Many people are seen rushing at the last moment to catch the train or flight which doesn't wait for you whereas they could have started a bit early. You can spend some time in the station or airport effectively rather than sitting at home or in office or some other place. You don't know what obstacles are ahead. You can't check google map and take that time for as your travel time.
Aug 14, 2022
Planning
When you want to do some work, you have to plan everything to be successful. Starting the work without planning may lead to failure and you will get dejected. You have to blame yourself. Listen to what the experienced people say. They have learnt may be at some cost and your are getting it free when they offer an advice.
NMC PGMEB guidelines for stress reduction among PG medical students
The stress faced by medical students during post-graduation is noted by National Medical Commission and issued guidelines to all colleges to take steps like regulating working hours, weekly offs, sanctioning of leaves, counseling, yoga classes, etc.
Though ragging is prohibited, colleges may identify by inviting anonymous grievances with grievance boxes placed in multiple locations NOT in open places but in toilets, so that students do not feel under watch and thus fair reporting of issues faced by students can be received and action can be taken accordingly.
These boxes can be opened at regular intervals, say, once in a day by an attendar. Receiving of this type of feedback will help college managements to improve their reputation and more students may prefer such colleges for admission.
Students can be placed in round the clock 8 hour shifts like in factories with 24 hour minimum rest between shift change over periods. Also, students need to have access to hygienic food and water.
It has to be seen that the faculty will have a fair assessment methodology without depending upon the feedback of senior residents, else, junior students may be forced to do the work of their seniors.
Though the junior doctors complain of stress, these same junior doctors may handle their juniors in the following years. Else, there should not be any such complaints about senior residents.
Some of the links to news items are shared below:
Apr 3, 2022
Fires
Every day we are seeing some news on accidents here and there. Many of these seem to be avoidable with their own common sense, while others could have been avoided with supervision and monitoring.
We do not pay attention to the work we are doing. An oversight even momentarily leads to the initiation of events ultimately resulting in accidents with or without injury.
Some incidents are like, the person wants to complete the allotted work quickly so that either he can do more and get financial benefit, or leave the workplace either for rest or go away for some personal work. These things do happen when time discipline is not followed. Greediness is another reason. In these cases, supervision to ensure SOP compliance as well as to ensure shopfloor attendance for the allotted shift schedule is essential. We should not encourage to do work by circumventing the safe work procedure or standard operating procedure to get more output. These will result in accidents for sure. This can be compared to overspeed driving.
Similarly, as summer is approaching, already many fire incidents are reported in the media. Many are attributed to short circuits. But, why the factories/buildings should have faulty wiring. Is not the responsibility of the owner who is running the operations, to check and ensure that his property is safe and no interruption takes place because of such incidents. Huge property losses are reported from the fire incidents with the well-known / widely reported reason of short circuit.
Insurance firms should ensure the compulsory submission of annual audits from recognized agencies by the firms for the renewal of insurance. Any addition of electricity load also shall not be done without certification from the auditing agency. This is required to ensure that the wiring, distribution boards, protection systems and supply systems are suitable to take the proposed loads.
Local bodies also shall not give additional electricity loads unless such certifications are submitted and are verified by the agency.
A fire incident will not only damage the particular firm due to its fault but also endangers nearby buildings and their occupants. This also puts the lives of firefighters at risk during their work for fire extinguishing. Thus, local governments and agencies have every right to get audits before permitting additional loads or works.
Mar 22, 2022
Display boards - its importance
Many times, persons question about the importance of bill boards, its utility and money spent is considered as waste. Questions are also raised about, does the reader / viewer is serious to understand and follow.
Apprehension were particularly w.r.t. posters, slogans, etc.
The way bill boards attract about products / entertainment visuals, the same way boards with preaching may not attract.
However, over a period of time, suddenly, a realization may come to the viewer by comparing his/her own experience and it strikes them for better.
For that particular moment to arrive, it can be immediate or it may take months/years together. Again, over a time, persons will forget. But, these displays act as a reminder.
Till such time, though it looks simple, the meaning is not understood.
We have to remember that slogans / proverbs are the outcome of somebody's experience or forethought. These are same as rules and regulations made after observing so many incidents / events.
Hence, we should give sufficient thought, have creativity to make attractive boards for personnel to see and understand at the earliest so that it helps them to follow for better, helps in day-to-day activities, develops attitude and safety culture.
Mar 20, 2022
Wrong side driving - road safety
Recently, I went outstation on road by car due to some emergency. The distance covered one way was about 550 km.
