JICA Reaffirms Commitment to Safety in Indian Infrastructure Projects
Central to these endeavors is JICA's commitment to instilling a safety culture in India, offering extensive technical support to fortify safety and quality standards. Since 2015, when its President highlighted safety in construction work, JICA has been steadfast in this pursuit. A 2023 report by the International Labour Organization underscores the global urgency, with nearly 30 lakh workers succumbing to work-related accidents and diseases annually.
As India aims for global economic prominence, prioritizing occupational safety is paramount. JICA is actively guiding efforts to bolster safety across India's infrastructure and construction landscape. Since FY22, the JICA India Office has implemented various measures to enhance construction site safety, including deploying safety experts, integrating JICA Standard Safety Specifications (JSSS) into contracts, conducting on-site inspections, organizing safety seminars, and collaborating with India's Safety and Health Administration.
On this occasion, SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India, emphasized the significance of ensuring worker safety in India's construction sector. With an estimated workforce of 71 million, acknowledging the industry's inherent risks is crucial. JICA remains committed to eliminating construction accidents through meticulous safety protocols and initiatives, including expert oversight and comprehensive measures.