The chronology of safety in India primarily revolves around the establishment of the National Safety Council in 1966

National Safety Day/Week (4-10 March)

Background

The National Safety Day/Safety Week Campaign being spearheaded by the Council since 1971 to mark its Foundation Day (4th March) has significantly contributed in spreading safety awareness in all sectors. The campaign is comprehensive, general and flexible with an appeal to the participating organisations to develop specific activities as per their safety requirements.

Objectives

to take Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) movement to different parts of the country.

to achieve participation of major players in different industrial sectors at different levels.

to promote use of participative approach by employers by involving their employees in SHE activities.

to promote development of need-based activities, self-compliance with statutory requirements and professional SHE management systems at work places.

to bring into the fold of voluntary SHE movement sectors, which have not so far been statutorily covered.

to remind employers, employees and others concerned of their responsibility in making the workplace safer.

In summary, the above objectives are part of an overall goal of creating and strengthening SHE culture in workplace and integrating the same with the 

work culture.

The chronology of safety in India primarily revolves around the establishment of the National Safety Council in 1966, which led to the official observance of "National Safety Day" on March 4th, 1972; however, significant earlier legislation like the Factories Act of 1948 marked the initial focus on worker safety in post-independence India, with further developments addressing environmental and industrial safety concerns throughout the decades. 

Key points in the timeline:

Early 1800s:

During British rule, initial concerns regarding worker safety in factories arose, leading to reports like the one by Major Moore highlighting issues like long working hours and child labor in the Bombay cotton mills. 

1875:

A Royal Commission was established by the Bombay government to investigate working conditions in textile mills and propose regulations. 

1881:

The first Indian Factories Act was enacted, introducing limited protection for workers, including restrictions on child labor and working hours. 

1948:

The Factories Act of 1948 was passed in post-independence India, considered the first major legislation directly addressing worker health and safety in factories. 

1966:

The National Safety Council (NSC) was established by the Indian government as a self-financing, non-profit organization aimed at promoting safety practices. 

1972:

March 4th was declared as "National Safety Day" marking the foundation day of the NSC, initiating a nationwide safety awareness campaign. 

1986:

The Environment Protection Act was enacted in response to major industrial disasters, further emphasizing environmental safety concerns. 

Present Day:

The National Safety Council continues to lead initiatives to promote safety awareness across various sectors in India, focusing on workplace safety, road safety, and environmental protection.