A newspaper report stated that in a pharma company, sparks fell from a capacitor when two electricians were on the job. The sparks fell on the nearby solvents and chemicals, leading to fire and burn injuries on face and arms of the two electricians.
Safety norms say that ignition sources should not be present atleast 15 m around the flammable storages. Though this is applicable for hot works, the same logic can be extended for storage of flammables also. It is likely that sparks can fly along the wind and can cause fire. The solvent storage area also should be provided with dyke so that leakage / spillage will not spread and are contained.
If it is not possible to remove the flammables away from ignition sources, atleast they should be covered with asbestos cloth or similar fire resistant cover; sand and other suitable fire extiniguishers should be provided near these flammable storages; fire department of the plant should be informed about the srorage and maintenance jobs proposed to be takenup; carryout hazard analysis; communicate the workers about hazards and safety measures to be taken; etc
An animated video describing the hazards during hot works in flammable areas is available at US Chemical Safety Board website (http://www.csb.gov/) and the video link is given here.
Jun 30, 2010
Jun 29, 2010
Whether safety procedures cause stress at workplace
Sometimes I hear shopfloor people grumbling at safety supervisors that by seeing them, B.P. increases in shopfloor workers. Others say that they are afraid that safety manager will come to them to enquire on some issue. Shopfloor supervisors advise safety persons not to approach their workers directly to avoid undue stress. All such talk or apprehensions appear to be unwarranted unless people do not follow safety procedures or the safety man talks in a dominating manner.
Some safety professionals too think that they get truth, if they pose like a tough guy. But, with my own experience, I can say that this is not true. Whatever the shopfloor person is willing to tell will escape from the scene next time as soon as he sees the tough talking safety guy. The smooth talking safety supervisors also should be careful that they are not taken for granted. They have to develop friendly networks in all departments so that before entering the shopfloor to enquire about unsafe conditions or investigate accidents / incidents, full information is obtained through these friendly networks.
When someone gives information on phone, safety person should not insist to know the name of the person so that he will feel secured and will have peace of mind. If he is willing, then safety person can declare his sources and also recommend for some appreciation and reward.
Stress will be felt by safety guys also when all shopfloor people surround him questioning his failure to identify and communicate hazards. This, I think should be handled by being visible in the shopfloor through frequent inspections,giving pep talks as often as it warrants and making the people to know about their responsibilities under law. Then, safety department persons will be viewed as their friends and get their help to solve safety issues at the shopfloor.
Workers will be stressed for other reasons also as it was mentioned in a news paper article today that spouse causes more stress than the boss. Again, males cause more stress to their spouse than the female. Other reasons for stress can be ill health, unfulfilled ambitions, family issues, etc
Some safety professionals too think that they get truth, if they pose like a tough guy. But, with my own experience, I can say that this is not true. Whatever the shopfloor person is willing to tell will escape from the scene next time as soon as he sees the tough talking safety guy. The smooth talking safety supervisors also should be careful that they are not taken for granted. They have to develop friendly networks in all departments so that before entering the shopfloor to enquire about unsafe conditions or investigate accidents / incidents, full information is obtained through these friendly networks.
When someone gives information on phone, safety person should not insist to know the name of the person so that he will feel secured and will have peace of mind. If he is willing, then safety person can declare his sources and also recommend for some appreciation and reward.
Stress will be felt by safety guys also when all shopfloor people surround him questioning his failure to identify and communicate hazards. This, I think should be handled by being visible in the shopfloor through frequent inspections,giving pep talks as often as it warrants and making the people to know about their responsibilities under law. Then, safety department persons will be viewed as their friends and get their help to solve safety issues at the shopfloor.
Workers will be stressed for other reasons also as it was mentioned in a news paper article today that spouse causes more stress than the boss. Again, males cause more stress to their spouse than the female. Other reasons for stress can be ill health, unfulfilled ambitions, family issues, etc
Contractor safety, expensive accidents, accident prevention
I went through following articles at http://www.safetyxchange.org/ which I felt good to read. The website is very good and one can get e-mails by subscribing (free).
Most Expensive Accidents in History
How to Prevent Contractor Accidents, Part 1 Part2
The General Contractor Duty to Protect a Subcontractors Workers
To Prevent Accidents, We Must Change Attitudes
Have a nice reading.
Most Expensive Accidents in History
How to Prevent Contractor Accidents, Part 1 Part2
The General Contractor Duty to Protect a Subcontractors Workers
To Prevent Accidents, We Must Change Attitudes
Have a nice reading.
Jun 27, 2010
Safety violations are found, then why the plants are allowed to run?
In an article at http://www.safetyxchange.org/, I read that there were more than 700 violations of safety, operation and environment found by OSHA, EPA and other regulating agencies. It was questioned about the compulsions or need for allowing the unit to operate though so many violations were found before the spillage itself. Many times, regulators identify violations and give time to rectify or pay penalty later for continued violations. Only a few times, unit operations were suspended or stopped. This creates a lenient attitude by managements that outweigh profits over the loss of production suffered because of suspension of unit operations to carryout works for rectifying the violations. After some accident / incident occurs, we repent for not doing the right thing before the event. This like applying the balm after burning rather than avoiding the burns itself.
If plant operations are stopped after allowing some time to correct, then everybody will fall in line and though it looks difficult to achieve safety discipline and people are scared of immediate losses, long term benefits will outweigh these losses and every one will follow the directions of regulators. Or they will not give chance for regulators to find safety violations and a system of identification and rectification will be established by the organizations themselves.
