VOC Port observes 55th Safety Week 

The valedictory function of the Safety Week celebrations was held at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority on 13.03.2026. The Chief Guest,  Sushanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE Chairperson VOC Port, in his address stated that, V. O. Chidambaranar Port has reiterated its strong commitment to strengthening a robust safety culture, enhancing awareness, and ensuring the well-being of all stakeholders, thereby fostering a safer and more responsible working environment within the port ecosystem. 

As a part of the event. Safety Posters were released by Sushanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE Chairperson, in the presence of P. Kavin Maharaj, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer,  Vimal Bhargavan, Traffic Manager,  Gnana Sundaram, Assistant Director and Dock Safety Officer, and other Heads of Departments. 

Prizes were distributed to school and college students, Port employees, and port users who participated in various competitions such as essay writing, drawing, and slogan writing conducted as part of the Safety Week celebrations on the theme ‘Engage, Educate and Empower People to Enhance Safety’.  

Gnana Sundaram, Assistant Director and Dock Safety Officer, in his address stated that VOC Port has undertaken several capacity augmentation initiatives, including cargo evacuation initiatives, and has parallelly strengthened safety measures to ensure safer and more efficient port operations. 

The week-long safety week commenced on 4th of March 2026, with a Safety Procession and Flag Hoisting Ceremony, followed by the administration of the Safety Pledge. The Safety Flag was hoisted by  Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOC Port, in the presence of  Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, along with senior officials of the Port. A One-Day Safety Awareness Training Programme was organised for drivers, assistant drivers, and equipment operators of the port and port users. The training focused on safe driving practices, operational safety, and accident prevention, reinforcing the importance of safety in daily port operations. 

A Road Safety Campaign was also conducted with active participation from RSP student units of nearby schools and colleges. During the campaign, black dot stickers and reflective stickers were affixed on head lights and heavy vehicles to improve visibility and encourage safer driving practices. An Occupational Health Workshop and Awareness Campaign was organized on 12th of March 2026 which included sessions on first aid, disease prevention, and general health awareness. A free comprehensive medical check-up camp was also organised for port employees, terminal operators, port users, and students. The Safety Week celebrations at V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority successfully brought together port officials, employees, students, and stakeholders, and port users reinforcing the importance of safety awareness, responsible practices, and collective participation in ensuring a safe and sustainable port working environment.