Avoidable deaths, endless excuses: how can India improve its workplace safety culture?

A recent series of high-profile workplace tragedies that claimed multiple lives across India have stoked public debate about the poor safety record of many of the country’s highest-risk industries. Trade unions argue that greater enforcement of safety laws is required to change business behaviour, while other commentators say many businesses require a huge internal cultural shift to safety excellence that must be led by directors and senior managers.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 17 September 2026