If plant operations are stopped after allowing some time to correct, then everybody will fall in line and though it looks difficult to achieve safety discipline and people are scared of immediate losses, long term benefits will outweigh these losses and every one will follow the directions of regulators. Or they will not give chance for regulators to find safety violations and a system of identification and rectification will be established by the organizations themselves.
Road rage – what are the reasons?
Now-a-days, TV channels are reporting road accidents every hour and a full page in news papers is about road accidents. Some of the reasons are,
High speed
Overtaking without caring for the vehicles coming in opposite direction
Drivers under the influence of alcohol
Entry of another vehicle from side lane
Parked vehicles on the road without warning / cautioning
Persons / children on the roads
Animals on the road
Lack of proper rest for drivers
Mobile use while driving the vehicles
Not concentrating on the road
Talking with others in the vehicle
Urge to display their driving skills to friends (girls and boys)
Driving before fully learning
Skidding due to sand / soil / oil / water, etc on the roads
Overcrowding leaving little room for the driver to control
Poor condition of the vehicles, etc
High speed
Overtaking without caring for the vehicles coming in opposite direction
Drivers under the influence of alcohol
Entry of another vehicle from side lane
Parked vehicles on the road without warning / cautioning
Persons / children on the roads
Animals on the road
Lack of proper rest for drivers
Mobile use while driving the vehicles
Not concentrating on the road
Talking with others in the vehicle
Urge to display their driving skills to friends (girls and boys)
Driving before fully learning
Skidding due to sand / soil / oil / water, etc on the roads
Overcrowding leaving little room for the driver to control
Poor condition of the vehicles, etc
Jun 26, 2010
Whether oxygen levels at 19.5% are safe for work in confined space?
Many people consider that the oxygen levels at or above 19.5% are safe to work in a confined space. However, I read somewhere that before assuming oxygen level of 19.5% is safe, one should find out why the levels are below that in atmosphere. If the balance 1.5% is of some toxic chemical, it might be fatal also. CO is fatal at 5000 ppm (0.5%). Similarly ammonia. However, if the chemical present has some odour, we can immediately detect and come out.
Otherwise, measuring oxygen levels alone is not sufficient and we have to analyse for presence of other chemicals and purge the confined space with fresh air till oxygen levels are near 21%, say 20.8-20.9%. And fresh air supply should not be stopped during the work. Each and every time when work is stopped for rest or tea break or lunch or end of the day, before resuming the work the levels are to be checked at the place of the work.
I came to know of an accident in which three workers were involved in cleaning the oily floor at a basement were overcome by the toxic vapours present when they resumed work after a tea break. First two persons one after another entered inside the basement and became unconscious. The third one too was overcome but before that he shouted for help and other coworkers present at 0.0 m level immediately rescued them and were alright after a day's treatment.
The unfortunate observation during the rescue opertions was workers lack of knowledge about the switch of fresh air supply blower for the basement. Even the shopfloor supervisor does not know about its location. Awareness about location of emergency systems is the most important aspect and a sketch showing the same should be displayed at important locations in the shopfloor and mock drills should be conducted before start of work in a confined space, every time.
Otherwise, measuring oxygen levels alone is not sufficient and we have to analyse for presence of other chemicals and purge the confined space with fresh air till oxygen levels are near 21%, say 20.8-20.9%. And fresh air supply should not be stopped during the work. Each and every time when work is stopped for rest or tea break or lunch or end of the day, before resuming the work the levels are to be checked at the place of the work.
I came to know of an accident in which three workers were involved in cleaning the oily floor at a basement were overcome by the toxic vapours present when they resumed work after a tea break. First two persons one after another entered inside the basement and became unconscious. The third one too was overcome but before that he shouted for help and other coworkers present at 0.0 m level immediately rescued them and were alright after a day's treatment.
The unfortunate observation during the rescue opertions was workers lack of knowledge about the switch of fresh air supply blower for the basement. Even the shopfloor supervisor does not know about its location. Awareness about location of emergency systems is the most important aspect and a sketch showing the same should be displayed at important locations in the shopfloor and mock drills should be conducted before start of work in a confined space, every time.
Poisonous fumes from incinerator near Indore - six lost vision?
Y’day a scrolling news item in TV channels and news reports today mentioned about six labourers losing part of their vision because of toxic fumes from an incineration plant in Pithampur, while cleaning solid waste. It is stated that all labourers suffered symptoms of insecticide poisoning (organo phosphorous) like blurred vision, vomiting. Before taking up any chemical handling work, engineers and supervisors should refer to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of the chemicals to be handled. It will give information on nature of hazards, handling methods, personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used, etc. It is mentioned that workers did not use any PPE, though the company that engaged the persons is a reputed one.
If the companies do not follow safe procedures and do not ensure supervision, public will lose faith in the industry and whatever they do later will be of no use.
Further, such accidents will show that more inspectors are required to inspect more frequently the premises of the organizations, audit their systems and the findings have to be put in public domain. It may be remembered that though the auditors from head quarters of UCC reported serious nature of hazards in the Bhopal unit, as the report was not known to many, the inaction could not be questioned in time and only after the worst chemical disaster, all concerned started questioning.
