The quality of PPE products continue to improve and evolve due to continuous innovations.

Rana Das

AVP (Branded Sales), Mallcom India

How do you view the growth trends in Indian construction industry?

In contrast to western economies which have been squeezed by high interest rates and energy prices, India is in the midst of a huge housing boom. The construction sector grew by 13.3% in July-September 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 and by 7.9% compared to the previous quarter, driving up the country’s GDP. In general, there was a 24% increase in new residential projects being launched. Forecasts for the whole 2023 reveal a robust 9.6% real-term expansion.

Home sales in India’s seven largest cities, including Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore, rocketed 36% in the July-September quarter from a year earlier to more than 112,000 units, despite an 8%-18% increase in prices, according to a reputed real estate consultancy.

How is safety becoming a major factor in construction projects? 

Safety is an essential component and driver of success, not just for those delivering projects, but for clients and other stakeholders too.

Addressing safety issues in construction is now of paramount importance. Not only does construction site safety decrease the risk of injuries to the public, but it also reduces the risk of work-related injuries and accidents. OSHA estimates that nearly a quarter of all work-related fatalities occur in the construction industry, and many more injuries that do not lead to death occur as well. Falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, or being caught in between equipment, are the four most common causes of accidental deaths and other injuries. Having a culture of safety reduces the risk of these types of accidents.

What are the key safety products and solutions offered by the company?

Mallcom is one of India’s largest integrated manufacturer and distributor of personal protective equipment (PPEs), known across the world for its techno-commercially feasible range of products spanning from head protection to hand protection, body protection and feet protection. Product ranges vary from eco to premium categories, based on aesthetics and efficacies, without compromising on the core concepts of safety, all the while adhering to relevant norms and standards.

How is the company continuously innovating to provide cutting-edge PPE solutions to construction industry?

The history of PPE in the construction sector can trace its roots to about 50-80 years ago. During this time, the construction industry started paying close attention to the safety of workers. Since then, we’ve seen the quality of PPE products continue to improve and evolve due to continuous innovations. Below, we’ll explore the main factors driving this innovation.

The OSHA Act of 1970: Today, contractors and construction companies follow a set of health and safety standards found in the legal framework. commonly referred to as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Originally, the OSHA Act became law in 1970. It mandated employers to provide their employees with safe working conditions - including PPE. Encouraged by the OSHA regulations, stakeholders in the construction sector started working towards employee safety. As a result, the industry started adopting new technologies in employee equipment and construction tools that greatly improved worker safety. Even today, the influence of the OSHA Act in promoting innovation in PPE products is ongoing. PPE suppliers are actively working to develop new products that’ll better ensure the safety of construction workers.

Designing products based on customer feedback: In today’s world, customer feedback is crucial, especially for manufacturers of products meant to save and protect lives. That’s why PPE manufacturers have to live in the details. Customer feedback allows the research and development teams to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of construction site hazards. This enables them to design better-performing PPE.

Integrating technology into PPE products: At the heart of recent innovation in construction PPE is technology. Integrating new technologies in PPE products is the most effective way of providing workers with the best and safest working conditions. Currently, wearable technology is becoming an important tool in the construction industry. It helps improve safety by monitoring construction workers’ vital signs (like heart rate and body temperature) and providing alerts of potential hazards.

Developing PPE products that work better: PPE manufacturers have a huge impact on the lives of construction workers when they develop products that make a real difference. By this, we don’t mean developing solutions that only provide safety. We’re talking about products that improve the user’s quality of life.

What are your future expansion plans in India?

Some of the strategically driven plans of Mallcom for the coming years include diversified product developments, portfolio expansion, distribution network expansion in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. The firm believes that the digital age is at a constant rise. Accordingly, it aims to keep itself updated to be present across multiple social media platforms.

We also believe that the Indian PPE market is increasing at a CAGR of 12% due to the adoption of strict regulatory framework for the safety of workers against various health risks in hazardous working environments. The high cost associated with workplace hazards post unlocking of the economy and technological innovations for improved PPE fabric resulting in reduction of weight of the equipment has increased PPE demand in the country. This has further provided a healthy push to the Indian PPE market.

What is your vision on India as the 3rd largest construction market globally?

India's construction industry has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years and is on track to become the world's third-largest construction market within the next 2–3 years. The construction sector in India has been a key driver of the country's economic expansion, offering significant employment opportunities. Despite facing challenges in recent times, the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, thanks to ongoing government support. Today, it presents a vast opportunity for individuals and businesses alike, contributing to job creation and fostering growth within the start-up ecosystem.

Several factors are contributing to India's ascent in the global construction arena. Foremost among these are the proactive initiatives and policies implemented by the government to facilitate infrastructure development. Schemes such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Smart Cities Mission’ are fostering a conducive environment for construction activities, attracting both domestic and foreign investments.

Moreover, rapid urbanization is fuelling the demand for housing, transportation, and utilities, further propelling the construction sector forward. The expansion of metro networks, airports, highways, and other vital infrastructure projects underscores the nation's commitment to enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic growth.

Despite its promising growth trajectory, the construction industry in India faces several challenges that hinder its full potential. Regulatory hurdles, bureaucratic red tape, and complex approval processes often delay project timelines and escalate costs. Additionally, sustainability concerns, including environmental degradation and resource depletion, pose significant challenges to the industry's long-term viability.

Furthermore, the shortage of skilled labour exacerbates the situation, leading to inefficiencies and quality issues in construction projects. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions.