Focus on workers’ safety and awareness: Min

The 54th National Safety Week celebrations began with great enthusiasm in Vijayawada. The event was inaugurated by Labour Minister Vasamsetti Subhash, who unfurled the flag at the Railway Community Hall. The District Collector and several other officials attended the event.
In his address, the Minister thanked the Kondapalli Industrial Association for their initiative in organising this event, and stressed that it was their responsibility to raise awareness about safety, not only among workers but also among the general public. He also appreciated the cooperation of the department officials who supported the event. Subhash expressed his happiness at meeting workers, referring to them as part of his extended family since taking office as the State Labour Minister. He emphasised that the safety of workers is a responsibility he takes very seriously.
The Minister highlighted that the National Safety Week was aimed at inculcating awareness about safety not only among workers but also among students and the public. To this end, various competitions were organized in schools to educate students about safety. Subhash congratulated the winners of these competitions. The theme of this year’s National Safety Week was “Safety and Well-Being are Crucial for Vikasit Bharat 2047.”
He stressed that the safety of workers is directly linked to the safety of the state. A secure workforce is key to realising the dream of a prosperous Andhra Pradesh, and this message was reflected in the theme of the week. He also urged management to take more responsibility for ensuring the safety of workers, noting that when a worker steps into an industry, their life is in the hands of the management.
The Minister further emphasised the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), urging all workers to wear safety gear, such as helmets, while working. He recalled an instance when a worker avoided wearing a helmet because it might ruin his hair, reminding everyone that life is more valuable than hair. Minister Subhash urged workers to always remember that their families are waiting for them to return safely.
The Minister also mentioned that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had formed a committee, led by Vasudha Mishra, to recommend measures for preventing accidents in industries. The committee’s report is expected in a month, and based on it the government will implement all necessary safety measures.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the District Collector Dr G Lakshmisha, Kondapalli Industries President Krishna Reddy, Associate Representative Ramachandra Rao, Rams Plant Head Ashish Kumar, KCP Plant Head Madhusudan Rao, Joint Chief Inspector Mohan Rao, Usha Sri, DCIP Shivakumar Reddy, local public representatives, and leaders for their participation.
Earlier in the day, a Unity Walk was organised on BRTS Road in Vijayawada, with students and workers marching together with great enthusiasm.