Therefore, it should be made mandatory about making availability of audit findings (by regulators as well as certifying agencies) also public like the provisions of Factories Act 1948 under Chapter IV-A and should attract penal provisions like those for violations of Sec 41-B,C,H
If the companies do not follow safe procedures and do not ensure supervision, public will lose faith in the industry and whatever they do later will be of no use.
Further, such accidents will show that more inspectors are required to inspect more frequently the premises of the organizations, audit their systems and the findings have to be put in public domain. It may be remembered that though the auditors from head quarters of UCC reported serious nature of hazards in the Bhopal unit, as the report was not known to many, the inaction could not be questioned in time and only after the worst chemical disaster, all concerned started questioning.
Therefore, it should be made mandatory about making availability of audit findings (by regulators as well as certifying agencies) also public like the provisions of Factories Act 1948 under Chapter IV-A and should attract penal provisions like those for violations of Sec 41-B,C,H
Increase of fuel prices - what is its impact on safety?
From y'day, the increased prices of fuels came into effect. Many are opposing the increase. I thought, okay, it will make a hole in my pocket, but what is its impact in my field, i.e., safety and environment. I think that the increased prices may reduce consumption of fuel to some extent thus contribute to the reduction in environment damage. When something is available cheap, it will loose its value / importance.
Many people use vehicles, particularly 4-wheelers for joy rides. Two advertisements which I am seeing in TV channels for last few months depict the same. In one advertisement, a child is sad because he did not get good marks or so, so his father takes him on a ride and the child asks for one more ride. In another advertisement, I think a couple or would-be couple will be on a ride to come out of their moodiness. Actually, it appears many persons don't have any work and therefore wander aimlessly in bikes, cars, etc. Subsidising fuel for such people is a crime. Similarly, supplying subisidised fuel for cars and sports cars whose mileage is very less is also waste of public money which could have been sent on providing education to poor children. In fact, subsidies are becoming a headache for the governments in the long run and they are finding it difficult to come out of this expenditure.
My suggestion is to eliminate fuel subsidies totally. Government should subsidise only public transport to such an extent that people of all categories should feel it economical to travel in public transport than using their own transport. All students can be allowed to travel without paying during their college hours. A pass should be issued to each student and should be punched for one trip to college per day so that wandering by students for timepass can be avoided.
Like issuing licence for driving, governments can issue permits for private transport at a price. This will reduce traffic congestion, reduce pollution, leading to better environment and good health of people. Then, to take care of emergency requirements, government should strengthen ambulance services for medical care and run public transport throughout 24x7 so that people will not be at disadvantage.
Similarly, government should increase excise duty / sales tax on vehicles equivalent to the cost of the vehicle or more. Today, I read in the newspaper that in Nepal, 300% tax is levied on imported cars and thus the cost of Nano car at Nepal works out to INR 4.5 lac. We should tax at these hight rates for all vehicles that are made within the country also.
The decrease in vehicles on the road will also reduce road accidents also and will save many elders and dependents caused by deaths.
The money spent on fuel subsidies can be better used for providing education and public health care which are becoming costly. Though the oil companies claim huge losses on account of subsidies, I am unable to understand why their shares value somuch. The share value of any loss making company will not even quote at its face value but all oil shares trade at multiples of their face value. I have to understand why it is so. After freeing the fuel prices from control, by how much their shares will go up will tell the extent of losses suffered due to subsidies.
Nothing lasts forever. It is obvious that if not now, in another 25-50 years fossil fuels will not be available. As the reserves comedown, oil producing countries will increase their prices and atleast next generation has to pay higher prices because no government can subsidise forever. Instead of using recklessly the valuable resources, let us use them judiciously and increasing the prices is a forceful method for conserving the fuel resources.
Many people use vehicles, particularly 4-wheelers for joy rides. Two advertisements which I am seeing in TV channels for last few months depict the same. In one advertisement, a child is sad because he did not get good marks or so, so his father takes him on a ride and the child asks for one more ride. In another advertisement, I think a couple or would-be couple will be on a ride to come out of their moodiness. Actually, it appears many persons don't have any work and therefore wander aimlessly in bikes, cars, etc. Subsidising fuel for such people is a crime. Similarly, supplying subisidised fuel for cars and sports cars whose mileage is very less is also waste of public money which could have been sent on providing education to poor children. In fact, subsidies are becoming a headache for the governments in the long run and they are finding it difficult to come out of this expenditure.
My suggestion is to eliminate fuel subsidies totally. Government should subsidise only public transport to such an extent that people of all categories should feel it economical to travel in public transport than using their own transport. All students can be allowed to travel without paying during their college hours. A pass should be issued to each student and should be punched for one trip to college per day so that wandering by students for timepass can be avoided.
Like issuing licence for driving, governments can issue permits for private transport at a price. This will reduce traffic congestion, reduce pollution, leading to better environment and good health of people. Then, to take care of emergency requirements, government should strengthen ambulance services for medical care and run public transport throughout 24x7 so that people will not be at disadvantage.
Similarly, government should increase excise duty / sales tax on vehicles equivalent to the cost of the vehicle or more. Today, I read in the newspaper that in Nepal, 300% tax is levied on imported cars and thus the cost of Nano car at Nepal works out to INR 4.5 lac. We should tax at these hight rates for all vehicles that are made within the country also.
The decrease in vehicles on the road will also reduce road accidents also and will save many elders and dependents caused by deaths.
