Informa Markets in India has officially opened the 13th edition of the OSH India Expo at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. Recognized as South Asia’s largest event focused on occupational safety and health, the expo is being held from September 16–18 and features over 170 exhibitors, showcasing more than 1,500 products and 300 brands from 13 countries. With the personal protective equipment (PPE) market in India valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 4.7 billion by 2033, the event provides a critical platform for industry collaboration and the advancement of workplace safety solutions.
The inauguration was led by distinguished guests including Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa; Anant Pangam, Chief Inspector, Inspectorate of Factories & Boilers, Government of Goa; Ram Dahiphale, Additional Director, DISH, Government of Maharashtra; Chandrakant Nakhate, BJP Maharashtra Cell; Dr Shyam Sunder Devidas Sonawane, President, Industrial Medical Cell, BJP; Capt Nitin Mukesh, Directorate-General of Shipping; Mahesh Kudav, President, SAMA; Sanjeev Raina, Executive Director – Corp HSSE, Bharat Petroleum; and senior leadership from Informa Markets India, including Yogesh Mudras and Prashant Jain.
During his address, Dr Pramod Sawant emphasized that ensuring the safety and health of workers is both a legal duty and a moral obligation. He highlighted the role of recent government reforms, such as the OSH Code 2020 and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha BimaYojana, in improving labor conditions. Stressing Goa’s commitment to these efforts, he noted initiatives such as safety training programs, factory health camps, and digital process upgrades aimed at fostering a safety-first culture aligned with India’s vision for “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Shri Ram Dahiphale, representing the Maharashtra Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, noted that workplace safety in India must evolve alongside industrial development. “As we enforce regulations under the Factories Act, 1948, our mission is to reduce risks in environments where human, mechanical, and material elements interact daily. Collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as events like OSH India, plays a key role in improving standards and spreading awareness,” he said.
Industry leaders echoed these views. Mahesh Kudav, from SAMA, stated that the PPE industry—estimated to grow to ₹20,000 crore by 2033—is seeing strong momentum driven by MSMEs and increasing alignment with global benchmarks. Sanjeev Raina of BPCL added that safety must become a core value, not just a regulatory checkbox. He called for integrating safety into every pillar of development—health, education, environment, technology, infrastructure, and agriculture—so it shapes national progress on all fronts.
Capt.Nitin Mukesh, representing India’s maritime authority, underlined that in high-risk industries like shipping, safety must remain a top priority. “Programs such as ISPS compliance, Maritime Single Window, and the upcoming India Maritime Compliance Code reflect our ongoing commitment to protecting seafarers and port workers,” he said. Similarly, Dr Shyam Sonawane of the BJP’s Industrial Medical Cell reinforced that health and safety are essential to long-term industrial productivity, while Anant Pangam of Goa’s Factory Inspectorate praised the event for facilitating industry-wide learning and policy dialogue.
Informa Markets’ Yogesh Mudras noted that as safety standards rise, the informal sector remains a key area for improvement. He stressed that the occupational safety market is projected to grow at over 11% CAGR through 2030, driven by technologies like AI, IIoT, and data analytics. “OSH India is a platform designed to accelerate this growth, bring key decision-makers together, and support India’s broader development goals,” he said.
The expo also spotlighted innovation through its Startup Pavilion and Innovation Zone, featuring emerging tech from startups and established players. Companies like Honeywell, Hilson Footwear, Arvind Ltd, Portwest, BisonLife, and Udyogi unveiled new products aimed at elevating workplace safety.
India’s commitment to improving occupational health and safety is gaining momentum, driven by legislative reforms, growing industrialization, and technology integration. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, which consolidated 13 existing labor laws, has laid the groundwork for a more cohesive approach to worker protection. In just May 2025, more than 60 regulatory updates were issued across states, showing an increased pace of action.
The rise of sectors like e-commerce and logistics has also raised demand for PPE, especially in warehousing and distribution hubs. With projections placing India’s e-commerce sector at USD 200 billion by 2026, safety requirements in high-growth industries are becoming more urgent. Supported by scientific research—such as studies by ICMR that found face masks reduce transmission risk by 85%—India’s PPE market is set for long-term expansion. Together, these developments signal a shift towards a more resilient and safety-conscious workforce, where protecting human capital becomes central to sustainable economic growth.
