Need for controlling residential growth around industrial area

https://www.deccanherald.com/city/graphite-india-factory-too-693590.html

Developing thick skin

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alizalicht/2017/05/04/7-ways-to-develop-a-thick-skin-in-the-office/

Construction labour falls down - 3 rods enter the body - person suffers injuries

Doctors had tough time to save the injured with 3 rods in his body.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/doctors-couldnt-carry-out-tests-because-of-protruding-rods/articleshow/65331052.cms

Fall of fumigation bottle in hospital releases toxic gas

In an incident of fall of a bottle containing fumigant, toxic gas is released in the hospital. Contact of fumigation chemical with water was believed to cause release of toxic gas.

Some fumigants upon inhalation can cause several health effects like nausea, headache, chest pain, drowsiness, etc.

Phosphine is one of the fumigation gas used for the purpose.



http://www.dnaindia.com/jaipur/report-gas-leak-at-mathuradas-mathur-hospital-in-jodhpur-kid-dead-icu-evacuated-2644137

Entry in to boiler for maintenance - 3 deaths

Three persons lost their lives inside a boiler while attending maintenance. For entry into confined spaces (a space which is not a regular work place), the area needs monitoring before entry for ensuring safe work atmosphere. The oxygen levels and presence of other pollutants will be checked, the area will be flushed with air before and during work to ensure that the work area is as good as working in open atmosphere anywhere.


http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2018/jul/12/bengaluru-toxic-gas-snuffs-out-three-lives-inside-boiler-at-anthem-biosciences-factory-1842047.html

Property damage from septic tank explosion

Septic tank explosions are possible and are dangerous. This particular explosion appears to have been heard by persons even kilometers away. Normally, methane, hydrogen sulfide and other gases like carbon dioxide are generated from these tanks.

https://globalnews.ca/video/3882959/septic-tank-explosion-in-china-kills-at-least-19-destroys-neighbourhood

https://forum.susana.org/human-tragedies-examples/21967-septic-tank-explosion-an-explosion-that-ripped-through-the-chinese-megaport-of-ningbo

Job / work related stress - injuries

A good article (in a blog) on injuries from work related stress is available in the link below.

https://blogs.lawyers.com/attorney/workers-compensation/stress-and-workplace-injuries-49091/

Stress results in burnout quickly and performance can be affected. Further to this, one is prone to accidents from lack of concentration / clarity due to so many thoughts lingering in mind to meet the demands.

Road accident data for Jan-Mar 2018 in Maharashtra

About 100 road accidents are taking place everyday in the state and about 30 persons lost their lives everyday. 

The news report is available here.

http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/12264-people-died-in-35853-road-accidents-in-maharashtra-in-2017/1317931

Person driving 2-wheeler with cellphone talking

See the incident in the following link that appeared in yahoo news.

https://in.news.yahoo.com/caught-cam-cell-phone-driving-012500011.html

Death during filling of balloons with helium gas

During the filling of balloons with helium gas from a cylinder, suddenly it exploded. Due to the impact of explosion, the boy aged 17 years died on the spot.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/boy-dead-in-helium-cylinder-explosion/articleshow/64240137.cms

Under construction bridge / flyover collapse in Varanasi on 15.05.2018 - reasons

As per reports, the bridge / flyover collapse leading to 18 deaths was due to issues involving design, quality, barrication, supervision. Proper records and checklist were not maintained making it difficult to ascertain the material used for concreting.  Pour card filling is to be done so that all details like area of work, ratio of cement, sand, water used, status of shuttering etc will be noted and signed by all concerned.

https://www.firstpost.com/india/varanasi-flyover-collapse-initial-probe-identifies-6-lapses-in-construction-advises-strict-action-against-high-ranking-officials-4474481.html

At least 8 students, 1 teacher injured in chemical fire at Hendersonville school

At least 8 students, 1 teacher injured in chemical fire at Hendersonville school: An official with the Hendersonville Fire Department said 17 students and one teacher were either triaged at the scene or transported to local hospitals.

During an experiment in lab by students to see change of flame colours of different salts, the incident happened. The incident appears to have happened to demonstrate rainbow flame by adding different salts to ignited ethyl alcohol. A flash fire occurred lasting 3-5 seconds.