The money spent on fuel subsidies can be better used for providing education and public health care which are becoming costly. Though the oil companies claim huge losses on account of subsidies, I am unable to understand why their shares value somuch. The share value of any loss making company will not even quote at its face value but all oil shares trade at multiples of their face value. I have to understand why it is so. After freeing the fuel prices from control, by how much their shares will go up will tell the extent of losses suffered due to subsidies.
Nothing lasts forever. It is obvious that if not now, in another 25-50 years fossil fuels will not be available. As the reserves comedown, oil producing countries will increase their prices and atleast next generation has to pay higher prices because no government can subsidise forever. Instead of using recklessly the valuable resources, let us use them judiciously and increasing the prices is a forceful method for conserving the fuel resources.
Jun 24, 2010
Accident liability of independent directors
An article published in Deccan Chronicle today (24.06.2010 Thursday) states that CII asked government to insert a clause in the Companies Bill 2009 to exclude independent directors from any criminal liability for offences commited by the company, saying that they are not involved in day-to-day running.
Though they are not in operation, but any influence of these independent directors in the decision making process of business towards profits, cost cutting measures, etc will have a direct bearing on the safety measures followed by plant operators and thus they are involved indirectly in day-to-day running of the plant. Therefore, it is not correct to exclude them from liability. If they are like ordinary public shareholders and not consulted or involved in any decision making process (in finance, technical,...), then they can be excluded.
All those who are involved in decision making of financial aspects should be made liable for accidents. The deactivation of safety systems at Bhopal was done to cut business losses with the assumption that a plant not in operation does not require maintenance of safety systems. The decision was made because of lack of technical knowledge on what can go wrong.
Any financial decision on plant operations should be supported by a report from operations in-charge (who should be a technical man) that was discussed by all directors and approved.
Though they are not in operation, but any influence of these independent directors in the decision making process of business towards profits, cost cutting measures, etc will have a direct bearing on the safety measures followed by plant operators and thus they are involved indirectly in day-to-day running of the plant. Therefore, it is not correct to exclude them from liability. If they are like ordinary public shareholders and not consulted or involved in any decision making process (in finance, technical,...), then they can be excluded.
All those who are involved in decision making of financial aspects should be made liable for accidents. The deactivation of safety systems at Bhopal was done to cut business losses with the assumption that a plant not in operation does not require maintenance of safety systems. The decision was made because of lack of technical knowledge on what can go wrong.
Any financial decision on plant operations should be supported by a report from operations in-charge (who should be a technical man) that was discussed by all directors and approved.
Jun 23, 2010
Road rage
There was a news report on 20.06.2010 in which a promising actor died in a road accident. He was driving a bike. Suddenly a van entered the main road from a side road. The bike driver could not control his vehicle and in the collision, he died.
It is common for people drive vehicles at very high speed. Everyday, people die in road accidents and is common to see a full page of such accident reports in news papers.
Driving the vehicles at speeds which they can't control is wrong in the first place. Then, not following road discipline is another worst factor. People entering main roads do not slow down to see a clear road and instead enter the road at the same speed as they are driving and thus unnerve the drivers on the main road. Most of the accidents are due to entry of vehicles from side roads or vehicles slowing down suddenly in the same lane without indication or taking turns from extreme left to right without watching for vehicles coming behind.
Our roads are not racing tracks. It is proper if the bikes above 100 cc are banned. Similarly, four wheelers of high engine capacity should be banned so that vehicle speed can be limited to 50 kmph. All side roads should have speed breakers before they join the main road. The road dividers should of such height that nobody can use them to cross the road.
As someone suggested in a TV discussion programme, the licence of the vehicle drivers involved in accidents should be cancelled and drivers without licence should be imprisoned to reduce the accidents. Similarly, the pedestrians crossing the roads as they please should be fined heavily. I observed a few times that the pedestrians crossing the road wave their fingers to motorists. These people do not have sense that even if a motorist sees them, he may hit before slowing down the vehicle.
It is common for people drive vehicles at very high speed. Everyday, people die in road accidents and is common to see a full page of such accident reports in news papers.
Driving the vehicles at speeds which they can't control is wrong in the first place. Then, not following road discipline is another worst factor. People entering main roads do not slow down to see a clear road and instead enter the road at the same speed as they are driving and thus unnerve the drivers on the main road. Most of the accidents are due to entry of vehicles from side roads or vehicles slowing down suddenly in the same lane without indication or taking turns from extreme left to right without watching for vehicles coming behind.
Our roads are not racing tracks. It is proper if the bikes above 100 cc are banned. Similarly, four wheelers of high engine capacity should be banned so that vehicle speed can be limited to 50 kmph. All side roads should have speed breakers before they join the main road. The road dividers should of such height that nobody can use them to cross the road.
As someone suggested in a TV discussion programme, the licence of the vehicle drivers involved in accidents should be cancelled and drivers without licence should be imprisoned to reduce the accidents. Similarly, the pedestrians crossing the roads as they please should be fined heavily. I observed a few times that the pedestrians crossing the road wave their fingers to motorists. These people do not have sense that even if a motorist sees them, he may hit before slowing down the vehicle.
Jun 20, 2010
Compensation for victims of industrial accidents
There is discussion on deciding the quantum of compensation for victims of industrial accidents. The compensation amount should be fixed for every person injured / died in an accident instead of fixing the liability to the company for an accident.