In this particular route, in one stretch, I had many near misses, as I found vehicles of all types like 4- / 2- wheelers, carts, etc coming straight opposite in the wrong direction.
Assuming I am safe due to the road divider, I was driving at 80-100 kmph speed. But, as I entered this particular stretch, I narrowly missed opposite coming vehicles many times. Initially, I thought it is a one-time affair. But, there was a constant stream of vehicles of all types. In one particular place, I thought I got one more life. The truck coming opposite straight in the wrong direction to me was about to hit, after taking a turn from the other side at about 50 distance (which I did not expect such a thing can happen). To avoid a collision, I changed from the lane adjacent to the divider to the middle lane. But, this truck driver also moved to the middle lane, and hurriedly he moved to the first lane again, thus narrowly missing me. Further to this wrong direction driving, he started staring at me.
I felt that this lane discipline is nothing and should be careful during driving in this stretch at all times that vehicles can come in all directions.
Jan 19, 2022
Some thoughts about width of vehicles
Sometimes, while driving, I missed narrowly hitting the backside of the vehicles while overtaking. Though I tried to keep some distance during overtaking, still these vehicles come closer to me. This happened mostly with tri-wheelers.
It is my impression that the tri-wheeler vehicles due to their smaller driver cabin compared to their luggage rear portion, these drivers are taking care of only themselves without ensuring safe margins for entire vehicles.
So, I feel that the width of the vehicle should be the same both at the front and back so that this sort of problem may not arise.
Dec 29, 2021
Rare incident in the mid air
Freak incident
https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/plane-windscreen-cracked-by-block-of-ice-that-fell-from-another-plane-flying-1000-ft-above/844279
Dec 18, 2021
Use of PPE - need for checks before use
In an incident involving the fall of the person from height, investigation of the incident revealed damaged safety belt. Though the person used a safety belt, when he slipped and fell, the belt got broken near the hook. The belt got damaged from weld sparks.
In another incident of fall of a person, the person did not buckle the belt properly.
These examples stress the need for use of proper PPE, checking for its integrity before use, training the personnel for safe use, and supervision.
Nov 1, 2021
Countries by Petrol Prices and GDP per capita - StatisticsTimes.com
Petrol price in different countries globally and in India is available at the following. The data may not be the latest as of the moment but gives an idea to the persons interested in knowing where we are.
Oct 13, 2021
Covid masks - entry of strands / fibre into the mouth
All of us are using masks for protection against covid. Disposable masks coming with 2/3 layers are having fibrous material as a lining and depending on the quality, these fibres/strands are entering the mouth. This may lead to future problems once they enter the body through the mouth to lungs/stomach. To avoid entry, it is better to replace such masks once in 2-3 hours. The best is to go for cloth type masks.
Oct 12, 2021
Bottle Gourd (laukee) toxicity
Bottle Gourd (laukee) toxicity: Tahira Kashyap lands up in ICU after consuming bitter bottle gourd, shares a warning note |
The Times of India
Jul 17, 2021
Covid pandemic - change of working hours
The second wave is on the downside and as per experts, the third wave is in the beginning stage. Governments expressed concern about the lack of discipline among the public.
W.r.t. organizations, some organizations are continuing work from home. Others resumed working in the official spaces.
However, where possible, we can alter working hours so that those commuting to the workplace can travel in hours that are different from other organizations.
Flexible hours also can be followed where possible.
We lost so many work hours due to the pandemic in the first two stages. Governments and organizations can have tight control till the entire situation is controlled. Definitely, this pandemic will continue for few months or 1-2 years. But all efforts taken earlier will go waste if it is not followed.
May 24, 2021
The journalist who alerted about Bhopal accident in advance died of covid
please see the link to read from the source:
May 19, 2021
Covid lockdown - possible impact of few relaxed hours to do shopping
Most of the state governments imposed lockdown to contain the spread of covid among the public. A few hours of time in the morning are allowed for the public to do essential shopping. However, it is seen that crowd has increased enormously on roads and shops, as everybody wants to buy for home. Social distancing is hardly visible during these hours, as persons are in hurry to complete shopping and reach home before the relaxed hours end. As industrial activity is permitted to ensure continuous supplies and not to affect the economy, those office goers are also on the roads at the same time.
