A view of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
| Photo Credit: B. Raj Velankanni

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has launched a course to tackle workplace accidents in factories. The online postgraduate diploma course is targeted at working professionals, enabling them to enhance their capabilities in managing process safety challenges.

The programme is aimed at reducing accidents in manufacturing, mining, energy and related sectors. Candidates with a B.E. or B.Tech degree in chemical, civil, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, petroleum and allied branches or who have an M.Sc. Chemistry with two years of work experience are eligible to apply. The Centre for Outreach and Digital Education will offer the course. The last date to apply is May 31. Candidates will have to undergo an entrance exam on July 13. Interested persons may apply at https://code.iitm.ac.in/processsafety .

Course coordinator Rajagopalan Srinivasan said a report by IndustriALL Global Union in 2024 had found that at least 240 workplace accidents occurred across manufacturing, mining and energy sectors in India in which over 400 fatalities and more than 850 serious injuries were reported. These accidents were attributed mostly to lapses in safety procedures with the industry, resulting from insufficient knowledge of essential safety practices and protocols.

The new programme would enhance the skill of the professionals, deepen the understanding of safety protocols.

The trimester model course will have terms from September to December, January to April and May to August. Candidates will take a maximum of three courses per term and complete the programme within one to two years.