In cases like Chernobyl, Bhopal and Seveso, the impact was immediate and is still continuing. In such cases, we can't decide compensation and cleanup costs immediately. The company has to pay for all victims. If the total compensation is limited to some amount, then in the cases like above, the amount received by the individual victims may become peanuts, whereas companies whose sole aim is to make profits will simply escape. When a company is in the business to make profits, then we can't allow them to make those profits at the cost of human lives, environment and property damages by following unsafe practices and procedures.
In fact, the certifying auditing agencies for quality, environment and safety practices of companies should be made accountable like financial auditors so that certificate can't issued / renewed without compliance with norms.
Now-a-days, the victims of road / rail accidents get Rs 2-10 lakhs from various agencies of the government. Sometimes, jobs are also offered for the next kin of the victims. Similar amount should be paid to the victims of industrial accidents apart from health treatment costs.
When the compensation will be decided for each victim instead of lumpsum per accident, then I am sure, companies will follow international safety practices everywhere and ensure safety of employees and public.
In cases like Chernobyl, Bhopal and Seveso, the impact was immediate and is still continuing. In such cases, we can't decide compensation and cleanup costs immediately. The company has to pay for all victims. If the total compensation is limited to some amount, then in the cases like above, the amount received by the individual victims may become peanuts, whereas companies whose sole aim is to make profits will simply escape. When a company is in the business to make profits, then we can't allow them to make those profits at the cost of human lives, environment and property damages by following unsafe practices and procedures.
In fact, the certifying auditing agencies for quality, environment and safety practices of companies should be made accountable like financial auditors so that certificate can't issued / renewed without compliance with norms.
Now-a-days, the victims of road / rail accidents get Rs 2-10 lakhs from various agencies of the government. Sometimes, jobs are also offered for the next kin of the victims. Similar amount should be paid to the victims of industrial accidents apart from health treatment costs.
When the compensation will be decided for each victim instead of lumpsum per accident, then I am sure, companies will follow international safety practices everywhere and ensure safety of employees and public.
Hazard Communication - One more idea to warn to about dangers
In my earlier post, I mentioned few things to communicate hazards to machine / equipment operators. In addition, it will also be effective to caution about hazards, if photos of persons injured are displayed on every equipment / machine. I feel such reminder will have the desired effect on the minds of operators and shopfloor supervisors so that they will not bypass safety procedures. It is like having photos of our loved ones in the house to remember about their affection. In the shopfloor, it is like remembering the mistakes made by the persons in the photos and the injuries suffered by them.
Jun 19, 2010
A tale of compensation payments by two companies - Union Carbide & BP
Bhopal accident that caused more than 15000 deaths and injuries to thousands of persons lead to payment of US$ 470 million (1997 ?) whereas oil spillage by BP in USA (2010) is leading to demands by President and his team to BP to keep aside of US$ 20 billion for cleanup, compensation, etc over a period of time. Had a Bhopal accident occurred in USA, it would have lead to its closure and go bankrupt. Such compensation awards show why companies earn huge profits at the cost of human beings in developing / underdeveloped countries. Many companies cry foul that countries like India cause lot of environment damage but nobody cares about ethics followed by the companies of advanced countries. It appears rules are different for different countries with least regard to deaths by organizations of advanced countries in other countries.
Jun 14, 2010
Hazard communication - Way to reduce accidents
Accidents recur regularly on same or similar process / machine. A friend of mine said once that operators and supervisors can be reminded about the hazards by displaying on every equipment/machine, the list of persons injured - causes for accidents - protective measures taken subsequently so that people will not forget, do not opt for shortcut methods, do not bypass safety systems.
Further, flowsheet / block diagram, hazards, safe operating procedures (SOPs), dos' and don't's, safety systems and controlling parameters, location of emergency switches, checklist to be used before start of every shift, etc can be displayed on the particular equipment in the languages understood by the concerned persons to ensure safety at the workplace. I am sure, this will definitely help in reducing the accidents, though the information sheets displayed are more. One has to spend time in preparation of these information sheets once and they need to be changed only when they are required and approved by higher authorities.
Concerned operators and supervisors should be involved in preparing these information sheets so that they are relevant and are understood. Further, they feel that they are part of the system and are therefore responsible for ensuring safety.
LINK
Further, flowsheet / block diagram, hazards, safe operating procedures (SOPs), dos' and don't's, safety systems and controlling parameters, location of emergency switches, checklist to be used before start of every shift, etc can be displayed on the particular equipment in the languages understood by the concerned persons to ensure safety at the workplace. I am sure, this will definitely help in reducing the accidents, though the information sheets displayed are more. One has to spend time in preparation of these information sheets once and they need to be changed only when they are required and approved by higher authorities.
Concerned operators and supervisors should be involved in preparing these information sheets so that they are relevant and are understood. Further, they feel that they are part of the system and are therefore responsible for ensuring safety.
LINK
There are NO instant solutions for achieving safety - You can't see results immediately
If there is an accident in the workplace, immediately investigation committee is constituted, some report is produced with recommendations and people will forget about implementation or followup. They tell that they investigated and found the root cause.
Similarly, people will appoint safety professionals or somebody as safety officer and expect accidentfree workplace from the next moment.
Someothers reduce their alertness on safety and say that they contributed to profits (by reducing the expenditure on safety), as there were no accidents in the last few months.
In all above situations, expectations are to see immediate results. People forget that for any good or bad to happen, it will take some time for the system to develop in the direction of increase or deterioration levels. Normally, the time will be about five years, though this time can vary depending upon the commitment levels of the management and employees.
