Rights and responsibilities

I attended a program on the occasion of 134th birth anniversary of Dr B.R.Amdekar. Dr N.Siddoji Rao, Academic Director, Government of Andhra Pradesh in his address made an important statement which is applicable even in safety field. He has come up by undergoing all sufferings in his life and his speech was very good and highly motivational.

He stated that while many ask for their rights, very few take responsibility and accountability. Applying to safety in work place, while we are right in asking for a safe work place, it is also our responsibility that we follow safe procedures, ensure safe working conditions without bypassing or defeating safety systems, check for availability of safety systems provided before starting a work, use personal protective equipment provided, undergo training in all sincerity to understand and implement instead of mere attendance or like a leisure period, report lapses or nearmisses in the work area so as to take action for safety, etc.

Who is your boss at work?

Yesterday,  I had an opportunity to listen to two great personalities during a  program on World Health Day. The first was a renowned orthopedic Dr Aditya Kapoor,  Director,  Omega Hospital,  Hyderabad. He delivered a talk on, "Healthy bones and joints in elderly". One point I noted is that direct exposure of arms and feet to sunlight for about 10-20 minutes gives more Vitamin D than other forms of intake. He also stressed upon importance of ergonomics for a healthy worker.

Another expert, I listened to is, Former Chairman and Chief Executive,  Nuclear Fuel Complex,  75 year old, looks healthy and fit than many youngsters. During his address,  he stated that he had three bosses at work. One is, superior to whom he reported.  Other two were, Safety and Quality personnel. Last two personnel are important and their decisions were taken seriously to ensure Safety for workmen and to ensure delivery of product meeting customer requirement for safe use down the line.

Such a statement from a person who served the organization in highest position is truly an encouragement for all professionals.

Nothing to add further. 

Anger control during driving

I drive vehicle every day 13 km to my workplace and same distance back to home. Not a single day goes without someone crossing the vehicle unsafe manner. I am not alert, it may lead to road accident. Naturally, driver of bigger vehicle gets the blame. Everyday, I get angry whenever such a thing happens.

Off late, I am doing prayers and also listening to the preachings by holy personalities. I observed that my irritation arising from unsafe driving of others crossing my path, is less. I hope it will come down further.

Hence, taking my experience, those who believe in prayers or listening heartwarming preachings or music may do so and it can help to be calm and also help in our good health.

Protection from physical abuse at home

It is seen in the media about physical abuse or intimidation of parents or grand parents by children. Hard earned money or assets   are taken (grabbed) with or without taking care of elders at later years.

Cases are filed by a few of such elderly persons and courts have given judgement to restore back the property to elders when children failed to respect and take care.

Awareness about laws in simple language can be brought to common people through advertising,  displays, announcements, caller tunes, etc as was being done on digital arrest in present times. Same was done about safety during covid time.

Police patrolling of all areas will help people to approach and complain in case of difficulty. 

Fish bite - clostridium bacterial infection - amputation

Fish-bite-man-loses-palm-rare-infection-Thalassery-Kerala

It seems that such infection can happen 2 in a lakh affected. 

Elevator mishaps

Elevator-mishaps-in-hyderabad-a-growing-concern

Why others should tell me

In a factory, the safety personnel monitor safety aspects by  inspection,  survey, audit. But, these personnel are in shop floor for a limited time, while plant personnel will be for entire working hours and can identify the safety issues better than safety department. 

In a self driven approach, plant can do better than safety department and make work area better. 

If plant personnel take it as an insult about hazard identification by others,  then only improvements can happen. Hazards shall be identified by shop floor personnel themselves as they are present always. If not identified means that they are not bothered about safety.

A plant performance assessment shall include not only production,  but also the hazards identified and corrected, training, House keeping,  etc.

Use of bare conductors of electricity

Yesterday I saw use of series test lamp with bare conductors (no plug top) by government electrician for a work opposite my house at native place. 

It is a wrong practice.  Bare conductors can cause loose contact, friction, draw overload current or sparks, and may lead fire, flash burns, etc.

Professionals with experience can make such mistakes,  may be overconfidence,  clean record in the past, momentary lapse, urgency to do work, etc which is not correct and not acceptable. 

Typical behaviour of airline passengers

Soon after takeoff,  a few rush to restroom,  some will call air hostess for water, some will pull the bag from cabin above head, some will get up and look at other passengers,  some will walk with their child (like a demo piece), some will go to their known persons and start conversation as if there is no time after. 

Now, soon after plane touches ground and taxiing to its gate,  some will unbuckle the seat belt as if they are under enormous pain, some will try to get up even while taxiing,  etc.

Many such actions are risky, but they don't mind.

Static charge

Social media news on shocking Static charge

https://www.news18.com/viral/end-tata-bye-bye-static-electricity-ruins-couples-honeymoon-in-manali-hotel-ws-ab-9249953.html

Karma - consequence of an action

Bhagavadgita - The preachings of Lord Krishna states that one has to undergo the consequences / outcome of whatever we do (karma). 

In our day to day work,  if we follow the well laid procedures,  SOPs, protocals, then the outcome will be safe productivity.

If not followed, the results will be either way, depending upon circumstances and so called luck.

Luck will not be on outside always.

Law of averages will catch us.

An easy to understand video (courtesy: social media WhatsApp) is attached below. No explanation is required.

