IIT Madras launches online PG Diploma to curb factory accidents

chennai: indian institute of technology madras (iit madras) has announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind postgraduate diploma in process safety aimed at reducing workplace accidents in the manufacturing, mining, and energy sectors. tailored for working professionals, the program will be offered in an online mode through the institute's centre for outreach and digital education (code).open to candidates with a be/b.tech in branches such as chemical, civil, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, petroleum, or an msc in chemistry with two years of industry experience, the course is designed to strengthen industry safety standards and mitigate risk from process-related incidents. applications are open until may 31, 2025, and an entrance exam is scheduled for july 13, 2025. registration can be completed via https://code.iitm.ac.in/processsafety.course coordinator prof. rajagopalan srinivasan cited recent data from industriall global union, which reported at least 240 workplace accidents in 2024 across india's industrial sectors, causing over 400 deaths and more than 850 serious injuries. "the most severe accidents occur in chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, largely due to lapses in safety procedures and insufficient knowledge," he noted.he added that the program aims to help professionals deepen their safety expertise and align with evolving industry standards. structured on a trimester model, the flexible curriculum enables participants to complete the program in one to two years while managing their job responsibilities.the initiative reflects iit madras' commitment to enhancing industrial safety through targeted education and capacity building.