That's why when some company gets a safety reward or recognition, the CEO at that time thinks that its all because of his efforts after assuming the charge, though this is due to the efforts by the earlier CEO(s) for last few years. One may get certicate of ISO/OHSAS or something after one year effort, but the certification for the first time is mainly because of documentation (normally by consultants and therefore employees do not know anything) and management programmes listed in the manuals and resources allocated. By the time, the certificate comes for revalidation, if the CEO puts his heart into it and looks back, the improvements achieved would have been negligible and he chides his MR or safety manager for not followingup properly with the departments.
If at all there are any instant results, they will fall under corrective actions and not preventive actions. Therefore, similar incidents / accidents occur again and again and companies will get NC from auditors for not seeing any efforts for preventing the incidents.
Therefore, there are no immediate solutions and results for achieving safety, but efforts are required for permanent solutions and to be sustained.
LINK
Similarly, people will appoint safety professionals or somebody as safety officer and expect accidentfree workplace from the next moment.
Someothers reduce their alertness on safety and say that they contributed to profits (by reducing the expenditure on safety), as there were no accidents in the last few months.
In all above situations, expectations are to see immediate results. People forget that for any good or bad to happen, it will take some time for the system to develop in the direction of increase or deterioration levels. Normally, the time will be about five years, though this time can vary depending upon the commitment levels of the management and employees.
That's why when some company gets a safety reward or recognition, the CEO at that time thinks that its all because of his efforts after assuming the charge, though this is due to the efforts by the earlier CEO(s) for last few years. One may get certicate of ISO/OHSAS or something after one year effort, but the certification for the first time is mainly because of documentation (normally by consultants and therefore employees do not know anything) and management programmes listed in the manuals and resources allocated. By the time, the certificate comes for revalidation, if the CEO puts his heart into it and looks back, the improvements achieved would have been negligible and he chides his MR or safety manager for not followingup properly with the departments.
If at all there are any instant results, they will fall under corrective actions and not preventive actions. Therefore, similar incidents / accidents occur again and again and companies will get NC from auditors for not seeing any efforts for preventing the incidents.
Therefore, there are no immediate solutions and results for achieving safety, but efforts are required for permanent solutions and to be sustained.
LINK
Jun 13, 2010
Oil spillages - What about other environment damage factors?
There is lot of concern about BP oil spillage and its effect on environment. But, very little action is seen on the use of fuel guzzlers for which BP and others produce oil. Most inefficient vehicles are produced and used everyday. People say two wheelers are worst environment polluters. I am not able to understand this. A 4-stroke two wheeler gives a mileage of 60-80 kmpl whereas a car gives mileage of 10-18 kmpl. Though, people argue that cars accommodate four persons, it is a normal practice that any vehicle is of single user only and occasionally, it is used for group travel. Thus, two wheelers are better than four wheelers from emission point of view. Further, the pressure on public roads will be less with 2-wheelers than 4-wheelers. Best is public transportation system (rail and bus).
More and more oil is drawn to meet the demands of hungry users. We are using the fossil fuels that are formed over millions of years of formation and projections show that we will consume all these fossil fuels by this century end. That means, in about 150 years (1950-2100) we consume all energy resources that are formed over millions of years with crocodile tears for future generations.
If we are reasonable, then there will not be so called false development / industrial growth with regards to these fossil fuel extraction, refining and usage. Then, there will not be any need for coming up of such greedy corporations who do not care about impact of there misdeeds. Everybody in public pronounce their commitment to save environment but how many practice this.
More and more oil is drawn to meet the demands of hungry users. We are using the fossil fuels that are formed over millions of years of formation and projections show that we will consume all these fossil fuels by this century end. That means, in about 150 years (1950-2100) we consume all energy resources that are formed over millions of years with crocodile tears for future generations.
If we are reasonable, then there will not be so called false development / industrial growth with regards to these fossil fuel extraction, refining and usage. Then, there will not be any need for coming up of such greedy corporations who do not care about impact of there misdeeds. Everybody in public pronounce their commitment to save environment but how many practice this.
Who is responsible for safety?
After the last week verdict on Bhopal tragedy for fixing the responsibility, so many people in responsible positions commented about the verdict. The Factories Act 1948 amended after this 1984 accident fixes the responsibility for ensuring safety at the work place on the occupier as well as the manager. It also says (Sec 101) that if the occupier is able to prove that he has given full responsiblity and resources to others down below and that the accident occurred because of deeds of his subordinates without his knowledge, then the said person can be held responsible.
Someone commented that a car owner can't be held responsible, if his driver makes an accident. It is forgotten that the driver was put into job by the owner of the car and nobody else (unless car was stolen and is not reported in the police station).
If managements employ less qualified or unsuitable persons for the job, then there is every possibility that accidents / incidents can take place. In risk assessment, human error is also a factor. In fact, experts say that systems should be designed and put in place such that even a fool can not meddle and lead to accidents.
In the case of Bhopal accident, it is mentioned that the some of the workers, superviors and managers were brought from Battery Division and do not have proper training / exposure to run the plant. Even the audit report of Union Carbide warned about imminent dangers, a few years before the accident. Few accidents occurred earlier also support that a major accident will not occur all of a sudden, but will be preceded by few near misses and minor accidents.
As the plant was not in operation for few months before the accident, poorly trained managers and supervisors decided to switch off the refrigeration system thinking that when plant is not running, nothing will happen (because of lack of knowledge on hazards). Persons were not informed about the hazards, neither they had interest to learn on their own, about what can happen in their day-to-day activities. All of us will be careful to caution our children about their safety when they go to school or college. But we do not follow the same at our work place.
