Incident in Bangalore: How Can We Improve Workplace Safety to Prevent Tragedies?

Incident in Bangalore: A Call for Action

I would like to share an incident that occurred in Bangalore. It was truly horrible. Some Indian companies talk about having a world-class safety culture, but the majority of Indian industries are in very poor condition. Our government authorities really need to take strong action to prevent the loss of precious lives like this.

Please go through the attachment for the truly shocking news.

Regards

Section 36(2) in The Factories Act, 1948

In the Factory Act, it clearly states Section 36(2) in The Factories Act, 1948:

(2) No person shall be required or allowed to enter any confined space as referred to in subsection (1) until all practicable measures have been taken to remove any gas, fume, vapor, or dust that may be present to bring its level within the permissible limits and prevent any ingress of such gas, fume, vapor, or dust unless:

(a) A certificate in writing has been given by a competent person, based on a test carried out by himself, that the space is reasonably free from dangerous gas, fume, vapor, or dust; or

(b) Such person is wearing suitable breathing apparatus and a belt securely attached to a rope, the free end of which is held by a person outside the confined space.

1. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 16 (w.e.f. 1.12.1987).
2. Subs. by s. 17, ibid. (w.e.f. 1.12.1987).

Guys, just follow the rules; they are made for us. Those who ignore the rules, see the result?

Thank you.

Confined Space Safety - Industrial Disaster Risk Management

Enclosed is a Confined Space Safety - Industrial Disaster Risk Management file for your use. You can access the same file at http://www.hrdp-idrm.in/e5783/e17327...Theme-1-fb.pdf. Hope it helps.

Regards,

Dear Dipil, we are still complaining about our government. For OSHA, there are fewer than 2,000 direct employees working worldwide. They face more problems than we have in our country, yet they still stay in compliance. In our country, we have all kinds of rules and regulations in place. The problem is that enforcing authorities have failed to implement them, and as professionals/public, we have failed to follow the rules. Once we change ourselves and start following the rules, we can change everything within a week.

Example of Compliance Issues

One small example is the certificate. It is mandatory for every vehicle owner to carry a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate and maintain it in such a condition that it complies with the prescribed emission norms. How many of us have a valid certificate? But still, we simply blame our government for everything because it's too easy.

Just sharing my view.

Dear Raghu, Thanks for the comments. I do agree with the same. Still, I would like to blame the government only for such negligence. Why not enforce the rules that have been made? Is the government's responsibility finished just by making the rules? Why are they giving so much freedom to enforcing authorities that they do not even visit the factories under their jurisdiction at least once a year?

Raghu, some companies in India realize the value of safety and start following the rules. Let's hope others will also start following without waiting for the government officials to act.

The Importance of Appointing Safety Officers

As we all know, accidents are failures in the management system. It is purely negligence on the part of management, irrespective of the workers' strength. Considering work-related hazards, a safety supervisor or a safety officer should be appointed to prevent such incidents. Not only should the management appoint safety professionals, but they should also support their actions and start to cultivate a safety culture and awareness of industrial safety.

There should be strong punishment for the management and those who fail to inspect the factories by the concerned authority officials. Otherwise, we will be hearing such news regularly.

Regards,
Bala

Can anyone provide information regarding the levels of toxic gases measured in parts per million (ppm) in confined spaces?