The industrial hub of Ankleshwar hosted the HSE Seminar 2026, a significant gathering of industry leaders, safety professionals, environmental experts, and regulatory authorities committed to strengthening workplace safety and sustainability. The two-day seminar, held on 20–21 February 2026 at the AIA Auditorium – Centre for Excellence, GIDC Estate, was organized by the Ankleshwar Environmental Preservation Society (AEPS) through its Disaster Prevention & Management Centre (DPMC), in association with the Ankleshwar Industries Association (AIA). The seminar revolved around the theme “Safety: Sustainability Through Leadership Commitment,” highlighting the critical role leadership plays in ensuring safe, responsible, and sustainable industrial operations.
SAFETY SEMINAR 2026
The event began with an inaugural ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries from government and industry. The Chief Guest, B. A. Jadeja, inaugurated the seminar and emphasized that industrial growth must always be aligned with safety compliance and environmental responsibility. He highlighted that strong leadership commitment within organizations is essential for preventing industrial accidents and ensuring the wellbeing of workers, communities, and the environment.
The inaugural session also featured distinguished Guests of Honour, including Mr. Vimalkant Jethva, Mr. Prabodh Patel, Mr. D. B. Gamit, and Dr. S. N. Agravat. The dignitaries highlighted the importance of proactive safety management systems, regulatory compliance, and continuous training in industrial clusters such as Ankleshwar, which hosts a large number of chemical and manufacturing units.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Madhur Saxena, who presented valuable insights on how leadership commitment shapes organizational safety culture. In his address, Dr. Saxena stressed that safety must be embedded into corporate strategy rather than treated merely as a regulatory obligation. He explained that companies demonstrating strong leadership involvement in safety initiatives often achieve better operational reliability, reduced accident rates, and improved employee engagement.
The seminar featured multiple technical sessions covering emerging challenges in industrial safety and environmental management. Experts presented papers on a wide range of topics including the Occupational Safety and Health Codes 2020, applications of Artificial Intelligence in safety management, and process safety leadership in high-risk industries. These discussions provided participants with valuable knowledge on evolving regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and modern risk management practices.
Programme Schedule – Safety Seminar
Other technical presentations addressed critical industrial hazards such as dust explosion risks, highlighting the need for effective dust control systems and proper housekeeping in manufacturing environments. Sessions also explored the use of thermography and arc-flash risk assessment for identifying electrical hazards and improving preventive maintenance practices within industrial facilities.
The human factor in safety was another key theme discussed during the seminar. Experts highlighted the importance of industrial hygiene programs, which focus on monitoring workplace exposure to hazardous substances and ensuring employee health protection. A session on human behavior and workplace safety emphasized the importance of safety awareness, training programs, and employee participation in building a strong safety culture within organizations.
Environmental sustainability was also an important focus of the seminar. Discussions addressed pollution control measures, responsible waste management, and the role of industry in supporting environmental conservation. Experts also shared best safety practices for MSMEs, encouraging smaller industries to adopt structured safety systems and modern technologies to improve their safety performance.
An exhibition held alongside the seminar showcased advanced safety technologies, fire protection equipment, and environmental monitoring solutions. Participants also engaged in an interactive safety quiz conducted through a digital platform, creating an engaging learning environment while reinforcing key safety concepts.
The HSE Seminar 2026 concluded with a valedictory session acknowledging the contributions of speakers, participants, and partner organizations. The event successfully created a platform for knowledge exchange, industry collaboration, and professional networking, reinforcing the importance of leadership commitment in building safer and more sustainable industrial workplaces.