Confined space work - hazards and precautions

The following link leads to confined space work. The opening statement is very much valid for all. The statement reads as,

Benjamin Franklin famously once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” but nowhere is this statement clearer—or riskier—than when it comes to worker safety. 

https://www.ehstoday.com/safety/article/55266255/what-employers-must-know-about-the-dangers-of-working-in-confined-spaces?o_eid=1936G3569489I9F&oly_enc_id=1936G3569489I9F&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1936G3569489I9F&utm_campaign=CPS250129031&utm_medium=email&utm_source=OZ+EHS+Today+Daily+Update

Please go through the above link for details.

Mixup of items in airport security checkin

A friend of mine narrated his harrowing experience in a airpot, for no fault of his own. 

After reaching the airport, for security checks, he kept all his electronic items in a tray for X-ray scan and after his physical security check,  he collected his items from outlet platform of the scanner. Then,  he kept all the items in the hand bag, took mobile phone with him, boarded the flight and travelled to the destination. 

While coming out after landing,  he was met with a security person and was asked to show all items in the hand bag. 

To  his surprise, along with his laptop,  chargers, etc one more mobile phone was found which doesn't belong to him.

My friend was questioned and intimidated for this for taking other's mobile phone. My friend explained that he does not how it came in his bag and he collected items only from his tray in the previous airport. Subsequently, my friend learnt that the owner of other mobile phone kept his phone in the tray of my friend during security check in the previous airport which my friend did not realize while collecting and keeping in the bag.

The security in previous airport checked the CCTV footage upto boarding gate, and informed the security of destination airport. 

We have to be careful to guard against other's activities which may affect us as above. 

I also liked about the security aspects in airports about their tracing of missed items as above. 

Policing - not to expect respect

LINK

Hazards of phone charging in public places

Sometime ago, the media is flooded with possible data theft by cyber criminals while charging the mobiles using chargers available in public places.

Can be true.

If we have to do it,  we can do so by keeping the mobile switched off.

Personal experience- car driving - microsleeping

Recently,  I was returning from a friend's place by self driving. A friend was sitting in the adjacent seat.

I got up at 0300 hr, started at 0330 hr, picked up a friend,  and drove for 4 hours. After meeting the friend, while returning, I experienced this microsleeping. 

I saw a truck parked roadside during my drive, but didn't make any attempt to move away. Truck is seen, but no action taken. I was awoke. My friend sitting by the side tapped me and I came to full senses and drove the vehicle safely.

I wondered what happened to me, thought like is it sleep paralysis. Later, searched internet and found this state of awoke, but sleeping subconsciously is known as microsleeping.  This arises due to fatigueness, stress, etc.

Remedies are, having good rest before start of journey,  intermittent breaks or short duration rest periods like taking coffee, water, etc.

I sipped water during the driving.

Meta AI result for, "How to prevent industrial accidents"

First time used Meta AI with a query on "How to prevent industrial accidents".

Following was the result.  I felt it useful for those preparing for Examinations or interviews. 

Preventing industrial accidents requires a multi-faceted approach that involves employers, employees, and regulatory agencies. Here are some strategies to help prevent industrial accidents:

Employer Responsibilities

1. *Conduct regular risk assessments*: Identify potential hazards and implement controls to mitigate risks.

2. *Develop and enforce safety policies*: Establish clear safety procedures and ensure employees understand and follow them.

3. *Provide training and education*: Offer regular training on safety procedures, equipment operation, and emergency response.

4. *Maintain equipment and machinery*: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to prevent malfunctions.

5. *Encourage employee participation*: Foster an open-door policy for employees to report safety concerns and suggestions.

Employee Responsibilities

1. *Follow safety procedures*: Adhere to established safety protocols and guidelines.

2. *Report safety concerns*: Inform supervisors or HR about potential hazards or safety issues.

3. *Participate in training*: Attend safety training sessions and workshops.

4. *Use personal protective equipment (PPE)*: Wear required PPE, such as hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses.

5. *Stay alert and focused*: Avoid distractions and maintain situational awareness while working.

Regulatory Compliance

1. *Comply with industry regulations*: Adhere to relevant laws, standards, and guidelines, such as OSHA regulations.

2. *Implement safety standards*: Adopt industry-recognized safety standards, such as those developed by ANSI or ASME.

3. *Conduct regular audits*: Perform internal audits to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.

Additional Strategies

1. *Promote a safety culture*: Encourage a culture of safety within the organization, where employees feel empowered to speak up about safety concerns.

2. *Use technology and automation*: Leverage technology, such as sensors and automation systems, to improve safety and reduce risks.

3. *Invest in employee wellness*: Support employee physical and mental well-being through wellness programs and resources.

4. *Develop emergency response plans*: Establish procedures for responding to emergencies, such as fires, spills, or injuries.

5. *Continuously review and improve*: Regularly review safety procedures and incident reports to identify areas for improvement.

By implementing these strategies, employers and employees can work together to prevent industrial accidents and create a safer work environment.

Volume change demonstration

Please see change in volume on heating 

Vehicle accident from entangled shoe lace

Today,  I  received a short video in WhatsApp about loss of two lives driving a vehicle due to entanglement of driver's shoe lace with bike foot rest. 

The video cautioned about similar case in car driving also about entanglement with car brake or clutch pedals, immobilizing the driver's foot and possible accidents.

Though,  everyday we drive, this hazard identification did not happen. 

Recommended to have shoe lace properly covered or use slip on type shoes to avoid such incidents. 

Winter driving

Driving in winter is associated with risk due to fog particularly the duration around sun rise. 

Adding to the trouble is pollution,  extending poor visibility duration.

For road users, both drivers and pedestrians,  it is risky affair.  

Need to be slow in movement to avoid collisions.

Should have reflectors on all four sides,  use halogen lamps both in front and rear.