This may lead to more spread and the impact in the form of increased numbers may be felt after some weeks. It is suggested to increase the hours to enable shopping by the public so that crowding can be less, compared to present scenario. Shopping times also can be different to office goers' timings, by keeping say, 1000-1500 hr and late night hours like 2200-0300 hr. This may help to reduce crowding. The public should make use of online booking and delivery systems which the governments already permitted to avoid the public going outside.
Apr 29, 2021
Covid - regulation of information
With one year of experience, there is a lot of information on the internet and social media about cases, variants, different remedies, availability or lack of doctors, beds, oxygen cylinders, etc. The greediness of individuals and hospitals to cash on the panic is also seen. Though this is helpful as well as harmful, as experts say, only about 6% of the affected require hospital treatment and for others, it is home isolation and treatment. Hence, there is a need for a single agency for one state for making available all necessary information. Other than this agency, others who circulate should be punished. If these are really concerned and assessed knowledgeable, such persons can be drafted in the state-controlled agency.
Government should declare and take over all medical facilities for treating covid patients, as different hospitals charge differently and exorbitantly making it difficult for poor persons. This will help in the effective utilization of hospitals and other medical facilities.
Also, the families affected with covid are under enormous psychological stress due to the information, more than the actual situation at home.
Psychological counselling is required for those in need. A single number like that for police/ambulance/fire can be created so that these persons can be explained and counselled to reduce their panic and this will greatly help to recover also. The stressors are to be addressed in addition to medical help for quick recovery.
Yesterday, I heard in a virtual seminar organized by the authority on the subject that one country has created an APP for dealing with stress. Those in need can use the same and get relevant information and videos to get clarified and stop worrying. I felt that this is really great work and needs to be emulated. As the information is authentic and is delivered by the state, it will also help the affected persons to believe and then follow the advice.
Apr 27, 2021
Punitive enforcement for stricter compliance with guidelines for preventing spread of covid
It is seen on the roads, media in different parts of the world that the public, though are scared of getting covid virus, are not following the basic requirements, like, wearing a mask covering the nose, mouth, and chin; not maintaining the social distance of 2 m; not limiting the movements, etc.
As seen in WhatsApp videos and others, only when police chase one person, immediately those observing this are disappearing/covering with mask, etc. This shows that violations need to be dealt with with penal actions.
It is my opinion that all those violators found by police or such authorities should take photographs with violations, round them up and use them for work in covid hospitals / cleaning the roads / such works and defame them with the publishing of photos in police websites. Such persons should be herded and taken like municipal authorities chase, round them up, and take stray dogs and other animals that cause a nuisance to the public.
Even then, I do not know whether the change will come as it is human nature to say 'no' to what said by authorities 'yes'.
As an extreme step, imprisonment orders shall be given and enforced. Maybe such an extreme step will bring order in society.
Apr 26, 2021
Restriction of time periods for covid containment - suggestion
With the rise in covid cases, many states are going for restricted business hours. It is my opinion that this will only increase the chance of getting covid as everybody would crowd at shops/markets to make the unavoidable purchases.
Instead, authorities may permit business hours at night times also or only during nights. This will lead to less crowding and chances of contacting covid will be less.
Apr 12, 2021
Mar 10, 2021
EHSTODAY.COM article on "Reduce arc flash risks with MCCs"
In the article (link below), the author makes suggestions / methods to reduce arc flash risks (remote access and monitor, proper installation without openings/leaving tools/screws, etc, and use of arc flash resistant equipment).
Mar 9, 2021
Fatal fire in a multistorey building in Kolkota
In a fire incident that happened yesterday at about 1810 hr on the 13th floor of a building, seven persons including firefighters and police lost their lives. It is reported that the personnel used the elevator/lift to reach the site quickly. In the process due to heat on the floor and asphyxiation, they choked and died.
The general safety principle is not to use the lift in a fire as hot gases will flow upwards in the fire due to draft and can cause choking of persons inside. Also, it is likely that the fire can damage the metallic body, lifting cables and electrical cables endangering the persons inside. Also, Lift doors can get jammed due to hot conditions and trap the persons inside. Hence, it is always advised not to use a lift but to use stairs in case of fire.
Further, to make a foolproof system, it is better to interlock such that the power supply to the lift will be cut off in the event of fire detection and the lift will go only to the next level and stop there and doors are opened automatically.
Mar 5, 2021
Silly funny selfie by an intern in a prison causes change of 600 locks
An intern in a prison took a selfie and posted it. But the selfie revealed the picture of the master key that could have compromised the security of the prison. The officials have taken action to replace all locks.
