Road accidents - Road hypnosis

In a recent road accident at midnight, where 25 passengers of the bus died, one of the reasons mentioned is road hypnosis. 

Information extracted from internet:

What Causes Drivers to Experience Highway Hypnosis? Drivers may become hypnotized by the monotony of the road, such as an empty highway with an endless white line. This phenomenon is especially common when drivers travel for long distances on open highways with little traffic.

By going through the above, all of us must have experienced this at one time or another on many occasions. 

How to prevent drivers from going into such trance-like situations and make them physically aware of their surroundings appears to be having series of road humps which are small height (maybe one inch) barriers for every one kilometer or so. The jerks of the vehicle while passing on these make the drivers come to aware of their surroundings and be alert. 

https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/buldhana-road-tragedy-road-hypnosis-one-of-the-causes-of-accidents-on-samruddhi-expressway-23295426

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bus-passengers-charred-to-death-after-vehicle-catches-fire-on-samruddhi-expressway-in-maharashtra/article67029937.ece

Observing the traits of shopfloor personnel for safety

Persons behave differently when they are alone or in their known circle, and in another fashion when present with unknown persons. In the first instance, a carefree attitude can be seen while in the later case, generally, it is composed, well mannered.

Apart from these, we can also check the way logbooks/reports are scribbled or made and this too can give a hint about the type of person we are examining. If details are not included or are evasive or little, this may be an indication that the person is either not attentive or there is something hidden. 

The same may be the case with respect to handwriting. Several years ago, I had gone through a book on graphology where it is stated that the opinion of graphologists is taken into account by the court of law for the land. 

Maybe we have to observe the manner in which a person talks (face reading). 

And, then coupled with our knowledge and experience, we can have an assessment of the persons engaged in the shopfloor and take a decision on whether to continue or change the person for good.

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