In laboratories, will be working with known/unknown materials. The awareness on lab safety particularly in schools/colleges is generally low compared to industrial safety. Knowledge on properties of chemicals, methods to avoid hazards, control and mitigation measures, use of personal protective equipment, etc will help in avoid consequences from the work. Making safety principles as a topic in every subject let it be science / engineering / arts can help improving awareness.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/education/wp/2018/05/09/a-classroom-science-experiment-turned-into-a-chemical-fire-injuring-17/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.f3e0c55beb7f


http://www.wsmv.com/story/38149598/principal-8-students-1-teacher-injured-in-fire-at-hendersonville-school

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/high-school-chemistry-lab-fire-prompts-warnings-for-science-teachers/2015/11/05/eb78543e-8312-11e5-9afb-0c971f713d0c_story.html?utm_term=.4025ee47ffa1

http://www.wkrn.com/top-news/chemistry-safety-experts-warn-schools-to-stop-unsafe-science-demonstrations/1172474948

Ammonia causes chemical burns

During unloading, ammonium hydroxide from the tank splashes on the face of the person causing chemical burns. The person was taken to hospital for treatment.

https://www.wday.com/news/accidents/4434335-man-airlifted-fargo-serious-chemical-burn

Fire and explosion in pharma factory

In an incident of explosions in pharmaceutical factories that stored combustible chemicals, one person died, few persons suffered burn injuries, 3 of them serious. As per the reports, it is not clear whether it is boiler explosion or chemical reactor explosion.  Blast could be felt 12 km from the factory site. Window panes of buildings at 3 km were shattered.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/four-injured-in-explosions-at-tarapur-midc-units/articleshow/63225257.cms

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-blast-fire-in-chemical-unit-in-palghar-5091363/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNJ-w6eEI3k


Additional info.: 3 persons die in the accident

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/city-others/three-die-in-tarapur-industrial-unit-set-up-in-1978-tarapur-midc-has-an-infamous-history-of-accidents-5092536/

One will be surprised with statements in the report!!!

14 killed in roof top pub fire at Mumbai

In a fire incident at a roof top pub fire at 0100 hr (in the early morning hours), at least 14 persons lost their lives.
About 50 persons were taken to hospital. Most died due to suffocation.
The bamboo roof caught fire and fell down.

As per reports, the deficiencies observed are, not having trained personnel for fire fighting, non-functioning of fire fighting equipment, only one staircase for entry/exit, blocking of fire exit.

https://in.yahoo.com/news/mumbai-fire-live-violations-blaze-063005882.html

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/14-killed-as-fire-engulfs-mumbai-pub/article22328388.ece


https://m.timesofindia.com/city/mumbai/above-the-law-14-die-as-blaze-guts-2-illegal-terrace-resto-bars/articleshow/62301543.cms?intenttarget=no&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Top_Headlines

Some times, strange clues help in investigation

Please see the attached link on the topic.

https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/m.timesofindia.com/city/hyderabad/mutton-soup-burns-lovers-acid-plot-unravels-swap-of-identity/amp_articleshow/62046096.cms#ampshare=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/mutton-soup-burns-lovers-acid-plot-unravels-swap-of-identity/articleshow/62046096.cms

Underground metro travel exposes to carcinogens

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/current-affairs-trends/underground-metro-exposes-commuters-to-cancer-causing-agents-study-2451331.html

As per the article, every year, 6.5 million persons die due to pollution. A study reveals that passengers of underground metro get exposed to cancer causing agents (carcinogens) due to dust from friction between rails and wheels; improper ventilation.

Issue of safety kit to registered construction workers by Maharashtra government

Maharashtra government decided to issue safety kit and essential items kit containing safety shoe, helmet, gloves, reflective jacket, dust mask in former and water bottle, mosquito repellant, plastic mat, bag , etc in later.

The news item is available in the link below:

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-govt-to-provide-safety-kits-for-all-registered-construction-site-workers-4956258/

Operator is crushed fatally due to trapping of hand between rollers in a rubber factory

In a rubber factory, while pushing a sheet into rollers, his hand got dragged and was crushed to death. 

Such accidents can be prevented by having fixed guards with gap less than 3 mm between guard bottom and job rest, optical curtain interlocked with power supply and applying of brake to stop rollers moving with momentum, pull wire (chord), emergency switches nearby.