Mar 4, 2021
Attitude for safety
Every day we hear or read about accidents during transport, in factories, etc. Most of the time, reasons appear to be silly which could have been overcome. Still, it happens every day.
Why it happens?
Even though it is known that the accidents do take place for the causes in our control, occurrence indicates the perception of the person involved directly or indirectly ignoring the safety principles.
Risk-taking is more in these instances.
Risk-takers may earn more in financial circles, but, the benefits are always negligible compared to one major injury that cripples our as well as dependant's lives.
Easier said than followed, still one should always go for a safe method that protects him and others.
Mar 3, 2021
Death of crane operator
In a reported incident, a crane operator fell out on the road, after hitting another crane moving ahead on the road. The crane toppled and the person died under it.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/crane-driver-dies-in-freak-accident/articleshow/81280935.cms
It appears that the operator did not wear any seat belt. Safety requirements specify the use of a seatbelt to prevent such falls. It is often seen that operators of material handling equipment like cranes, forklift trucks, etc do not wear seat belts even though provided by the manufacturers. Some operators jump out sensing some trouble to protect themselves, but in the process, get injured from the crane/forklift or the load lifted falling on them. A seatbelt or restrain device keeps the person within the secured cabin.
Managers should ensure the use of seat belts to avoid such (fatal) incidents by education, supervision, and enforcement.
Mar 1, 2021
Power failure - exposure to toxic gases - deaths and injuries
As per reports on the internet, 5 persons died and 8 persons got injured on exposure to toxic gases. It is stated that a short circuit led to power failure, stoppage of exhaust systems. After the restoration of power, persons got exposed while entering the plant for work.
The preliminary reasons given indicate the importance of exhaust systems in chemical plants or in areas where toxic gases can accumulate (like in confined spaces, mines, etc).
The way it looks, risk assessment, and safety measures for protection appear to be inadequate. Power failure for about 90-120 minutes caused the work area to be filled with toxic gases. This indicates that workers were working in such hazardous environments with dependence on the functioning of exhaust systems. This plant area seems to be the most dangerous area with continuous generation and exhaust of toxic gases to maintain a breathable atmosphere. If this is the case, entry to such areas should be with breathing sets and for a short duration. These areas are not fit for long-duration works. There should have been online gas detectors with audio-visual alarms with emergency power backup.
Feb 27, 2021
Significance of Leadership for Safety in Licensee Organizations: Self-Regulation
Yesterday, I listened to a seminar through virtual mode on the above topic. The message conveyed through all presentations was good. The presentations were also interesting and captured my attention. I attended a similar seminar a few years ago also.
The important points to take home are as below:
- Leadership is to be exhibited at all levels to ensure safety.
- Self-regulation is important and is helpful to growing organizations.
- Organizations shall have self-imposed goals and should work for them (self-regulation), rather than looking to the regulators to identify their drawbacks (here, third-party audits will be helpful, if the organizations do not have the competency to identify their problems).
- The Decision-making process is an important activity to identify and correct the situation before it escalates.
- We can't sit quietly by taking pride in our past successes. Our past weaknesses are there still and can endanger us.
- Self-regulation through safety culture will help in safety management and lead the organizations to a successful path.
Feb 25, 2021
Feb 24, 2021
High levels of PM2.5 and PM10 during early hours - morning exercisers to protect themselves
It is reported that particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 levels are very high even during early hours, particularly in winter. This is when there are no activities like construction or movement of vehicles. It is stated that condensation with low temperature leads to the formation of tiny particulate matter which suspended in air is leading to airborne matter. High dust levels can also be due to the settling of fine particulate matter that got suspended during day time from various activities. Depending upon the size and wind speed, the particles are either carried from other places or taking the time. Temperature inversion can be another factor in delaying the settling of dust particles.
I too observed the air quality index levels in my mobile, which continued to be high in the night and early hours, though, not high compared to daytime levels.
Another observation is the formation of a fine dust layer on the vehicles parked in garages and inside the houses after a few hours, even after wiping the surfaces in the night.
This indicates poor air that may not be suitable for us even in early morning hours and we can't go for outdoor exercises, particularly in winter. We may also get into respiratory problems by inhalation of condensed moisture as particulate matter. Maybe we have to cover the face with masks to avoid inhalation of harmful matter, not thinking that it is safe as there is no vehicle movement on the roads.
Feb 13, 2021
Importance of readily available data for preventing disasters - an article
Recently, I came across an article from Kinsmen Group, as given below. It discussed the importance of readily available data on workplace activities and incidents to prevent workplace disasters and protect the employees. It is called smart data, in the news item.
