BALCO Celebrates Three Years of Safety Excellence with ‘Suraksha Sankalp’ Initiative

The monthly safety program has fostered a culture of safety and significantly improved workplace standards

TFP Bureau, Korba, December 4, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), one of India’s leading aluminium producers and a part of Vedanta Aluminium, marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of three years of its monthly safety initiative, ‘Suraksha Sankalp.’ Launched in December 2021, the program aims to strengthen safety standards and promote a culture of safety across the company, with active participation from both employees and business partners.

The ‘Suraksha Sankalp’ initiative focuses on fostering a safety-first mindset, with monthly training sessions held on the first day of each month. These sessions, which have been crucial in reinforcing safety protocols and driving behavioral change, are integral to ensuring a safe working environment at BALCO. The 36th session, marking the third year of the initiative, saw the participation of over 1,200 employees and business partners, celebrating three years of dedicated efforts to improve workplace safety.

A Culture of Safety at BALCO

Commenting on the success of the program, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, emphasized the company’s commitment to its ‘Zero Harm’ vision. “At BALCO, safety is an integral part of every operational process. Suraksha Sankalp has been instrumental in shaping a safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of our employees. This initiative, coupled with our adoption of advanced technologies, helps instil a strong safety mindset and leads to lasting behavioural change,” said Mr. Kumar.

The program covers a wide range of topics aimed at improving safety standards, from educating employees on essential protocols to rewarding those who go above and beyond in promoting safety awareness within their teams. This culture of safety also extends to the local community, where BALCO conducts defensive driving courses, fire safety workshops, and road safety programs, alongside installing retro-reflective safety signboards in key areas.

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Safety

In addition to its educational efforts, BALCO incorporates cutting-edge technologies to enhance its safety standards. These include the T-Pulse Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Monitoring System, which tracks ongoing activities within the plant in real-time using AI models and cameras. Other technological advancements include the Augmented and Virtual Reality Training Centre, centralized security operations through a Digital Intelligence platform, and real-time monitoring through digital dashboards for safety insights.

BALCO has also integrated advanced AI technologies like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) to ensure road safety within the plant, further reinforcing its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.

Through ‘Suraksha Sankalp,’ BALCO continues to build a robust safety culture that prioritizes employee well-being, integrates technology into its operations, and extends its safety efforts to the broader community. The company’s approach is a model for safety excellence in the industrial sector, one that continues to evolve with new advancements and training initiatives.