Police booked case on shift engineer, supervisor, safety engineer as per IPC for causing death by negligence.

The newspaper report can be read from the following link.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/mysuru-worker-crushed-to-death-at-jk-tyres-factory/articleshow/61676525.cms?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=TOIMobile

A reason for diabetes is pollution

Pollution in surrounding areas is found to be a reason for diabetes.

See the news item HERE.

Safety statistics of India - as per British Safety Council - an article in Times of India

Every day 38 fatal accidents in construction sector compared 137 in all sectors in Britain.
24.2% of fatal accidents are in construction sector.
Every year, 48000 workers die in work related accidents.

Read the full article here.

Safety awareness programme by 3M

To create awareness among industrial workers, 3M initiated two mobile vans for going around the country. Read the news item in the link below

https://yourstory.com/2017/11/3m-drives-industrial-safety-awareness/

EHS Today - worker suffers burns due to fire from rich oxygen work atmosphere

http://www.ehstoday.com/construction/worker-severely-burned-when-trapped-fiery-underground-duct?NL=OH-05&Issue=OH-05_20171116_OH-05_712&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_4&utm_rid=CPG03000007741031&utm_campaign=23112&utm_medium=email&elq2=4c69ad8c5a1d4c0f9872eb2a45dd0031

A worker suffered third degree burns due to a fire while working inside a duct that had rich oxygen.

The contractor was charged for safety lapses in confined space work, i.e. failure to ensure work area air monitoring, mechanical ventilation.

Many do not know the hazards of oxygen above atmospheric levels of 21% v/v. One should not think that compressed air and compressed oxygen are same.

Dress soaked in oxygen can catch fire easily. Materials burn easily in high oxygen conditions. 

Higher oxygen levels can cause damage to lungs and eyes.

That's the reason why safety professionals ask for measuring and finding reasons for oxygen levels in work area which are not at 21% v/v. 

Even if it is low, even slightly below 21% also, one should not think it is okay, because the difference can be some toxic/poisonous and pose health hazard. Similarly, for higher levels.

Then, we should ensure supply of fresh air (not oxygen) in the confined space work area. Generally, we supply air into the work area for 24 hours before work. Again, the work atmosphere will be measured for safe condition before permitting the persons inside.

Then buddy system also is to be ensured.

Metallic glue that may replace soldering and welding

Metallic glue that may replace soldering and welding

LINK

Gas leak explosion causes two deaths

After power  failure and resumption, explosion occurs in a house causing two deaths.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/gas-leak-triggers-explosion-in-farmers-kitchen-2-die/articleshow/60371272.cms

Increase in fines for safety violations that are likely to cause serious accidents in Singapore

The amount of fines is raised from 20,000 to 50,000 dollars for violations that are likely to cause serious accidents, in Singapore. Parliament passed changes accordingly in Workplace Safety and Health Act yesterday.

Safety inspectors and enforcement officers were given additional protection in the changes in Act. 

Full article can be read here.

http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/fines-to-double-for-safety-violations-that-could-cause-serious-accidents

Country growth measurement with per capita power consumption

Many compare growth or development of a country with per capita power consumption. Unless power consumption is productive and the power generation and transmission is by efficient means, it is wastage of resources, spread of pollution and damaging to the environment.

Many organisations use power for lighting, ventilation/air conditioning and they will be running continuously even when persons are not present. Similarly, many domestic users continue to run their utilities in the house.

This type of power consumption will show increase in per capita power consumption. But, it does not mean increase in development of the country. Instead, it is wastage of resources,  deprivation of resources to others in the present or to future generations, damage to the environment.

Aeroplane engine fails during travel, safely landed - BBC news item

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41454712

Unguarded opening - fall of person from height

A person fell down to death from possible unguarded opening at height. 

As per established practices and legislations, all openings that can lead to fall of persons  have to be provided with guard rails of 1.0 m height.

The news item is available here.

Real time gas alerts for quick emergency response

http://www.ehstoday.com/industrial-hygiene/emergency-response-real-time-gas-alerts?NL=OH-05&Issue=OH-05_20170905_OH-05_128&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_1_b&utm_rid=CPG03000007741031&utm_campaign=21710&utm_medium=email&elq2=2860de413b4a4fc1af1a7d690f749f26