Following are some of the issues and observations made (data seems to be for USA):
- As per OSHA and Labour department, in the year 2019, more than 5000 persons died 9,00,000 were injured at workplace.
- Companies spend an average USD 7,500 for each lost-time workplace injury (we can call this as direct cost). Other costs consist of replacement of damaged equipment, reconstruction of facilities, compensation, etc. (As per theory, direct cost is only like a tip of the iceberg. And, cost of preventing an accident will be only about one fourth of the direct cost).
- As per National Safety Council, cost of workplace injuries in the year 2018 was USD 170 billion.
- Each fatality costs USD 1.0 million in medical costs, employer costs, and wage losses
- In a fatal fire and explosion incident, it seems, the emergency personnel do not have information of chemicals involved, otherwise, they could have saved the lives.
- Digitization and availability of data easily is not yet compulsory by many certification agencies. Organizations follow data retrieval in general age old methods like physical search instead of going for easy methods by using the computer/cloud technology/internet
- Data should be latest
Many of us definitely would have spent a lot of time in search of some information. It is my personal experience that on most of the occasions, I spent more than two hours to retrieve, and sometimes more than one person was engaged for information retrieval. And, on some occasions, I didn't find what I want. Availability of signed information will help us to support what remember/believe and use it to convince others for implementation of safety or whatever we would like to.
Digitizing the records with a provision to search will be helpful for us and our future generation. Some believe digitization means scanning the documents. But scanning without search option makes it useless. It is a primitive form. Instead of paper search, we have to search in computer page by page. Indexing these types of scanned pages may make life somewhat better. But, if scanning of documents is in readable text form to enable search with key words, and is available in encrypted form in cloud, like dropbox, mega, onedrive, pcloud, etc and is accessible with password protection to prevent unauthorized access, it will help a lot for productive use.
Searchable scanned records helped us greatly in the analysis of similar incidents and find suitable solutions to prevent recurrence of the incidents for a safe workplace
Updating of data is a continuous process.
Knowledge management is very important and critical to ensure safe productivity. World renowned safety professional Dr Trevor Kletz stated in one of his books (What Went Wrong) that incidents keep repeating either in the same or different similar organizations. We have to learn from them and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
Another safety professional Mr O.P.Kharbanda stated in a booklet about Bhopal accident, that Safety is not costly. In fact, it is free. What we need is the will to implement.
In one of the investigation reports, EPA made an observation which states, it is not the lack of knowledge that is responsible for the accident. It is the lack of use of the available information that is responsible for the accident.
How we can get the information at first place. If it is made available in a readily searchable form and is known the personnel how to use it, then this information management will help to achieve what we intended to.
Qualified technologies and personnel should be assigned for this and definitely organizations will reap the benefits from this.
Feb 11, 2021
Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services (TSDRFS) Department - achievements
The department during the year 2020 attended 7,899 calls as per the data published in its site.
With its dedicated efforts, it saved 1005 lives and saved property worth Rs 960 crores.
During the last seven years, it saved 2,301 lives and property worth Rs 4,667 crore in more than 62,000 calls attended.
Majority of the fires took place in residences, factories, storage yards, etc. Two major reasons for the fires are electrical short circuit and careless smoking habits.
As is a common feature, many times, the approach of emergency services to the fire site will be delayed due to traffic, encroachments, parking of vehicles on the roads, etc. Many do not keep parking areas within the buildings. Instead, public areas are used for parking. The entrance steps and/or ramps to many buildings will be on the road, thereby reducing the road width.
When buildings collapse due to fire or other reasons, because of above reasons, the available road will be filled with debris or parked vehicles prevent approach of fire services and this makes the fire fighting / rescue task very difficult.
National Building Code gives the requirements clearly with sufficient offsets / margins. Similarly, while seeking approvals from local government authorities, these margins may be shown in the drawing, but when comes to subsequent construction, hardly any space is kept free.
But, who will suffer. These building owners and tenants only will suffer in an emergency due to restricted access. But, the department and police will receive flak for not reaching in time or not able to extinguish / contain the fire.
Inspite of all these limitations, still the above numbers speak the invaluable contribution. And, one should not forget the risk taken by them. While risking their lives, they struggle to protect the lives and property. One may comment that they take salary, but who will risk their life for salary. It is their selfless dedicated action in the service of the public, that needs appreciation.
