CII meets to discuss strategies for fostering a safety-first culture

Addressing the gathering, S. Narasimha Sastry, president and unit head, Grasim Industries Ltd., highlighted the critical role of trust and collaboration in shaping a positive safety culture. “Industrial accidents often bypass multiple safeguards due to competing priorities and resource constraints,” he stated, urging a balanced approach where compliance and innovation coexist. Citing examples like Japan’s proactive safety audits and the Daini Nuclear Plant, he underscored the importance of preventive measures and leadership in averting industrial disasters.

“We need to shift our mindset from fear to trust,” he remarked, emphasising the need for continuous improvement, the integration of people, processes, and technology, and fostering innovation for a safer future.

Ramakrishnan, executive director of Visakha Refinery, said, “We are not just building a company; we are fostering a legacy of safety, sustainability, and progress,” and highlighted the use of predictive maintenance and advanced technologies to enhance operational excellence.

D.V.S. Narayana Raju, convener, Sustainability & ESG Panel, CII Andhra Pradesh, and executive director, Deccan Fine Chemicals (India) Ltd., highlighted the importance of meticulous process safety and planning.

“Minor oversights can lead to catastrophic consequences,” he warned, sharing real-world examples, including a pharmaceutical trial failure due to improper preventive maintenance. He urged leaders to adopt proactive measures and advanced planning to prevent such mishaps.

Murali Krishna, chairman of CII Andhra Pradesh, emphasised the importance of adopting global safety standards. He called for greater collaboration among industries, government bodies, and local communities to build resilience. “Safety is not just about preventing accidents—it’s about creating a culture of responsibility and readiness,” he noted.