Prison fire in Honduras

A prison fire in Honduras caused more than 300 deaths. Reports say that fire was initiated on Tuesday night by an inmate by burning the mattress. The jail is overcrowded at the time of the incident. Some died in the cells due to burns and or suffocation before they could be freed. More than 475 escaped. Delayed justice is shown as the reason for overcrowding of prisons in the country. It is stated that some inmates escaped by pushing roof panels.
Though the fire started by burning mattress, it is not clear how it could have spread without presence of combustibles in the entire prison in continuity. Else, fire could have been limited to the cell in which it was initiated. This shows lack of monitoring by jail staff or there could have been some help within. It is also not clear whether any fire detection and sprinkler system is available in all cells which is required as per NFPA for residential and commercial buildings.

Office safety

An article in smartplanet.com states that those working for long hours in offices are likely to have increased levels of polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in their blood. Though the sample size of 31 is small, if we look at it in a spirited manner, the study says that those in new buildings wherein use of furniture with PFC is more, have more PFC in their blood stream compared to others.
Hence, if the sample is size is more, the percentage of persons exposed to PFC may be high or low. Whatever the statistics say, even if a fraction is exposed and risks the health of the persons, then measures have to be taken to protect these people.
Apart from this, it is well known that carpets are a major source for germs that affect the health of the persons. Further, in closed buildings, where air is recirculated will also have an effect on the health of the persons. When we enter conference rooms that are not in regular use and where ventilation is switched only before use, we get foul smell. Added to these, the new finding of PFCs will add to workers woes in offices.

Product safety - recall of coffee makers

http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2012/02/10/200823.htm

A coffee maker agency is recalling its equipment as there were reported incidents of splashing of coffee during brewing causing burns. I think, research departments of manufacturers should test thoroughly their products before releasing into the markets to adhere to the deadlines. Heavens will not fall if deadlines are skipped for genuine reasons. However, the initiative of recall is good on the part of the agency.

Some maths on environment damage costs in China

http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/international/2012/02/08/200548.htm

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/business/2012-02/07/content_14550738.htm

As per reports, in the year 2011, there were 542 environment related accidents out of which 60% are from road and process related accidents. It is estimated that the loss due to these accidents resulting in environment damage is about US$ 220 billion and this cost does not take into account of impact on public health and loss of productivity from farm land contamination. The number of accidents causing damage to environment is on rise.

I am not an economist and can't think much. But, it appears that countries while setting ambitious export targets are overusing the available limited natural resources and giving less importance to safety of employees and environment protection. When everybody tries to flood markets with their products, costs will come down, but this will also lead to wasting of resources and loading the environment. 

One of the units to measure development in an area is that of per capita energy consumption. This unit neither takes into account of effective use of energy not actual need for the energy consumed. 

Instead of craving for tags/labels of development, one should use available resources judiciously to provide necessary comfort for all.

Tech strives to raise awareness, minimize risks after series of laboratory explosions | Lubbock Online | Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Tech strives to raise awareness, minimize risks after series of laboratory explosions | Lubbock Online | Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
http://www.diamondbackonline.com/news/chem-labs-now-stricter-to-prevent-accidents-1.2761539#.TzaJS8Xro2c

After three incidents in the university laboratory, several measures like forming a lab safety committee, regular meetings, forming guidelines to handle the chemicals safely, safety inspections, identification of hazards, identification incompatible chemicals and disposal, labeling of chemicals, location of chemicals at proper places, color coding, disposal of unused chemicals lying for a long time, enforcing use of full hand lab coat instead of apron while working in lab, having full shoe, emergency plan, linking safety awareness to career progress, etc were taken to avoid future accidents.
LINK

Lab safety: Stringent safety measures in place to avoid life-threatening accidents

ISAT: Stringent safety measures in place to avoid life-threatening accidents - The Breeze: News

The above is an article about lab safety. Many do not think of following safety rules while working or doing experiments in a laboratory. But, we have to understand that those working in the laboratory do not have any practical knowledge and are unable to assess the magnitude of the danger which they will be exposed to. Many universities developed lab safety procedures. But many more do not consider safety in lab as an essential practice.

Job-related injuries and illnesses estimated to cost nation $250 billion per year

Job-related injuries and illnesses estimated to cost nation $250 billion per year

The cost is several times more than that of cancer, diabetes, strokes.