Henkel India organized a workplace safety engagement at its Kurkumbh facility, bringing together senior officials from the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) along with representatives from multiple companies operating in the Kurkumbh MIDC industrial cluster. The initiative formed part of the National Safety Week activities and focused on encouraging greater collaboration among industries to strengthen occupational safety practices and regulatory awareness.
The event welcomed key DISH officials, including Joint Director Sudhir Shinde and Deputy Director Pravin Patil, who interacted with participating companies and shared insights on improving safety standards across industrial operations. The session also reflected the National Safety Week theme for this year, “Engage, Educate, Empower,” emphasizing the role of awareness, knowledge sharing, and proactive participation in building safer workplaces.
During the gathering, discussions centered on how industries within the Kurkumbh MIDC cluster can work together to promote stronger safety culture. Participants explored the importance of exchanging operational knowledge, implementing best practices, and collectively addressing challenges related to occupational safety, health management, and process safety systems.
Officials from the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health highlighted the importance of industry–government collaboration in maintaining high safety standards. According to Sudhir Shinde, such initiatives create valuable opportunities for regulators and industry leaders to interact directly, improving understanding of regulatory requirements and encouraging organizations to adopt responsible safety practices.
Henkel emphasized that safety cannot be treated as a standalone compliance requirement but must become an integral part of everyday operations. By facilitating dialogue among companies within the industrial cluster, the organization aimed to promote a culture where businesses support one another in implementing effective safety measures and maintaining responsible operational standards.
Balaji Gopalaswamy, Site Director of Henkel’s Kurkumbh facility, noted that the theme of engagement, education, and empowerment closely reflects Henkel’s approach toward workplace safety. He explained that building a safe work environment requires continuous involvement of employees, partners, and industry peers. Platforms that encourage dialogue between companies help create opportunities to exchange expertise and strengthen collective learning across the industrial ecosystem.
A key part of the interaction also focused on increasing awareness about the new Labour Codes introduced by the Government of India. Particular attention was given to the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, which aims to consolidate and modernize workplace safety regulations across different industries.
The code is designed to simplify regulatory frameworks while strengthening safety provisions for workers across sectors. By discussing these changes, the event helped companies better understand their responsibilities under the evolving regulatory landscape and encouraged them to prepare for compliance through improved policies and procedures.
Workplace safety remains a critical issue in India, where the workforce exceeds 500 million people. Government agencies, industry associations, and companies all play a vital role in ensuring that workers operate in safe environments supported by clear policies, proper training, and reliable safety infrastructure.
National Safety Week, organized annually by the National Safety Council of India, has become an important platform for promoting safety awareness across industrial sectors. Through seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns, the initiative encourages organizations to prioritize safety and build long-term behavioral change among employees and management teams.
By hosting this engagement, Henkel reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships between industry and regulatory authorities. The company also encouraged businesses within the Kurkumbh MIDC cluster to continue working together by sharing experiences, supporting improvements in safety standards, and promoting responsible workplace practices.
Henkel operates globally across both industrial and consumer markets with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. Its Adhesive Technologies division is a global leader in adhesives, sealants, and coatings, while its Consumer Brands portfolio includes well-known products in laundry care and professional hair care.
In India, Henkel maintains a significant presence through its adhesive technologies business and its professional hair care operations. Headquartered in Navi Mumbai, the company operates multiple manufacturing and innovation facilities across the country and employs more than 1,300 people. Through initiatives such as the Kurkumbh safety engagement, Henkel continues to promote responsible industrial practices and contribute to safer workplaces across India.
