Every employee wishes to work in a safe and protected environment. And with the various kinds of hazards present at the workplace today, ensuring the health and safety of the employees has become a lot more important. In fact, looking after the safety and wellness of the employees is also the moral responsibility of an organization and its administrators.
Generic standards on occupational health and safety that should be adhered to
Understanding the significance of a safe and healthy work environment, the Bureau of Indian Standards has laid down some common standards which organizations can follow to ensure a more employee-friendly workspace.
IS 15656 – Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis
Often mentioned as HIRA, the term Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis refers to a process which has several consecutive steps and techniques for the identification of hazards and quantification of accident aftermath, along with the frequency towards final risk evaluation. The steps in this process include classification of work activities, identification of hazards, risk assessment, ensuring if the risk is tolerable, preparing an action plan for risk control, and reviewing the adequacy of the said action plan.
IS 15793 – Managing environment, Occupational Health and safety legal compliance -– Requirements of good practices
Safety, health and environment are integrally connected to each other, and commonly termed as SHE. Organizations, whether industrial or government, that deal with occupational safety and health are therefore expected to pay attention to environmental factors and impact too, when framing their policies or rules.
IS/ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems — Requirements with Guidance for Use
Occupational health and safety (OH & S) systems aim at offering a framework for dealing with OH & S risks, and also transforming them into opportunities. Such systems in an organization intend to prevent ill health or work related injuries to workers, and provide them with a healthy and safe workplace.
IS 14489 – Code of practice on occupational safety and health audit
An audit related to OH & S, it is described under several heads such as ‘safety system audit’, ‘service safety audit’, ‘product safety audit’ and ‘process safety audit’. Audits throw light on the status of compliances, wherever there is a need for compliance with a requirement, like that of occupational health and safety management systems.
Sector specific Indian Standards
IS 11972 – Code of practice for safety precautions to be taken when entering a sewerage system
This standard lays down guidelines for selection of sewermen and safe system of work in the sewerage system. Precautions against the gas hazard, precautions against infection, provisions on dealing with a gas emergency, as also provisions on tools and personal protective equipment to be used are also covered in this standard.
Safety Management at Construction Sites
The probability of fatal incidents occurring is higher on construction sites than any office or commercial establishments. Construction sites not only use heavy machinery, chemicals and other hazardous products, but also have a constantly changing work environment. Besides, construction projects involve various stages right from project formulation and appraisal to tender action, construction, commissioning and handover.
To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the processes, systematic management of work becomes necessary throughout all the stages. From proper planning in the pre-construction stage to supervision and control during the actual construction, being systematic helps.
The entities involved in construction project management like the owner, contractor, consultant etc., must separately or jointly produce a written statement specifying the health and safety policies of the firm. There should be a safety plan in place which covers emergency procedures, medical facilities, local emergency responders, and evacuation plans. Side by side, there should be a safety manual for all workers and employees. All equipment and tools must be inspected for safety of use, and should be well-maintained. Besides these, it is important to properly train employees with regards to their roles and responsibilities, especially if there is a risk of potential injury related to their job.
While a successful project can result in socio-economic gains, any failure in ensuring safety at the workplace may endangered lives. Hence, this International Labour Day, make sure that you take care of your employees’ safety at the workplace.
Reference Standards: IS 15883 (Part 5), IS 16601 and IS 18001.
While a successful activity can result in socio-economic gains, any failure in ensuring safety at the workplace may cost you lives. Hence, this International Labour Day, make sure that you take care of your employees’ safety at the workplace.
Written By: B. Sandhya, Scientist ‘D’, CHD and Abhishek Pal, Scientist ‘C’, CED