THE GOAN PANAJI
PANAJI
Practical approaches to strengthening workplace safety and regulatory compliance were discussed at a one-day seminar on ‘Industrial Safety & Compliance for Low and Medium Hazard Industries in Goa’ at Cipla University Academy Hall, Verna Industrial Estate, on October 10.
Over 85 industry leaders, regulatory representatives, safety professionals representing industries across the State and students attended the programme, organised by the Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI), Goa Chapter, in collaboration with the Inspectorate of Factories & Boilers and Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI),
The inaugural function was attended by Chief Inspector of Factories & Boilers Anant Pangam; Cipla Unit 1, Goa Factory Head Machindra Mohite; Marksans Pharma Ltd. Whole-time Director Varddhman V. Jain; FSAI Goa Chapter President Anand Ramakrishnan; and FSAI National Board Member and former director of the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services Ashok Menon.
Welcoming the gathering, Anand Ramakrishnan highlighted the importance of bringing industry and relevant authorities together to promote safer workplaces.
The technical programme addressed key aspects of industrial safety and compliance. Satish Kanagala (Head–Group ESG & EHS, Uno Minda Limited, Gurgaon) spoke on industrial safety and regulatory compliance; Ashok Menon addressed fire safety and compliance in industries; A Jagannathan, (Senior Manager (Electrical Safety), Cholamandalam MS Risk Services) shared insights on electrical, machinery and workplace safety; and Dr Naresh S Fadte (Medical Inspector of Factories and Certifying Surgeon, Inspectorate of Factories & Boilers) addressed occupational health and worker safety.
A panel discussion on ‘Compliance & Business Continuity’, moderated by Suresh Sabnis (Ex-Senior General Manager, Corporate EHS, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Mumbai) brought together industry perspectives on integrating compliance into routine operations and maintaining business resilience.
During the valedictory function, GCCI President Pratima Dhond emphasised the value of collaborative action. She said GCCI is open to working with the government, FSAI and other organisations, including NGOs, to develop practical implementation and training plans that can help improve the safety of industrial premises and workers across sectors.
The seminar also witnessed participation by students from the FSAI Student Chapter at Goa College of Engineering (GEC) and the FSAI Student Chapter at Don Bosco College of Engineering (DBCE).
As a key follow-up to the seminar, FSAI Goa Chapter is preparing a White Paper on ‘From Compliance to Safety Culture: Practical Recommendations for Low and Medium Hazard Industries in Goa.’ The document will consolidate practical recommendations for consideration by GCCI and the Inspectorate of Factories & Boilers, Government of Goa.
Others present at the event included FSAI Goa Chapter Past President K K Sekhar, FSAI Goa Chapter Immediate Past President and Head of Civil Engineering at Goa College of Engineering Dr Ganesh Hegde, Leistung Solutions Director Sujata Ramakrishnan and FSAI Goa Chapter Secretary Brian Dias.
