Taking its employees’ safety very seriously, Vedanta has embraced a range of technologies rooted in predictive and inclusive safety. The global natural resources company has deployed leading-edge technologies including artificial intelligence or AI-led monitoring systems, drones, fatigue-detection systems, smart helmets, and tele-remote operations, which are transforming industrial safety across its operations.
Vedanta believes that by leveraging AI, smart systems, and people-first leadership, “it is not just responding to risks but anticipating and preventing them.” The company is trying “to create workplaces that are not only productive, but deeply safe, healthy and future ready.” The theme of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 focuses on the impact of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) on workplace safety and health.
Vedanta’s zinc business in India is amongst the first in the country to use virtual reality (VR)-based winder-training simulator system that mimics the working of shafts (lifts) which are used for material and manpower movement. The company is also among the the first in India to introduce VR-based underground vehicle simulator that trains employees on driving the vehicle in mines.
The Group’s aluminium business has deployed drones to perform inspections before material extraction at its operations. The company’s oil & gas vertical has implemented an AI-based Safety Surveillance Monitoring System with AI cameras at strategic locations, resulting in an 80 per cent reduction in manual efforts, thereby enhancing safety. Vedanta is also engaging with a startup involved in the development of smart safety wearables focused on reducing heat stress and improving connectivity in various industrial setups.
Dedicated to ensuring safety across its operations, with every individual responsible for workplace safety, Vedanta has instituted a ‘Community of Practice’ and safety committees that oversee the implementation of safety initiatives. At the core of this culture is ‘visible-felt leadership’, wherein business CXOs are expected to exemplify the highest levels of safety in their respective areas and serve as role models for employees and business partners.
Technology plays a crucial role in augmenting such efforts by limiting human-machine interaction and enabling preventive safety measures. For instance, Vedanta’s proprietary T-Pulse platform uses AI to enhance safety in critical operational areas in real time.
AI Detect shares short video insights of safety-improvement opportunities with area supervisors and monitors action through real-time dashboards. Smart helmets with live audio-visual connectivity guide employees on various workflows in real-time. Fatigue-detection systems monitor and alert driver drowsiness, ensuring vehicle safety.
Computer vision-led ladle monitoring at smelters prevents operation if safety interlocks are not engaged. Ceramic sensors monitor temperature changes inside furnaces, predicting potential leaks in oil & gas business. HMV and LMV simulators help drivers learn digitally before being deployed on field.
Regular training in various aspects of health and safety include fire and rescue training, to deeply embed safety into its work culture. This is especially important given the large number of contractual and floating workers who are onboarded for specific, short-term activities. Notably, the company is the first in India to have all-women underground mine-rescue teams and firefighting teams.
Vedanta’s approach to occupational health is holistic. From hospitals in every operational township to complimentary annual check-ups, insurance and access to mental health counsellors, the company provides healthcare facilities at employees’ doorstep. The company is addressing needs ranging from basic health services to cancer care through its flagship oncology centre, the BALCO Medical Centre. Initiatives such as the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Vedanta Pink City Half Marathon, Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, sports tournaments, well-equipped gyms, swimming pools and sports complexes help foster a strong fitness culture amongst employees and their families.
Vedanta’s approach to safety extends beyond the confines of its operations. The company also supports local communities through training programmes on basic fire safety, road safety, lightning safety, first aid and even physical safety, including self-defence initiatives.
