We are nothing after our death. Let us donate our body organs for the poor.

Be not afraid of anything. You will do marvelous work The moment you fear, you are nobody - Swamy Vivekananda

If you think safety is expensive, try an accident... - O.P.Kharbanda

Preventable accidents, if they are not prevented due to our negligence, it is nothing short of a murder - Dr. Sarvepalli Radha Krishna, 2nd President of India

Zero accidents through zero unsafe behaviors. Do not be complacent that there are no accidents. There may be near miss accidents (NMAs). With luck/chance, somebody escaped knowingly or unknown to the person. But, we can't be safe, if we depend upon the luck.

Safety culture is how the organization behaves when no one is watching.

We make No compromise with respect to Morality, Ethics, or Safety. If a design or work practice is perceived to be unsafe, we do not proceed until the issue is resolved. - Mission statement by S&B Engineers & Consultants Ltd. http://www.sbec.com/safety/

Human meat gets least priority - A doctor's comment on accidents

CSB video excerpts from Dr.Trevor Kletz, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQn5fL62KL8

Dec 14, 2015

Refinery explosion - sound heard 25 miles away

In an explosion in a gas refinery at Texas, the sound was heard 25 miles away. Residents within 10 miles were evacuated. Two persons were injured in the incident. A person near the explosion says that his vehicle got shaken after the explosion.

Watch the report and the video.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3348269/Hundreds-oil-workers-run-lives-massive-explosion-rocks-gas-refinery-Texas.html


As per another report, there were already two small fires with intermittent sirens causing locals to evacuate. Soon after followed an explosion with a big fireball.

http://www.firehouse.com/news/12145837/early-warning-spared-injuries-in-massive-orla-texas-gas-plant-fire

Bhopal accident gas leak - still persons suffer

http://thewire.in/2015/12/08/proof-that-bhopal-gas-is-now-claiming-its-third-generation-of-victims-16934/

Nitrogen gas leak - 3 persons die at a Korean nuclear reactor construction site

At South Korea's nuclear reactor construction site, three persons die on possible exposure to nitrogen gas leak underground cables.

http://www.ibtimes.co.in/south-korea-nuclear-plant-3-die-after-toxic-gas-leak-two-under-construction-reactors-shut-618418

3 persons got affected on exposure to chlorine at a water project

Three persons got affected on exposure to chlorine gas (leak).

http://www.ibtimes.co.in/bhopal-chlorine-gas-leak-narmada-jal-project-644695

3 persons die on exposure to toxic gas from sewer of leather factory

Three persons die and others got affected due to exposure to toxic gases from a sewer of a leather factory complex, as per reports. The leather disposed in drains got decomposed leading to emanating toxic gas.

http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kolkata-gas-leak-factory-kills-3-658321

Tank repair - toxic gas leak/exposure - 3 persons die

In an incident reported, while replacing pipes under a scrubber tank in a pharma company, five persons became unconscious due to possible exposure to sodium bromide and hydrogen chloride gas from the tank. Person on rounds found the persons on the ground. Three were dead and two others are in serious condition.

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-gas-leak-kills-3-workers-at-ankleshwar-pharmaceutical-factory-two-critical/

Oct 25, 2015

Fire in an eatery kills 8 - Times of India's report

As per the reports in Times of India, 8 persons died due to fire from possible short circuit and subsequent fireball from leaking gas in an eatery.
During fire, the stairs leading to eatery in upper floor gave way, trapping the persons in it.
It is found that this eatery does not have any permission for that floor from municipal and also NOC is not obtained from fire authorities.
The manager is charged with culpable homicide not amounting murder. If proven, maximum punishment of life term is possible.

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/fire-in-restraurant-7-from-kurla-college-among-8-dead/

Oct 4, 2015

Reduced working hours in Sweden

In a news paper report, I read that in Sweden, number of working hours have been brought down to 6 hours per day, 30 hour week in many firms. The reasons quoted were expectations of higher productivity, more happiness of employees, more time availability to pursue their personal lives, etc.
It is said that, present working hours of eight per day extends to 9-10 hr per day and if you add transportation time to and from workplace adds to 10-12 hr per day away from home. This leaves little time for attending family duties and sleep. Higher work hours also lead to increase in risk to health, as per the studies.