Death of a person due to swollen abdomen - cirrhosis
Recently, there was a death of an aged person (> 85 years) in our family. He was in the hospital on two occasions within a month before the death. He had a history of cellulitis to lower legs, with one leg is more severe than the other. Otherwise, perfectly healthy. After observing fluid bleeding from one lower leg through a node, swelling of feet, and slight fever, he was taken to the hospital and was admitted for investigations and treatment. With bed rest and treatment, the swelling has come down and was taken back home with prescribed bed rest and medication for home treatment. Doctors have informed that water from the abdomen may lead to chest and heart complications. He was alright, only that he was unable to sit for long periods and started sleeping for longer hours. After about two weeks, with the complaint of chest pain, he was again admitted. This time he experienced breathing problems and could not take food. Blood pressure was controlled with medicine. Food was given through a tube inserted. After ten days in the hospital, he slipped to unconsciousness, had heavy and noisy breathing. And, died within 24 hours of going into unconscious state.
The reason understood was that the swelling of the abdomen is because of cirrhosis which was caused in turn by hepatitis C. However due to age factor, transplantation of the liver could not be thought off.
Some useful links to the above observations are given below.
Feb 7, 2021
Similar number of covid cases - then and now - change of fear factor
Present day's covid cases are similar to those about a year ago. Even lesser, earlier. But, everyone was scared. Everyone suspected even their neighbors and stopped communicating, stopped exchanging the things that were practice before.
But, with similar cases now, hardly, anybody cares. Even the basic best practices like wearing a mask, social distancing, and sanitizer use has come down. Many are not following these practices.
With respect to numbers, more deaths took place in road accidents, medical reasons (other than covid), etc. But, we were scared to covid and now it has become common to accept as others.
Same is true in industry. We cared less for accidents of repetitive nature, but glorified those which may not happen again. Even today we blame chemical and nuclear industries, citing Bhopal and Chernobyl mishaps, but take less care in activities like driving, construction, etc. We care more to protect that do not have value more than human life, like memorabilia, vehicles, etc.
It's all in our mind. Though value of life is same in all cases, our perception makes us accord a different weightage, case to case.
We can truly improve and ensure safety only when we give same importance in all activities, and not accepting any unsafe act or condition.
Jan 30, 2021
Sound from washing machine use - findings
Recently, when our washing machine was in use, I heard a sound that is similar to the one generated due to the rotation of some coin or similar one or from the impact of fashionable hangings on clothes, in the drum. I removed all clothes from the drum, drained the water, but could not find any. Tried again with clothes and water in the drum and the same sound was heard. Then, I made empty runs of the drum with water alone and the sound could be heard again. But, there were no openings under the pulsator (shown below). Another attempt at the empty run with water gave sound again. Then, I tried to remove the pulsator, without success. But, I could remove the filter over the drain inside the drum, as shown with an arrow, and then operated the machine with water. After a few minutes, I saw, suddenly, a one rupee coin pushed into the drain (as in the picture). I am clueless still, how this coin found way to down below. But, my problem is solved and then I fixed back the filter again, though with some difficulty.
As the saying goes, listen to the machine to understand the problem, I could find the problem from the sound and thus avoid damage to the machine. Posted for information.
Effective use of resources - an article from Times of India
I read an article in Times of India about wastage of time and other resources with some meetings that may not be required or could have been done with short duration, thereby saving the time of so many. I used to observe TV visuals of meetings where several people will be sitting, while one or two will be talking, and others are seen looking at. Many times, people may be wondering what for they are called for the meeting. A meeting may last for sometime. But, preparation, mobilizing the persons (related or not) to the meeting, involve lot of time compared to that of the meeting. Virtual meeting platform, that has become popular due to restrictions from covid pandemic impact, helped many to shift and thus save lot of time in travel. Also, those who have to participate with little or no inputs required, can do their work parallelly and save the time. The article referred can be read as below:
Jan 27, 2021
Leadership - misconceptions
Leadership is a team effort. It is the outcome of collective effort by all concerned with the roles and responsibilities assigned explicitly or implicitly.
One should not see only at the CMD or CEO. In case of administration of public, only secretary or minister or higher level alone cannot bring changes. Generally, those in top echelons, may provide direction, some times, from their own ideas or in consultation with others. But implementation and achieving the goals depends on collective effort from top to bottom.
Thus, it is wrong to hold one person responsible for failure or success. If resources are not provided even after request, and available, then, top level can be at fault. But, with everything available at our disposal, still, if there is no output, then, others are more responsible for not utilising the resources.
