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Beyond Technology: Why Psychosocial Safety Must Be India’s Next Big Leap
Yesterday evening, as I sat on the balcony with a hot cup of coffee in hand, surrounded by friends who are either working in fire and safety or dedicated professionals in industrial and workplace safety, our conversation naturally drifted toward India’s progress.
We all agreed that the nation is moving forward rapidly—embracing the latest technologies, adopting advanced equipment, and setting new standards of industrial growth. Yet, a lingering question disturbed me: why, despite all these advancements, do we still not see a remarkable reduction in accidents and incidents?
Everyone nodded in agreement, but silence followed. No one had a clear answer. Perhaps they had never truly reflected on it. Or maybe, like many others, they had unconsciously accepted it as a part of the “Chalta Hai” attitude we often talk about in India.
That moment reminded me of a post by Ms. Niru Taygi, a veteran from Australia, who has been consistently emphasizing the importance of psychosocial safety and the need for a proper framework around it. Her insights hit hard because they expose a reality:
These issues, combined, create a gap that no machine or advanced tool can fill. What is needed is not just equipment, but systematic programs—training, auditing, and strong frameworks—to create a culture where safety is lived, not documented.
I then asked my friends: “What certifications do companies in India usually hold today for occupational health and safety?” Almost everyone responded with confidence: “ISO 45001.”
Fair enough, ISO 45001 is the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management systems. But my next question caught them off guard:
“Are you aware of ISO 45003?”
Blank faces. Not one of them had heard about it.
For those who are not familiar, ISO 45003 is the first global standard providing practical guidance on managing psychosocial risks within an occupational health and safety management system. It addresses how work design, social factors, and organizational culture can create psychosocial hazards—things like stress, burnout, workplace harassment, or excessive workload. These invisible hazards impact mental health, productivity, and even lead to physical accidents when stress clouds judgment.
And this raises a serious concern: if even safety professionals are not aware of ISO 45003, how will management and workers ever understand the importance of psychosocial safety?
This conversation was a wake-up call. It is clear that technological advancement in safety is essential, but without psychosocial safety, progress will remain incomplete. Safety will continue to stay confined to reports and statistics, instead of being lived in everyday workplace practices.
So, the question is: are you ready to bring psychosocial safety into your organization?
If yes, then safety will no longer remain just words on paper—it will become a culture.
👉 Contact us today at agnirakshaniti@gmail.com to know how you can begin this transformation.
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