But by reducing working hours, I could not make out, whether number of work shifts will increase where round-the-clock operations are to be carried out, i.e some more persons will be recruited to run the fourth shift (4 x 6 = 24 hr a day).


But, it appears that 6 hr a day is a good idea for all. Youngsters can spend some extra hours for higher studies or pursue their hobbies. Elders can have more relaxation time.


http://www.sciencealert.com/sweden-is-shifting-to-a-6-hour-workday
http://www.sciencealert.com/working-long-hours-is-linked-to-a-significantly-higher-risk-of-stroke?utm_source=Article&utm_medium=Website&utm_campaign=InArticleReadMore
http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/02/news/economy/sweden-6-hour-work-day/
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/sweden-introduces-six-hour-work-day-a6674646.html


Sep 3, 2015

Industrial safety in Pakistan - an article from The Express Tribune

In a discussion meeting, speakers stressed the need for revision of obsolete regulations to ensure safety for workmen. It is stated that only 560 labor inspectors are available for an estimated work force of 60 million in industrial, commercial and agriculture sectors.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/949724/outdated-regulations-responsible-for-accidents/

Aug 20, 2015

Air pollution worsens heart diseases - Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Air-pollution-worsens-heart-disease-Studies/articleshow/47547545.cms

A reason to restrict 8 hours a day of work

As per a study report, working for 55 hours a week causes the risk of stroke by 33% compared to working hours of 35-40 hours a week.

May be studies are also required patterns for continuous hours of work, number of hours of work a day, etc to have more reliable data. 

As per Factories Act and Rules, 125 hours of overtime in a quarter is permitted. But, it is quite common for many persons  to put more hours at work, particularly in unorganized sector like in construction industry. For earning more also, it is quite natural for persons to work for more hours though it leads to strain. 

It will be difficult for anybody to control working hours unless it is practiced by the individual himself. In case of forceful work, then unions have to take the responsibility to protect the persons from the risks.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Working-over-8-hrs-a-day-raises-stroke-risk-by-33/articleshow/48550484.cms

Aug 19, 2015

Health hazards of six pack body

As per the newspaper report, it is not good to have six pack for longer time. Lot of care is required to be out of the hazards from six pack fat.

The article can be read here.

Aug 18, 2015

Tianjin blasts

An article on chemical industry expansion in China in the last 15 years and safety issues.

Aug 13, 2015

Person close to the robot, dies from robot arm

As per the newspaper report, a person died after he went close to the robot arm of a machine. He went close to adjust a sheet that got dislodged when lifted by the robot arm.

It is normal practice to prohibit entry of personnel in robot working areas, as they do the work as per program.
It may not be practical to put proximity sensors on robot arms to stop robot movement as in that case their work output can be severely limited.
Instead, the entry to work area / reach of robots can be fenced and its entry door opening can be interlocked to stop operation.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Robot-kills-man-at-Volkswagen-plant-in-Germany/articleshow/47904748.cms

Accidents, injuries, loss of property, some causes

As per a report, many accidents are happening in China due to poor safety conditions, lack of implementation of regulations and inspections, lack of training, etc.
If enforcement is not strengthened as per the needs of growing economy, it becomes very difficult for regulators to monitor the activities of lakhs of industrial units. The situation may be such that it becomes difficult even to inspect atleast once in lifetime because of huge number of factories, and dismal number of inspectors.


Jul 27, 2015

Leader's behavior drives safety culture

At a Fleet Safety Conference, Shell Global Road Safety Manager stated in an address that leader's behavior drives safety culture in the organization. He repeated a quote from former CEO of Royal Dutch Shell that poor safety reflects lack of leadership.

It is of no use if one has a policy which is not followed. Display of policy may create good impression to visitors. But, not following it will lead to poor culture leading to unsafe behaviors, accidents and will eventually pull down the organization's image.

