BackgroundSmall and medium enterprises (SMEs) are often the main pillar of an economy. Minor accidents, ergonomics problems, old and outdated machinery, and lack of awareness have created a need for implementation of safety practices in SMEs. Implementation of healthy working conditions creates positive impacts on economic and social development.MethodsIn this study, a questionnaire was developed and administered to 30 randomly chosen SMEs in and around Mumbai, Maharashtra, and other states in India to evaluate safety practices implemented in their facilities. The study also looked into the barriers and drivers for technology innovation and suggestions were also received from the respondent SMEs for best practices on safety issues.ResultsIn some SMEs, risks associated with safety issues were increased whereas risks were decreased in others. Safety management practices are inadequate in most SMEs. Market competitiveness, better efficiency, less risk, and stringent laws were found to be most significant drivers; and financial constraints, lack of awareness, resistance to change, and lack of training for employees were found to be main barriers.ConclusionCompetition between SMEs was found to be major reason for implementation of safety practices in the SMEs. The major contribution of the study has been awareness building on safety issues in the SMEs that participated in the project.

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Air quality management in India is being studied with more rigor. A detailed chemical analysis of fine particles helps to identify the sources of pollution and to predict potential health effects and climate change. In the present study, fine particles were measured at four locations in Mumbai city, India, during [2007][2008]. The fine particles were measured using MiniVol portable air samplers. After gravimetric measurement, ions, elements, elemental carbon and organic carbon were analyzed. The average PM 2.5 mass concentrations at control (C), kerb (K), residential (R) and industrial (I) sites were 69 ± 20, 84 ± 31, 89 ± 33 and 95 ± 36 µg/m 3 respectively. The average OC contributions at C, K, R and I sites were 30%, 34%, 35% and 31% respectively while EC contributions were 7%, 11%, 9% and 8% respectively. The non-sea salt contributions of SO 4 2-, K + and Ca 2+ were over 85% suggesting anthropogenic sources. Pb and Zn were highly enriched (> 1000). Reconstruction of mass of PM 2.5 in Mumbai city includes organic matter (36-52%), secondary inorganic aerosols (21-27%), crustal (6-12%), noncrustal (4-8%) and sea salt (6-11%). The present study aims to improve the scientific understanding of aerosols.

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