Certification
As a part of operation of a production unit, we need to maintain several records. Some of these are made or updated by internal staff, while others require examination and certification by external/authorised officials.
The intention is to ensure safe and healthy work place. The records should be genuine. If any malpractice is there, like a spoiled child, organization also goes in to gutter, at some point of time, if not immediately.
One should not be happy with immediate effect, rather the focus should be on long term basis. Internal mechanism to check authenticity of the books shall be strong and robust to detect mistakes from short-sighted officials. Such persons need to be corrected with appropriate actions to discourage others. Even, if it delays the regular work. Then only, the culture of the organisation can be strong for the better.
The first impression of a visitor to the organisation will reflect the organisation's culture and values.
Jan 16, 2021
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.
Dec 30, 2020
2020: A review
This year's happenings are like those that happen once in a lifetime. It can be like those faced during world wars. With the imposition of lockdown in the country to tackle the covid pandemic, we could not go out for days together, and then we hand night curfews, limited mobility, etc. We do not have any idea about the extent to which the virus can harm. Hence, there were rifts even families about measures to be taken.
Coming to industrial safety, with the shutdown of operations, movement of many migrant workforce to their native places, these persons suffered to reach their destination. And then the organizations too suffered due to lack of working hands.
In some organizations, due to not following safe procedures for shutdown, emergency maintenance, or safe restart, a few incidents took place leading to loss of lives or injuries. Still, many organizations are having problems reaching the state of pre-covid.
And, then a covid variant surfaces now, as a parting gift of the year. What comes in the new year, we have to wait and see.
However, some benefits are also accrued as organizations tried to have work from home wherever possible, or implementation of remote work methods to avoid movement/contact and in the process reducing operational costs.
There is a saying which goes, whatever happens, is for our good. May be present phase is also like that. Let us hope for the best.
Dec 29, 2020
Distraction to drivers from bill boards on the roads
Today, I was driving to workplace. Enroute, while glancing at advertisements, I narrowly missed hitting a pedestrian. The lady crossing the road stopped and was looking at me, whereas I was watching billboard located at height, thereby missing the road view totally. It is mistake on my part. I also felt like there should not be any distraction to the drivers. Drivers should concentrate on the road traffic and possibly these billboards for others in the vehicles. Else, there can be accidents or near miss incidents like I had today.
Dec 20, 2020
Safety in stories - a medium to convey hazards in confined spaces like tunnels
Last week, I went to my home town and read a novel during the time. In the story, enemies plant a time bomb in a tunnel right under the building where a meeting with several important personalities is in progress. The main character working in the country's premier investigating agency suspects the location and tries to reach the spot through a tunnel. These lines are also punctured to release the gas. This tunnel also has gas lines and bomb explosion at a scheduled time will lead to a gas explosion with consequences for large scale destruction.
Anywhere, when a person has to enter a confined space like the tunnel described above, oxygen and other gas levels have to be checked first and take measures. As the issue in the story is of national importance, personnel enter inside, get exposed to the gas. Still, they go ahead and one of the person in the team, an expert in bomb disposal safely makes it inactive. Though the person gets unconscious, brought out by team members, finally survives and receives a medal.
The lesson for the readers is that, persons in tunnels can risk their lives due to gas or lack of oxygen. Though, initially I thought that the author should have considered safety aspects while continuing with the story, on brighter side, those who understand the dangers faced by the characters will atleast remember the same.
Control panel alarms - Do not acknowledge or reset unless action is taken
As the title goes, with huge control panels having several parameters to monitor, it becomes routine for operators to acknowledge the error message alarms. The intention is to take note of it or taken action if required. However, with work stress, it is likely that we may forget to take action. Then next high-level alarm will come, and by this time, we would have lost some precious time. It is suggested to take necessary action where it is to be done manually and then acknowledge instead of the other way. No doubt, audio alarms, make the person mad. But, if action to be taken is forgotten, it will have wider implications. May be in such places, shift hours can be shorter than normal 8 hours or more number of qualified persons are engaged with work definition.
Dec 10, 2020
Everything looks fine - Are you Okay?
Do not be complacent.
Life is going fine. In this serious pandemic situation everywhere also, I am healthy. Does it mean we can ignore all measures taken till now?
Same is the question, every manger has to ask himself about work place safety. No accidents or injuries till now does not mean that he can relax procedures and allow shopfloor personnel to work the way bypassing safety procedures.
Actually, a sense of well being, sometimes, induces complacency instead of motivating personnel to work better.
