Safety in pressure systems - Personal Protective Equipment list gets extended

Hazards are more in pressure systems with the possibility of explosion/bursting. Pneumatic pressure is more harmful compared to hydraulic pressure. But, both are dangerous. 

It is the common and minimum standard for any worker to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like, safety shoes and a helmet while working, but, I heard that the use of a face shield also is a new addition made to protect the person from flying particles/objects/splash, etc

Now, as mentioned above, pressure systems can cause bursting/flying particles/splash, etc, and compulsory use of face shields will help the workplace personnel from exposure to hazards.

Supervision

In any sport like football, hockey, or cricket, the players after entering the field gather together briefly, possibly getting instructions/strategy for the game ahead.

In the workplace also, I felt this is required, particularly for contract labor with instructions from the supervisor for the work. The supervisor will not be able to be present at all times in all works, but his instructions about the work, work procedure, hazards, protective measures, etc will help in the execution of the work safely.

People find excuses for not being able to monitor the work, complain about the workload, non-cooperation, etc. But, it is the supervisor's responsibility to ensure safety and should have proper plan for it.

Some real entertainment in the flight - a funny incident

Recently, I was coming back from an outstation tour. After the flight landed, the doors were yet to be opened, waiting for mobile stairs to be attached. Meanwhile, many passengers got up to take their bags from the overhead compartments. 

Possibly seeing this, the captain made the announcement, starting with local weather conditions, and then asked all passengers to remain seated and informed them that their belongings would be safe and the flight crew was not interested in passengers' bags. He advised all not to get up till the announcement for exit was made.

Everybody had a heartful laugh and sat till the doors were opened.

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. 

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.

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:

https://medicaldialogues.in/health-news/nmc/give-weekly-off-stress-counselling-yoga-sessions-nmc-dictum-to-medical-colleges-to-manage-resident-doctors-mental-health-97414

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/aug/11/nmc-directs-all-medical-colleges-to-take-care-of-pg-studentsmental-health-well-being-2486235.html

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.

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.