Ahmedabad, April 28: Marking the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the ICMR-National Institute of Occupational Health Research (NIOHR) organized a high-level stakeholder consultation focusing on occupational health and safety, with special emphasis on heat stress, worker well-being, and safeguarding both organized and unorganized sector workers.
Multi-Stakeholder Participation Strengthens Dialogue
The consultation brought together a diverse group of experts and representatives from government bodies, academia, industry, occupational health associations, emergency services, civil society organizations, and worker groups. The aim was to foster a comprehensive and coordinated approach to workplace safety challenges in India.
Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Bhavesh Modi, Director of NIOHR; Dr. Minakshi Parikh, Dean of B.J. Medical College; Dr. Dileep Mavalankar, former Director of Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar; Ms. Mirai Chatterjee from Self Employed Women’s Association; along with experts from occupational health bodies and municipal authorities.
Focus on Heat Stress and Psychosocial Risks
Held under the theme “Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment,” the session highlighted the growing complexity of occupational risks across sectors. Experts pointed out the dual challenge of increasing psychosocial stress in corporate settings and rising exposure to extreme heat among outdoor and informal workers, especially in construction and daily wage sectors.
Officials emphasized that climate change and evolving work environments are intensifying these risks, making it crucial to adopt adaptive and preventive strategies.
Integrating Mental and Physical Health at Workplaces
Dr. Minakshi Parikh stressed the need to integrate mental health into occupational health frameworks. She advocated for regular counselling, early detection of stress-related issues, and encouraging workers to seek timely support.
Meanwhile, officials from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation highlighted the city’s ongoing Heat Action Plan as a model initiative, underlining the importance of targeted interventions for vulnerable worker groups during extreme weather conditions.
Roadmap for Safer Workplaces
The consultation concluded with a strong consensus on the need to build a robust safety culture, promote workplace-based preventive practices, and establish structured occupational health systems. Stakeholders collectively committed to developing a strategic action plan for the coming year.
These efforts are seen as vital steps toward strengthening workforce resilience and aligning with India’s broader vision of sustainable development and a “Viksit Bharat.”
