Fatality due to fall of tripod at construction site

A person died when a tripod kept above at a construction site for shuttering work fell down. In another accident, a drum kept at height for use as access fell down on a person causing minor head injury. Accidents like these are common at construction sites and minimum safety guidelines recommend use of safety nets, barricading the area below, posting danger signs, securing the loose items at top, supervision, etc and failure to comply with these recommendations will result in injuries and deaths at times like the first one. It is not clear whether the person died is a construction worker or not and whether he was wearing any safety helmet.

Lathe machine accident

A news paper report about 10 days ago mentioned about death of a sweeper near lathe machine in an engineering work shop. The lady sweeper was hit by pieces of drill bit that broke while threading a job piece on the lathe. It appears that excessive force was applied to do threading by the operator. While the woman died at the spot, the operator received serious injuries. This accident reminds about the need for job hazard analysis, proper training and supervision in any work.

Iron powder catches fire

A CSB investigation finding mentions that iron powder combustion lead to a fatality and injured another. The atomized iron powder dust dislodged during inspection by maintenance workers caught fire. Though, we know dust explosions, like ammonia fires/explosions, iron powder fire also is difficult to digest. Such information should be brought to the notice of all employees so that they will not be lax on their part.

Dust explosions are said to be more dangerous than normal explosions, as initiation of dust explosion can disturb the settled powder making it airborne and lead to secondary and tertiary explosions.
CSB mentions that metal powder dust flash fires and explosions cause more serious injuries than flammable gas or vapor fires because of radiant heat. A CSB study on 281 combustible dust fires and explosions during 1980-2005 indicate 119 deaths and more than 700 injuries due to these incidents.

The best way to avoid dust explosions is to have dust collections systems, regular wet mopping, flameproof electrical fittings, maintaining atleast 50% humidity, static charge discharge mechanisms, etc and maintaining records to ensure that safety systems are maintained.
A news item on the above is also available here(1), here (2) and here(3) , here(4)..

PCB order to close public sector manufacturer

A news item mentions about order of state pollution control board asking to close a public sector pesticide manufacturing facility for violating environment protection rules. Such closures involving public sectors are rare and this implies that private sector facilities should be more careful in their operations. One should not take things for granted and keep violating norms.
It is common to read/see reports of demolishing buildings for violating rules/not taking permission. Instead of penalising, total closure/demolition exhibit the determination of concerned authorities and alert other violators to put their house in order before they become targets.
Nobody is above law, let it be anybody.

Fall of woman from balcony

A news item mentions about fall of woman from balcony and succumbing to injuries. Most of the builders construct balconies of height about (3 1/2 ft) which appear to be dangerous for tall persons. Though children and medium height persons (about 5 ft) may not be in danger, but taller persons when they lean on to the balcony of this height are likely to loose balance and fall.

Nearmiss - my experience during rain and heavy wind

Last week I was on pilgrimage tour along with friends on a rented car. When we were nearing a temple town, there was heavy rain with winds. As we approached the temple, our driver stopped the car about 15 m away from a temporary structure made for temple function. Within 2 minutes, we saw the entire structure falling down on a car near, due to heavy winds. The occupants of the car ran away. Though, there was no damage, but it is an experience and we were saved by our driver's timely action.
We always tell workers at height not to work during rains/winds, but if people see the incident, I think, then only they will understand the meaning in it.

Electrical Safety – 10 Quick Tips

An article from safetyxchange. Simple and easy to understand. In safety, there is a word KISS - keep it simple stupid.

Electrical Safety – 10 Quick Tips

12 Fire Prevention Tips for Workers

An article from safetyxchange like the previous one.
12 Fire Prevention Tips for Workers

How to Use Safety’s Magic Metre

Here is an article on protecting oneself from hazards including workplace violence. Though, all of us know to maintain distance away from hazards, rogues, etc, it is presented in a knovel way by the author.
How to Use Safety’s Magic Metre

Tips for kitchen safety

I found an article on the above title. Can be of useful.