New Delhi, Aug 27 (KNN) Stressing on the need to bring occupational safety in micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector, Director General, National Safety Council (NSC), Government of India, V.B Sant said that safety inspectors should act as facilitator rather than inspectors.

He said, “Big organizations are doing better or are willing to do even better in safety aspect. But what about the organizations at the bottom of the pyramid-MSMEs! And that is a big challenge.”

Speaking at an occupational safety and health conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in Mumbai, he said “India has a long way to go before achieving excellence in safety. On a scale of one to 10, we are between two and three only, in the light of measures adopted in advanced countries.”

He said the government has a big role to play in promoting safety among firms, and that safety inspectors should be facilitators rather than inspectors.

“The government, while granting incentives, loans or subsidies, should also make safety a part of the eligibility conditions, that can change the paradigm for occupational safety,” he added.

Occupational hazards at the workplace have caused concern worldwide. Ellen White, Global Business Director, 3M while speaking at the event said, “Laxity in OHS (Occupational Health & Safety) has cost the world about US$ 1.25 trillion or 4% of the world economy. The figure for Asian nations was at 10-20% of their GDP.”

A total of 7,500 people lose their lives every day due to occupational hazards, White said.