Initially, it starts with occasional incidents which may not go to the notice of the manager or they are covered or ignored as one time affair. And, then the frequency increases and finally the organization will be in big soup with irreparable damages.
Let us not forget the hard work and culture created before reaching the heights and we should not have fall from that height. Instead, aim for bigger goals.Let us try to become a leader in the industry regarding safety at the work place.
At no time we should think after an incident without injury or loss, that today, we are saved by luck. Dump the luck factor and work hard.
Dec 9, 2020
Safety performance as criteria for outsourcing jobs
Present circumstances are creating jobs only for durations to the extent required. Organizations may or may not have considered training aspect in the contract duration. It is like instant / ready to deploy state where persons taken on outsourcing are expected to work from the time they join.
To avoid surprises, organizations have to make prior assessment for knowledge, skills, experience and past performance w.r.t. work output, quality of work, and safety performance. Medical or health records are also to be verified to ensure that persons are healthy and ready to work with 100% deliverables. Health issues should not impede performance. i.e. to say, person may be at site but output should be same as that of perfectly healthy professional.
Supervision is also essential and an effective supervision is highly appreciated. Many failures are due to non consideration of these aspects. One can have performance review on daily/weekly basis depending upon the nature and duration of the job. Frequent assessment during initial period will help to guide the persons in right direction and will same time and money.
Oct 17, 2020
Safety managers need not shout to make a point
It is a misconception that regulators need to be vocal while discharging their duties. Many consider a soft spoken regulatory representative as worthless. The point is that there will also be psychological barriers when enforcement agency is not approachable and there is every possibility of hiding of information.
All those in enforcement responsibilities must have observed this during investigations. General comment is that, "sorry, I was not there, or, no, I did not see though I was nearby, etc". People should not be afraid. If fear factor is there, then, listening to the requirements even for the safety of the employees or public also will be less.
It is better to have coordial approach with persons as long as they do accept the need for implementation of regulatory requirements. Those who do not listen can be dealt with sternly.
Training with exhibits
As everybody agrees, training plays an important role to ensure safe production. Generally, training will be in the form of lectures with the help of power point presentations or sometimes, with some demonstrations. Though this is better than verbal methods, impact of training can be enhanced by having 3D models, or taking to shopfloor and giving a problem to the participants and getting answers by interactive discussions. Workshops too will help to understand better. Duration of training is better to be about one hour. It is observed that the participants loose interest in extended training periods. Shopfloor managers can allot 1-2 sessions in a week with each session upto one hour for shopfloor training. This may also generate new ideas for improving productivity.
Rains - flooding - submergence of equipment and power supply systems - cleaning, checking, safe restart
Heavy rains are causing havoc in many residential areas. Many areas are inundated with water and are experiencing stagnation. What to do if the same happens in industrial plants. Recently, government issued guidelines for safe restart after long shutdown due to declaration of lock down to contain spread of covid. A similar procedure needs to be followed in this scenario also. Though there were no reports of any accidents due to flooding of industrial areas, one should not ignore the lessons.
All submerged equipment and associated piping, instruments, access areas, etc have to be cleaned and checked for meeting functional requirement. Similarly power supply systems have to be checked for its integrity to avoid short circuit or arc flash hazards.
Only after checking everything, more than as we do for a new plant, and satisfying ourselves, energization and connecting loads to be done gradually. It is always better to go slow instead of hurrying so that there will not be setbacks later. Whatever we do at home in such scenario, same concepts can be followed.
Aug 8, 2020
Jul 30, 2020
Industrial safety and lockdown - An analysis from ORFONLINE
The following weblink is about subject topic from Observer Research Foundation (orfonline.org).
The article is about analysis of few accidents that took place when plants were preparing for operation after government gave permission. The article ends with advice for betterment.
Jul 25, 2020
Leadership and management for safety - an article from IAEA
Today, I read a very good article about above topic, which is simple to understand and to follow.
The link is given below to go through.
Jul 13, 2020
Rains - corona - transmission
Now that we are having rains, it is pestering my mind about whether the corona virus can be transmitted through splashes from rain water on the road or that whether rain droplets can be carriers.
Recently I attended a webinar and posted this question, but, may be because of many questions posted before, my turn did not come.
From information on net, it is understood that this virus can be active for upto 72 hours on different carriers / surfaces.
May be if these are coming in contact with rain water and then if it splashes because of vehicles passing over the pools of water, we can get affected.
Like, aerosols can be a source, this form of transmission too may be possible.
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