Indian Chemical News (ICN) is organising a Session on Battery: The Big Opportunity during its Third Edition of the NextGen Chemicals & Petrochemicals Summit on July 13-14, 2023 at Hotel Novotel, Mumbai International Airport, Mumbai. The main theme of the Summit is "Innovation, Self-reliance & Sustainability”.

Health, Safety & Environment: The Missing Link session will be held on July 13, 2023 and the speakers are: Priyamvada Bhumkar, Managing Director, Soujanya Color; K. K. Sharma, Whole Time Director – EHS, DCM Shriram; Nilay Vyas, Global Head – Safety & Health, UPL; Geetali Thakur, EHS Regional Director, Givaudan; Dr. Vishal Choudhary, Dy Industrial Advisor, DCPC, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers; Alok Chandra, Chief – HSE, Tata Chemicals; Suresh Kalra, Managing Director – India & President Asia, hubergroup; and Amish Kamat, Regional HSE Manager (APAC) - Safety & IH, Bayer.

The Chemical industry is one of the most important industries, not just for the production of consumer goods, but also for its impact on public health and the environment. The industry plays a vital role in developing new chemicals and materials that improve our lives, but it also has significant risks associated with it. These risks include exposure to toxic substances, chemical spills, and environmental pollution.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) concerns in the Chemical industry. However, despite the widespread awareness of HSE issues, there are still many gaps in the industry's approach to managing these risks.

One of the major challenges is that HSE is often seen as a separate function from operations and production. This compartmentalized approach can lead to a disconnect between HSE and the rest of the business, resulting in inadequate attention to risk mitigation and compliance with laws and regulations.

Another challenge is the inherent complexity of the industry. Chemicals and materials are used in a wide variety of applications, and the risk profiles of different chemicals and processes can vary widely. It can be challenging to develop effective risk management strategies that are customized to each situation.

To address these challenges, the chemical industry needs to foster a more holistic approach to HSE that integrates risk management into all aspects of operations. This requires a cultural shift towards a more proactive and collaborative approach to HSE, with all stakeholders working together to identify and address risks.

Moreover, the industry needs to embrace new technologies and innovations that can help to mitigate risks and reduce the environmental impact of chemical production. This includes adopting cleaner production processes, using renewable energy sources, and investing in research and development of safer and more sustainable chemicals and materials.

Overall, bridging the gap between operations and HSE is essential for the future of the chemical industry. A more integrated approach to HSE will not only help to protect public health and the environment but also improve the industry's reputation and long-term sustainability.

Key discussion points during panel discussion are: Assessing the Risk of Chemicals; Regulatory Compliance; Identify Chemical Hazards and Control Mechanism; Safety, Proper Storage and Disposal, and Efficient Usage; Industrial Hygiene; Emergency Response Plan; Incident/Accident Analysis to Mitigate Future Accidents; and Educating, Reviewing, and Training.

The two-day summit will see a galaxy of thought leaders brainstorming on innovation, self-reliance & sustainability in chemicals, petrochemicals, and energy sectors so that India can move ahead by taking quantum jumps in years to come.