PI Centre of Excellence for Industrial Safety and Risk Management (An initiative in collaboration with GIDM)

Background

The state of Gujarat, known as the "Growth Engine of India," has witnessed remarkable industrial development contributing significantly to the nation's progress. The Chemical & Petrochemical sector, a powerhouse in India's industrial landscape, has seen impressive achievements. Leading in exports, Gujarat hosts India's first operational Petroleum, Chemicals & Petrochemicals Investment Region and Chemical Port.

However, this industrial prowess brings inherent risks, evident in the surge of registered factories from 35,338 in 2019 to 47,762 in 2024, as per the Directorate of Industrial Safety & Health (DISH) data. While daily employment and economic indicators exhibit strength, challenges persist, including industrial disputes and safety concerns. These challenges underscore the need for enhanced safety and disaster management measures in the industrial sector.

Given these challenges, it becomes evident that while Gujarat's industrial sector serves as a driver of economic growth, it also faces susceptibility to accidents and disasters that can significantly impact both the economy and community well-being. To effectively address these challenges and cultivate a resilient and sustainable industrial ecosystem, a dedicated Centre of Excellence in Industrial Safety has been set-up jointly by Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM) and PI Foundation. This Centre's overarching goal is to enhance safety, promote sustainability, and fortify disaster preparedness within the state's industrial landscape, safeguarding both the economy and the community's welfare.

Objectives of the Centre of Excellence

PI Centre of Excellence on Industrial safety envisions a future where Gujarat's industrial sector thrives in an environment of enhanced safety, resilience, and sustainability. Its objectives is to:

Build Capacity and Capability: Offer comprehensive training and capacity-building programs in Process Safety and Chemical/ Industrial Disaster Risk Management to industry professionals, first responders, and the community.
Foster Knowledge Sharing: Develop cutting-edge course content, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and research initiatives, ensuring that good practices in Chemical/ Industrial disaster risk management are disseminated widely.
Documentation: Maintain a comprehensive repository of data, case studies, and good practices for knowledge sharing in chemical/ industrial disaster risk management.
Enhance Community Resilience: Raise awareness and encourage community participation in chemical/ industrial Disaster Management, making communities more resilient in the face of disasters.
Facilitate Partnerships: Collaborate with academic institutions, government bodies, and industry experts to create a collaborative ecosystem for knowledge exchange and mutual support.
Training and Certification: Collaborate with academic institutions, government bodies, and industry experts to define, establish Minimum Industry Safety training and certification programs.

Activities

Training and Certification: To nurture the culture of industrial safety, the center is developing needs-based, demand driven approaches to strengthening stakeholder capacity, including institutional implementation capacities to analyse and manage industrial risks to achieve its ultimate goal of building resilient industrial sector.
Massive Open Online courses (MOOCs): Recognizing the importance of reaching a broader audience, the center aims to create high-quality, accessible online courses that cater to diverse learners. These MOOCs will cover key aspects of industrial safety, providing valuable insights into risk management, emergency response, and safety protocols.
Applied Research and Documentation: The centre is dedicated to augmenting the technical and scientific capabilities of stakeholders through the consolidation of existing knowledge and the acquisition of new industrial safety information. The centre is unwavering in its commitment to document and share insights gained from past accidents. To promote awareness and training, the centre consistently produces a range of knowledge products for the stakeholders.
Academic Programs: The Centre acknowledges the pressing need for comprehensive industrial safety education. It has initiated the development of specialized academic courses addressing the inherent hazards of industrial activities. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from risk assessment to emergency response planning. Aligned with industry standards, the curriculum ensures graduates are well-equipped to meet evolving challenges. Regular updates incorporate the latest advancements, ensuring the courses remain relevant and effective.
Strategic Partnerships: Strategic partnerships are essential for the safety centre, fostering collaboration, expertise sharing, and staying current with safety standards. These collaborations enhance training, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote innovation. By aligning with industry, academia, government, and professional bodies, the centre addresses safety challenges, promotes excellence, and elevates industrial safety standards.

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CoE Report F.Y.2024–25