It is said that a good safety culture means the way we work safely even when nobody else is watching. Our conscience is our witness. If we try fool others when we behave one way in front of others and the other way in the absence of others, finally we only get into accidents. It is our life that is at risk.  One may get good pat on the back but we should pat ourselves that we are doing a good job.

Shell's 12 life saving rules can be found here. Though these are not exhaustive, but still these can save lives of workers. 




Jul 19, 2015

Building collapse in Delhi - narrow passage hinders rescue operations

As per Times of India report, a building collapsed in Delhi, where three women died and 10 were injured.
Fire department found it difficult to approach the area due to narrow passage.

National building code and local municipal authorities specify to provide offsets on either side of the road and also in front of the buildings. But, very few comply with the requirements. People question the authorities for such requirements. Further, encroachments, unauthorised activities in the name of temporary works, parking of vehicles on road sides instead of parking inside the buildings compound the issue making it difficult for rescue teams.

Collapse of buildings also lead to fall of walls/debris on road side and for this reason, if the offsets are adhered, atleast roads will be still available. But, many buildings are constructed upto the road particularly in inner lanes and the ramp of the house generally extends on to the road. Then, vehicles parked in front of their houses as above is another issue. 

I strongly feel that the authorities should confiscate such properties and government/courts should not entertain any appeal unless requirements for space are met.

Paramilitary troops die more in road accidents than in terrorist operations

As per Times of India report, more number of paramilitary troops died in road accidents than in terrorist operations.  They will be under more stress due to long hours of working, away from family for days and weeks, poor facilities at the place of stay, etc. They will be residing in harsh conditions during their work and are prone to attack from mosquitoes, insects, reptiles, etc. They live in such pathetic conditions and it is appropriate atleast to double their salaries like those of engineers, though money is not a true compensation.

Road accidents statistics - Times of India

As per report in Times of India, in 2014, 16 persons are dying in road accidents every year. 1,41,000 died in 2013. Over speeding is the main reason as per the data presented.

It appears more are dying from road accidents than any other factor and we worry more about dangers of setting up of industries.

Jul 10, 2015

More layers of dress leads to exhaustion in the mid air

In a report, a passenger collapsed of heat exhaustion in the mid air, after tried to avoid excess luggage fee to the airlines by wearing 12 layers of dress. With assistance, he recovered.

This is a lesson for us. I do not know that such a thing can happen.May be safety caution should be printed in this regard also on the ticket about not to wear more than one pair dress.

Read the report HERE.


Jul 3, 2015

Fall of bus silencer causes fatality

A person going on a bike comes under the bus tyre, after the silencer of the bus falls off on the bike rider. 
Difficult to predict such type of hazards.

Jul 2, 2015

Worker killed by robot...

As per a report,  worker was killed during installation of a robot in a car manufacturing firm. Though the title leads to wrong conclusion, robots are lifeless and brainless and any action is due to wrong programming/setting by the concerned programmers/assemblers.

The robot must have been in commissioning stage or under trial runs. One has to do thorough event tree and fault tree analyses before putting the logic into field use.

Nobody should be allowed to be within the reach of the machine and suitable physical barriers and sensors/interlocks should be incorporated.

Jul 1, 2015

Oil Tank Explosion



LINK

As per the commentary, once the temperature reaches 400 degree Celcius, the tanker blasts. Persons at 200 m distance suffered third degree burns.

BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) Demonstration - How it ...



LINK

Gas Safety Blanket Response to end of Pipe ammonia leak



LINK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03s0bXNUgOU

Something new and easy to use to control anhydrous ammonia leaks. Though the picture of the person is not shown fully in this video, the warning message at the end about not to enter without proper PPE should be followed.

