The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) on July 27 signed an MoU with International Labour Organisation (ILO) to adopt the International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) for information dissemination to the chemical industry.
On July 27, 2022, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, as well as Health and Family Welfare, presided over a seminar on “Safe Use of Chemicals at Workplace” organised by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The event was attended by Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State (Chemicals & Fertilizers and New & Renewable Energy). In the presence of Union Minister Dr. Mandaviya, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between DCPC and ILO for the adoption of the International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs).
Chemical industry is critical part of India’s growing economy
According to Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, worker safety and humane behaviour are India’s top priorities. To ensure the development and welfare of our citizens, we have wholeheartedly accepted global best practices. He stated that the “chemical industry is a critical and integral part of India’s growing economy. It plays an important role in meeting our basic needs, developing our skills, and improving the quality of our daily lives.”
He emphasized that catastrophic accidents involving chemicals occur frequently, owing to a lack of proper safety measures. According to him, this necessitates adherence to global safety standards and practices.
“It is critical that India adopt international standards developed by the ILO, as this will not only reduce industrial accidents but also ensure further alignment with global best practices,” he added. He urged all stakeholders to ensure that workers are adequately informed about not only these ICSCs but also safety regulations. “Industry safety can be ensured by adhering to international standards for storage and processing, implementing the safest and most efficient procedures, and installing robust technologies,” he said.
Urged to participate in a brainstorming session
Dr. Mandaviya urged all stakeholders, including government officials, experts, and industry leaders, to participate in a brainstorming session. According to him, such stakeholder consultations will generate innovative ideas that will serve as the foundation for future legislation and steps.
According to Bhagwant Khuba, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, as well as New and Renewable Energy, India’s global standing in the chemical sector has improved, making it necessary to examine the sector not only from a production standpoint, but also from a safety standpoint.
He stated that such training sessions and safety drills are not only important for worker safety, but also for the environment. He also thanked all of the attendees and emphasised the importance of “all stakeholders learning and growing together as only this can ensure that our industries function without harm and hazard, without losing any lives.” He hoped that the MoU between DCPC and ILO would strengthen our efforts to implement safety regulations in the country.
Also Read: AgFarm Unveils 11 New Agro Chemical Products
