Case I: India’s unorganized workforce ranges from anywhere between 83 to 92 percent based on the source you consult, such as, ILO estimates or the Indian census. India also boasts an incredible stat that shows our young demographics i.e. people under the age of 35 stands at an astonishing 65 percent. However, in the span of the past fifteen years, women participation in workforce has shown a decline.

Case II: The burgeoning Indian economy has consistently maintained a growth rate above 7 percent in past few years. We are seeing rapid industrial expansion along with considerable growth observed not only in core sectors but an overall positive effect has been exerted by this growth. Newer business development centers and integrated business hubs have come up, supporting SMEs while spurting start-ups all across India.

Case III: In recent memory, several high profile projects and industries have received caution and fines from statutory body National Green Tribunal (NGT). Indian government has introduced environmental law amendments that have become more inclusive in their scope and responsibility. Like the case of electronic waste management rules that mandates every electronic item producer or seller to seek license from central pollution control board making them responsible for collection and recycle of e-waste.

These facts presented above not only depict a positive outlook for the Indian economy but makes a clear case for the need of environmental protection, social inclusion and occupational safety. It is in times of great progress that some of the most challenging circumstances present themselves.

Competent EHS professionals can answer such unique challenges by helping organisations learn the nuances of environment, health and safety. EHS professionals can not only help organisations rise and achieve their sustainability goals. But they can also provide effective safety trainings to the workers on work related ergonomics and hazards ensuring healthier and safer workforce. This ultimately reflects on the overall productivity and growth of an organisation.

Modern day industries rely heavily upon automation, mechanization and digitization to streamline and make working more efficient. Ensuring and monitoring regulatory compliances is no different and successful organisations demand skilled EHS professionals who can help them through this digital transition.

More so, as organisations grow, expand and reach out, upholding uniform EHS policies becomes a crucial need that can help them establish health and safety oriented control. Qualified EHS professionals can help organisations to develop an EHS framework and in its implementation.

The clear-cut steps demonstrated through definitive government policies in socio-economic areas marks the beginning of a metamorphosis in India. A similar trend in the triad of environment, health and safety will be demonstrated in the near future as the unorganized sector slowly integrates with organized. The need of EHS professionals would contribute directly towards this assimilation as industries and sectors such as construction start consolidating, they would need training, safety guidelines and environmental compliance advisory.

Moreover, some of the biggest corporates in India since the early 2000 have been developing their own sustainability initiatives and tying them up with CSR activities. While those corporate houses are on the path to aligning their activities in accordance with the sustainable development goals 2030 proposed by the U.N, there still is a sizeable chunk of businesses who wish to embrace such thinking. Ultimately, EHS professionals would help bridge this gap as well.