012 with a clear mission: “to build a safety culture in our country.” Despite a pause during the pandemic, the event has experienced remarkable growth, evolving from a small gathering of 30 exhibitors to “one of the largest in South Asia now,” featuring over 250 brands from around the globe.
He emphasised that this growth is a testament to the increasing importance placed on occupational health and safety in India. “The entire purpose was to build this health and safety culture in the industries,” Mudras stated, highlighting the event’s alignment with government initiatives aimed at improving workplace safety standards. He proudly noted the presence of the DISH (Directorate General Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes) director at the event, adding, “So, I think they feel that their purpose of ensuring industry safety can be catalysed by shows like this.“
Focus on MSMEs and Startups
A significant highlight of OSH India 2024 was its focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. Mr Mudras expressed his commitment to uplifting these sectors by providing them with opportunities to showcase their innovations at subsidised rates. This initiative aims to ensure that even smaller companies can participate in large-scale exhibitions without the financial burden typically associated with such events.
He introduced the Startup Pavilion as a new feature of this year’s edition, which aims to connect emerging companies with industry leaders and investors. This platform not only fosters innovation but also enhances collaboration within the OSH ecosystem.
Collaborations, Innovations and Industry Engagement
Collaboration with industry bodies is a key element of OSH India’s success. Mr. Mudras highlighted the decade-long association with organisations like the Technical Textiles Association, stating, “By tying up with bodies like Technical Textiles Association, we feel we can create that more awareness.” He explained that this partnership facilitates the dissemination of information about innovative safety products and practices across various sectors, from manufacturing to construction.
Mudras also emphasised the importance of showcasing innovations in AI and automation, pointing out, “I think that can definitely be used in this technical textiles segment. Which is actually going to help out any such major mishaps.” He believes that these technologies hold the key to preventing accidents and enhancing overall workplace safety.
Mr Mudras pointed out that OSH India is not limited to specific industries; rather, it serves as a broad platform where diverse sectors can come together to share insights and innovations related to occupational health and safety. This inclusive approach is critical for fostering a comprehensive understanding of safety practices applicable across various fields.
Addressing Challenges and Fostering Dialogue
OSH India serves as a vital forum for addressing challenges and fostering dialogue between buyers and sellers in the OSH sector. Mudras explained, “It’s a buyer and seller perspective which is going to be discussed. How these products have been adopted? What more can be done? What are the challenges they are facing?” This platform facilitates conversations around issues such as cost implications and mandatory compliance, with the goal of finding solutions that make safety products more accessible and readily adopted. He believes that by bringing together government representatives and industry stakeholders, OSH India can “ensure that this usage happens,” ultimately leading to safer workplaces.
Networking and Knowledge Sharing
OSH India 2024 featured an extensive conference program with over 55 expert speakers from leading organisations such as Reliance Industries, JSW Steel, and Medtronic. Mr. Mudras emphasised the importance of networking opportunities provided by the event, allowing attendees to engage with like-minded professionals and share insights on overcoming common challenges in workplace safety.
He encouraged participants to take advantage of the diverse sessions available during the exhibition to enhance their understanding of current trends and best practices in occupational health.
Expectations for Attendance and Engagement
With an anticipated attendance of over 7,000 trade visitors, Mr. Mudras expressed optimism about the event’s impact. “We are expecting 7000 trade visitors. That should be a good number of visitors,” he stated, emphasising the B2B nature of the event and the high-volume interactions among industry players.
Recognising the diverse needs of different regions, Informa Markets is also expanding OSH India’s reach through regional shows. “We also have regional shows in different parts of the country. We do in the South, in Bangalore. We are doing one in Delhi now,” Mudras explained. This strategy allows them to work closely with local government bodies and tailor their approach to the specific challenges faced by industries in each region.
The Role of Startups in Safety Innovation
Mr Mudras underscored the importance of supporting startups within the occupational health sector. Recognising that many innovative companies struggle with funding, he introduced initiatives aimed at providing startups with subsidised participation rates at OSH India. This initiative ensures that emerging companies can showcase their innovative solutions without facing prohibitive costs.
He articulated that this effort aligns with government initiatives aimed at promoting startups, thus creating a symbiotic relationship between new businesses and established industry players.
In conclusion, Mr Yogesh Mudras articulated a clear vision for OSH India as more than just an exhibition; it is a vital movement towards creating safer workplaces across India. By fostering collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, OSH India aims to address critical challenges in workplace safety while promoting best practices.
As he aptly put it, “This is only the tip of the iceberg.” With new labour laws on the horizon and an increasing emphasis on compliance with safety standards, Mr Mudras believes that the occupational health sector is poised for significant growth in the coming years.
The insights shared during this interview not only highlight Mr Mudras’s commitment to enhancing workplace safety but also reflect his broader vision for a safer future for all workers in India—a vision that is increasingly becoming a reality through initiatives like OSH India 2024.