Repetition of similar incidents - need for continuous reminder

When we read or hear about accidents or incidents, immediately, we remember or feel that a similar one happened earlier somewhere, either in our premises or outside. 

Generally, there's nothing new that caused the incident. We only do not follow what is already known. This calls for continuous reminder and thus retraining of persons.

And, HR department faces the problem of not getting the participants inspite of training calendar and listing of employees for training. This is because of not relieving these listed persons by respective incharges for various reasons like production or other jobs, or participants themselves not having interest

I feel that pay rise and promotions should be linked to attendance in training programmes as well as passing the exams conducted at the end of training. 

Also, action should be taken on persons found  responsible for incidents in the form of pay cut, collecting or recovering the loss suffered and initiating legal proceedings. 

This may look absurd, but without accountability and responsibility, we will continue to see occurrence of incidents for which root cause are already known. They happen only because someone ignored and failed to take precautions.

Success or failure - it is a team's achievement - with a rider!

Recently Indian cricket team lost the series to England. Those who praised the first win were the same to blame the losses also. However, success or failure depends directly on the collective performance of the team. And, the responsibility also rests with the team selection committee.

If the team members are hand picked without choice or concurrence of the team leader (Captain), then the committee is responsible for the outcome. The role of the captain is limited to running the show, as he can. If the captain is not capable, then a good team also can not perform.

This is also true for OHS management. You appoint some staff who are worthless and expect the result, it is only a daydream. For name sake, there will be X number of staff, but real performers may be scarce among the X.

Responsibility for property damage in a fire

It is common to read in news papers about fire incidents, property damage and accusations of fire services for delay in reaching the incident. But, the main culprit is the owner/tenant of the premises. One should check what measures are taken by the owner/tenant of the premises. There would not have been any fire incident, had all precautions like storing of the materials properly, using proper electrical wiring, avoiding ignition sources, etc are followed and maintained. Similarly, fire detection, warning and protection system should be in place so that even in case of fire, the damage can be minimum. However, hardly any of these measures are taken or followed.
Every building should have sufficient ground storage water and sufficient distance around the building free from obstructions. However, greediness overtakes fire safety measures and all available space is used for creating some more commercial space. Having water for fire safety is not thought at all. All these failures are overlooked and fire department is accused for not reaching the fire incident place quickly.

Who is responsible for safety for works in your plant?

In an operating plant, various works of maintenance, civil, erection/commissioning of new equipment/facilities, house keeping, etc will be in progress under the supervision of in-charges for respective agencies. However, in case of any lapse with regards to safety or any incident/accident, question arises to decide who is responsible for the incident. Though, safety permits may be issued in the name of the executing agency, plant in-charge also should be held equally responsible as it is the work in his plant and is being done by other agencies because of his request. If any incident occurs, brunt is to be borne by plant officials, plant operations may have to be suspended and in worst case plant may be exposed to damage.

Hence, plant officials can't escape from responsibility to ensure safety during works executed by other agencies.