Jun 21, 2015

International yoga day: Safety guidelines for yogasanas

Today is international yoga day. A recognition with more publicity for the science taught by our ancestors. 
A link below takes us to safety guidelines to be followed for practicing yoga. No amount of information is a substitute for teacher's advice. Just for information.

http://www.wailana.com/yoga/asanas/guidelines

Yesterday, I heard a lecture from which I learnt that doing yoga helps us to harmonize our thoughts and helps to have more concentration. A practical session for 10 minutes during the lecture also made me to realize the same. All participants were asked to close the eyes gently, to sit relaxingly, to concentrate inhalation and exhalation at the nose entrance. After 10 minutes, after rubbing the palms and touching the eyes, we opened the eyes. The question asked was, how much time we concentrated and observed inhalation/exhalation.
I pondered over this later also and thought that this practice will help us to realize about ourselves and try to get more concentration with practice.


Fire accident at TVS showroom in Anantapur - Tv9



LIN

Short circuit is suspected as the reason. About 200 out of 1000 bikes in the showroom got burnt. Fire Services is facing difficulty in entering the building.

Property of about rupees one crore got damaged.

Jun 14, 2015

Ammonia tanker stuck up under flyover, valve damage, 5 deaths, 140 injured near Ludhiana

In an incident of liquefied ammonia tanker driver trying to go through under a flyover, at 11.00 PM, the lid and the valves at the top got damaged, causing release of ammonia affecting several persons nearby.
See the photo here.
5 persons died and 156 got injured in the incident.
It appears that there are no warning signs or no height barriers to prevent overheight vehicles going under the flyover.
The tanker was carrying 22 T of anhydrous ammonia.
Police and fire brigade officials reached the spot to control the situation. 
Some of the affected had breathlessness, eye irritation, choked voice, etc. Few had bleeding from mouth and nose.
A senior police official and others controlling the situation were also affected in the incident as per the reports.
Tanker was moved to a vacant plot.  
Ammonia solubility in water is very high and is instantaneous at temperatures below atmospheric. Water was used to absorb leaking ammonia.
The odour was present for more than eight hours. The affected areas was about four kilometer radius around.
Dead animals/birds and vegetation/plants were seen.
Heavy rain later subsided ammonia in the environment by absorbing and washing.
A case was registered under Sec 304 of IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) on the absconding driver.

http://www.ibtimes.co.in/ludhiana-ammonia-gas-leak-tanker-kills-6-over-100-affected-635709

Jun 2, 2015

Toxic gas leak from neighbor factory affects 60 in a garment factory

Some workers of a garment factory sensing strong smell of a gas tried to runaway from workplace but fainted before reaching the gate. A taxi driver outside, seeing them call the help services. Security guards from neighboring factory said that there was a gas leak. About 60 persons were affected in this incident.

From the above, it is important to all persons working in a cluster of factories to know about hazards and emergency actions not only from their work place but from surrounding factories also.

Ammonia leak from food freezing system from the neighboring factory is suspected in this incident.

http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/60-garment-workers-faint-in-southern-vietnam-after-toxic-gas-leak-43833.html

http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/52-garment-workers-hospitalized-again-one-day-after-toxic-gas-leak-in-vietnam-43906.html

May 24, 2015

For information - safety statistics by ILO from The Nation, Nigeria

The link to the information is here.
http://thenationonlineng.net/new/6000-die-daily-in-work-related-accidents/

As per ILO, following are the work place related injuries, deaths, accidents and loss.

  1. Every second 15 persons die, 6000 a day and 2 million a year due to accidents/diseases. This data is from reported data. There can be many more.
  2. In addition, 268 million non-fatal accidents and 160 million new cases of work related illness also occur.
  3. The direct and indirect loss due to accidents and diseases is 4% of global gross domestic product or USD 2.8 trillion.

May 21, 2015

Bus accident

During bus driving, a driver wants to spit by bending outside his side window. With his unsafe behavior, he loses control over the bus and rammed a lorry coming opposite. In this accident, 4 persons died and few passengers received injuries. Generally, vehicle drivers keep chewing betal leaf or pan masala, particularly during night driving.
Driver should have observed before spitting outside. Some drivers keep a bottle/tin with them to spit instead of doing the same outside.

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