Chennai, Mar 10 : The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin, has bagged the National Safety Award instituted by the Directorate General, Factory Advice, Safety and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI), on Ministry of Labour and Employment for accident free year and lowest average frequency rate for Port operation. On behalf of the Port, its Chairman T.K. Ramachandran received the ‘Winner’ award from on Minister of Labour and Employment, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in the presence of on Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on March 8. As recognition for good safety performance by Industrial Establishments and to motivate the management and workers in accident prevention and safety promotion, the on Government had instituted National Safety Awards (NSA) for different categories of Industries from the year 1965. Award schemes were introduced for the Ports in India from the year 1971. The VOC Port Authority has been instrumental in implementing various safety measures like ensuring deployment of proper, safe, and fit equipment/machineries for the Port operations, an official release said here today. The Port workers and stakeholders adopt, follow efficient, safe practices and Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs), during cargo handling. The Port conducts periodic safety mock drills, safety awareness programmes, inspections of operational areas, ensures proper illumination during night hours, educates the workers and trade, on the importance of maintaining high standards of safety in Port operations. Through continuous implementation of safety measures and vigil, VOC Port has been operating as a ‘Zero Fatal Accident Zone’ from the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. In addition, the Safety Committee of the Port, headed by Deputy Chairman, VOCPA, and consisting of Traffic Manager, VOCPA, Assistant Director (Safety), Inspectorate of Dock Safety, representatives of Labour ons, Port users, Terminal operators and various stakeholders have led from the front in implementing various safety related procedural improvements. The Port Trust Chairman appreciated and thanked all the officers and staff of the Port, Port-users, Terminal operators and all Stakeholders for their contributions to making VOC Port, the safest Port and requested all to ensure that the Port remains safe and in the ‘Zero Accident Zone’ for all years to come. GV 1313