Emerging tech to enhance industrial workers' safety through new tools
- IBEF
- November 24, 2025
Emerging technologies are fundamentally transforming occupational safety standards for industrial workers across India, providing comprehensive protection for both physical and mental well-being in increasingly demanding work environments. The new labour codes, particularly the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, have renewed regulatory emphasis on worker protection, catalysing the adoption of innovations such as artificial intelligence-driven real-time safety monitoring, blockchain-powered compliance tracking, and smart Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) equipped with instant alerts. The industrial safety market reached Rs. 58,132 crore (US$ 6.52 billion) in 2025 and is forecast to expand robustly to Rs. 72,398 crore (US$ 8.12 billion) by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence. Nearly 72% of food manufacturers report deploying AI or digital tools to meet safety and sustainability targets simultaneously. Safety sensors currently command the largest component stake at 32% of market share, reflecting a strategic "detection-first" architecture that prioritises hazard prevention over reactive measures.
The European Union Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 mandates cybersecurity features in AI-enabled machinery by January 2027, establishing a global benchmark that Indian regulations are expected to mirror soon. Indian rules will require compulsory safety marks by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on all industrial machinery, ensuring minimum safety compliance. The proposed national OSH board under the labour code aims to harmonise safety and health standards across all sectors, addressing emerging risks that accompany technological advancements. Early hazard detection through thermal imaging has become a critical safety component, monitoring heat levels in machinery, electrical panels, and storage areas to identify potential fire and explosion risks proactively. Wearable biosensors now provide real-time insights into physiological indicators, including hydration levels, physical exertion, and heart rate, enabling timely interventions to prevent fatigue-related incidents. As India's manufacturing ecosystem deepens, technology-led safety solutions must extend from large industrial units to smaller factories, creating substantial new business opportunities for domestic startups while ensuring comprehensive worker protection across the entire value chain.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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