Apart from deactivating refrigeration system, the srubbing unit and flare tower were not kept in working condition. To prove Murphy law, every safety system went wrong simulataneously (neither functional nor available at the time of accident). The water sprinkler, a last resort, had limitations of spraying water upto a height of only 15 m where as the gas eascaped from the flare tower at a height more than this.
There are provisions and punishments for causing deaths due to negligence, callous attitude and accused should be awarded compunded punishments. If the wrong doers are not punished severely, this will send a wrong message to all greedy corporates that nothing will happen to them and they can find some scapegoats at lower levels for the minor punishments. In the famous novel God Father by Mario Puzo, it is mentioned that underworld people keep some persons with opposing gangs as a surity for the persons from these gangs attending meetings so that they can participate the meetings and leave the place safely. Scapegoats will be found like in the underworld system.
The entire property of the owners of the factory causing such large scale deaths should be confiscated and it is better for governments to work toward making international laws to confiscate properties of the owners in other countries also.
LINK
Someone commented that a car owner can't be held responsible, if his driver makes an accident. It is forgotten that the driver was put into job by the owner of the car and nobody else (unless car was stolen and is not reported in the police station).
If managements employ less qualified or unsuitable persons for the job, then there is every possibility that accidents / incidents can take place. In risk assessment, human error is also a factor. In fact, experts say that systems should be designed and put in place such that even a fool can not meddle and lead to accidents.
In the case of Bhopal accident, it is mentioned that the some of the workers, superviors and managers were brought from Battery Division and do not have proper training / exposure to run the plant. Even the audit report of Union Carbide warned about imminent dangers, a few years before the accident. Few accidents occurred earlier also support that a major accident will not occur all of a sudden, but will be preceded by few near misses and minor accidents.
As the plant was not in operation for few months before the accident, poorly trained managers and supervisors decided to switch off the refrigeration system thinking that when plant is not running, nothing will happen (because of lack of knowledge on hazards). Persons were not informed about the hazards, neither they had interest to learn on their own, about what can happen in their day-to-day activities. All of us will be careful to caution our children about their safety when they go to school or college. But we do not follow the same at our work place.
Apart from deactivating refrigeration system, the srubbing unit and flare tower were not kept in working condition. To prove Murphy law, every safety system went wrong simulataneously (neither functional nor available at the time of accident). The water sprinkler, a last resort, had limitations of spraying water upto a height of only 15 m where as the gas eascaped from the flare tower at a height more than this.
There are provisions and punishments for causing deaths due to negligence, callous attitude and accused should be awarded compunded punishments. If the wrong doers are not punished severely, this will send a wrong message to all greedy corporates that nothing will happen to them and they can find some scapegoats at lower levels for the minor punishments. In the famous novel God Father by Mario Puzo, it is mentioned that underworld people keep some persons with opposing gangs as a surity for the persons from these gangs attending meetings so that they can participate the meetings and leave the place safely. Scapegoats will be found like in the underworld system.
The entire property of the owners of the factory causing such large scale deaths should be confiscated and it is better for governments to work toward making international laws to confiscate properties of the owners in other countries also.
LINK
Jun 5, 2010
Why people continue to do mistakes even after accidents take place
Many times people repeat same mistakes and similar accidents take place. Even if root cause analysis is done, still they fail to take preventive measures. This shows that they do not understand the value of life and are bothered only about their output minus safety. Driving the importance of safety into their heads is very difficult for safety officers. It is better to remove such people from the job if they do not listen.
Sometimes, the top man gives importance to safety but the leadership one step below do not have such importance and drive field engineers for output at shortest time and this leads to accidents. Instead of penalising the department, if penalties are collected from the salaries of such leaders and field engineers as well as from payments made to the contractors, then people may listen. Otherwise, they do not bother about safety measures at site and contractors will continue to do the work that maximizes their profits. Possibly the money spent on accident victims treatment / compensation must have been less over a period of time for these contractors.
LINK
Sometimes, the top man gives importance to safety but the leadership one step below do not have such importance and drive field engineers for output at shortest time and this leads to accidents. Instead of penalising the department, if penalties are collected from the salaries of such leaders and field engineers as well as from payments made to the contractors, then people may listen. Otherwise, they do not bother about safety measures at site and contractors will continue to do the work that maximizes their profits. Possibly the money spent on accident victims treatment / compensation must have been less over a period of time for these contractors.
LINK
Value of human life for risk assessment
I received a mail (risk-safety.com blog) about Treatment of Value of Life and Injuries in Preparing Economic Evaluations is mentioned in an article of DOT in link given below:
http://ostpxweb.dot.gov/policy/reports/080205.htm
According to it, best present estimate of the economic value of preventing a human fatality is $5.8 million. One can go through the above link for factual information and basis for arriving at this value.
I have put it in this blog as I am sure, this will help organizations in risk assessment and reduction measures. I thank the people who arrived at this value and those who spread the information for saving valuable human lives.
http://ostpxweb.dot.gov/policy/reports/080205.htm
According to it, best present estimate of the economic value of preventing a human fatality is $5.8 million. One can go through the above link for factual information and basis for arriving at this value.
I have put it in this blog as I am sure, this will help organizations in risk assessment and reduction measures. I thank the people who arrived at this value and those who spread the information for saving valuable human lives.
