Pune: Mansukh Patel delivers the ‘National Safety Day Talk’ at NCL

Pune, 13th March 2025: CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, celebrated National Safety Week from 4th to 10th March 2025. The event aimed to reinforce the importance of safety and well-being in fostering a developed nation, in line with this year’s theme, “Safety and Well-being: Crucial for Viksit Bharat” (“सुरक्षा और कल्याण: विकसित भारत के लिए अनिवार्य”).

Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL, in his remarks said that Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) is one of the fundamental pillars of every company. He stressed that any lapse in safety can result in severe liabilities, tarnishing a company’s reputation and, in extreme cases, leading to its closure and the loss of numerous jobs. He noted that safety often remains a low priority, questioning why human life and its value are not given the respect they deserve, pointing out that over time, people tend to neglect both their own safety and that of others. Citing several incidents of negligence, he stressed that EHS is non-negotiable in the workplace. Dr. Lele urged that safety must become a cultural value rather than an afterthought. “Learn it, assimilate it, and make it a part of your daily life,” he
advised. He also emphasized the importance of Safety Weeks, which serve as crucial reminders to reinforce and uphold a strong safety culture.

The highlight of the celebration was the Safety Awareness Talk delivered by Mansukh Patel, Head- Sustainability & Corporate EHS, Hikal Limited. He threw light on various aspects of safety awareness. He said that Safety is the responsibility of every individual. Accidents can happen to anyone at any time, often due to negligence or a lack of awareness. Unfortunately, safety values have been overlooked in various aspects of our lives, making it not just a personal issue
but a concern for society and the nation as a whole. Statistics indicate that road accidents claim approximately 150,000 lives annually, while industrial accidents result in about 50,000 to 55,000 deaths each year. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for a stronger safety culture.

Patel asserted that actions speak louder than words. Our society and parents play a crucial role in shaping our subconscious understanding of safety. Safety consciousness should be deeply embedded in our communities so that it becomes a natural part of our behavior. A subconscious command for safety ensures that it is not just an enforced rule but a way of thinking. He emphasized on the importance of safety communication. Effective communication is about ensuring
that the message is received and understood correctly by the listener. It requires an emotional connection to make a lasting impact. Information should flow smoothly, and there should be no reluctance in learning about safety measures. Accidents often result from small instances of negligence, which can be prevented through continuous reinforcement of safety values.

Patel also explained the different types of safety cultures that exist, Reactive Culture, Dependent Culture, Independent Culture, and Interdependent Culture.

Patel quoted Alvin Toffler, who famously said, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” This applies to safety as well—we must continuously learn, adapt, and implement better safety practices to protect ourselves and those around us.

The week-long celebrations at CSIR-NCL featured various activities, including the display of safety awareness banners and standees, safety-related video streaming, a drawing competition, and a safety meme evaluation. Additionally, an expert-led safety drill and a visit by evaluation committees to identify the best safety-compliant laboratory were conducted.

The event commenced with a Safety Pledge, reaffirming CSIR-NCL’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety. Following an insightful expert lecture, Safety Awards were presented to honor individuals and teams for their exceptional contributions to workplace safety.