World Environment Day 2010
Today is the World Environment Day and our organization is celebrating it in a big way. Last few days saw conduct of competitions in slogan and essay writing. Organizers also invited entries for posters and all winners will be distributed prizes today by the chief guest who is an expert in the field of environment. To mark the occasion, pens were distributed to all employees. More than US $ 1,000/- is being spent for this occasion.
In our safety division, yesterday we discussed about what can be done for reducing environment pollution. We use about 40 nos. of two and four-wheelers for internal transport. A friend suggested about use of bicycles instead of auto vehicles. A good idea worth following. In my earlier organization which is a sister concern of our department, everybody including senior officials use bicycles to go around for meetings, library, seminars, etc within the compound wall of the organization. Only the head of the unit is having a car and few cars are in service for external transport (for going to airport or making enquireis and purchases). Other than the top man, every one uses mass transport system (bus) for transfer from colony to office.
Already many organizations are following this. To maintain bicycles and attend repairs, the organization should have a maintenance section.
I also heard that in a company, only bicycles are used and any body can take any bicycle available nearby and leave it wherever he goes for others also to use. They are not locked. It is like a free trolley system as it is in departmental stores, super markets, airports.
A good system indeed.
In our safety division, yesterday we discussed about what can be done for reducing environment pollution. We use about 40 nos. of two and four-wheelers for internal transport. A friend suggested about use of bicycles instead of auto vehicles. A good idea worth following. In my earlier organization which is a sister concern of our department, everybody including senior officials use bicycles to go around for meetings, library, seminars, etc within the compound wall of the organization. Only the head of the unit is having a car and few cars are in service for external transport (for going to airport or making enquireis and purchases). Other than the top man, every one uses mass transport system (bus) for transfer from colony to office.
Already many organizations are following this. To maintain bicycles and attend repairs, the organization should have a maintenance section.
I also heard that in a company, only bicycles are used and any body can take any bicycle available nearby and leave it wherever he goes for others also to use. They are not locked. It is like a free trolley system as it is in departmental stores, super markets, airports.
A good system indeed.
Safety Policy of an organization - The Best Statement
Over a period of time, I subscribed many e-news letters which spread safety awareness with their free communication. In one such news letter, I found mention of a company which worked for 33.0 million man-hours without a reportable accident. I went through its website and found a mission statement which I liked very much. The company is S & B Engineers and Constructors Ltd of USA (www.sbec.com)involved in engineering, procurement and construction with about 3500 employee. There were no reportable accidents from 1994The mission statement reads as follows:
"We make NO compromise with respect to Morality, Ethics, and Safety. If a design or work practice is perceived to be unsafe, we do not proceed until the issue is resolved."
It is the best ever statement which I read till date and I recommend to every organization to use this as their safety policy and implemnt it. Never I my heart filled with a feeling of bliss as when I read this statement.
And I am sure other organizations should learn from this organization which is best suited to be a role model.
Some of the links of the same website are,
http://www.sbec.com/safety/
http://www.sbec.com/services/safety/
I am not convassing for the company services, but I am sure one will benefit by implementing its safety systems in their organization.
"We make NO compromise with respect to Morality, Ethics, and Safety. If a design or work practice is perceived to be unsafe, we do not proceed until the issue is resolved."
It is the best ever statement which I read till date and I recommend to every organization to use this as their safety policy and implemnt it. Never I my heart filled with a feeling of bliss as when I read this statement.
And I am sure other organizations should learn from this organization which is best suited to be a role model.
Some of the links of the same website are,
http://www.sbec.com/safety/
http://www.sbec.com/services/safety/
I am not convassing for the company services, but I am sure one will benefit by implementing its safety systems in their organization.
Jun 4, 2010
Safety Rewards/Incentives - Boon or Bane?
Many organizations reward and provide incentive to their employees for working safely for certain period without accident or for reporting of near misses, incidents, etc or giving suggestion for enhancing safety at work place.
However, the question is whether such rewards or incentives are helpful on long term basis. As long as genuine reporting system exists and followed, the rewarding system may work. However, it is also likely that accidents may not be reported and hid so that targeted accident-free period can be achieved and rewarded, which will defeat the basic purpose of improving safety at work place.
Sometime back, an expert commented in a safety seminar that rewarding system will not work. The news of various accidents in different countries supports such statements because generally there will not be any accident without warning signals. If action is taken on such signals, then accidents could have been avoided. As nobody cares to report or take action, people and environment are endangered.
It is therefore advisable not to pamper employees with rewards and instead use the resources to communicate the hazards and consequences so that accidents do not occur. Again hazard communication should be specific to the job in which persons are engaged and in this regard, job supervisors play important role.
However, the question is whether such rewards or incentives are helpful on long term basis. As long as genuine reporting system exists and followed, the rewarding system may work. However, it is also likely that accidents may not be reported and hid so that targeted accident-free period can be achieved and rewarded, which will defeat the basic purpose of improving safety at work place.
Sometime back, an expert commented in a safety seminar that rewarding system will not work. The news of various accidents in different countries supports such statements because generally there will not be any accident without warning signals. If action is taken on such signals, then accidents could have been avoided. As nobody cares to report or take action, people and environment are endangered.
It is therefore advisable not to pamper employees with rewards and instead use the resources to communicate the hazards and consequences so that accidents do not occur. Again hazard communication should be specific to the job in which persons are engaged and in this regard, job supervisors play important role.
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