INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

DEFINITION/CONCEPT:

• Primarily a management activity concerned with reducing,

controlling & eliminating hazards(potential condition
awaiting to be converted into an unwanted event(accident))
from industries or industrial units

• Any method/technique/process which can minimize hazards

or unwanted events(accidents) in a working place is referred
to as industrial safety method/technique/process
1
 NEED/OBJECTIVES FOR
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

NEED:
• Avoid loss of life, injuries, money/property & production time

OBJECTIVES:

• To prevent accidents in plant by reducing hazards to minimum

• To eliminate accident-caused work stoppage & lost

production, wasted man hours & wasted hours
2
• To achieve lower ork a ’s compensation, insurance rates
& reduce all other direct & indirect costs of accidents

• To prevent loss of life, permanent disability & loss of income

of worker by eliminating causes of accidents

• To evaluate e ployee’s morale by promoting safe workplace

& good working conditions

• To educate all workers in continuous state of safety-

mindness & to make supervision competent & intensely
safe-minded

3
 IMPORTANCE/AIM OF INDUSTRIAL
SAFETY DEPT. IN AN ORGANIZATION
• Treatment(for injuries & illness at workplace)
• Provide workers with a safe environment
• Medical examination(for new staff/people returning to work
after sickness/accident)
• Conduct routine inspections at workplace
• Hazard identification
• Enforce safety rules & appropriate discipline
• Provision for protective devices(helmets, gloves, goggles)
• Develop & implement safe work procedures & rules
• Consultancy(for medical advice)
• Education(safety & health training) 4
 4 E’s i INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
• Engineering – safety at the design, equipment installation
stage

• Education – educate employees in safe practices

• Enlistment[engage a person or their help or support] –

concerns attitude of employees & management towards
the safety program & its purpose

• Encouragement – enforce adherence to safer rules &

practices 5
PRODUCTIVITY

6
• Concept of productivity is directly linked with working
conditions(quality of working life)

• Productivity could be considered as a comprehensive

measure of how a company satisfies the following criteria:

1. Objectives(degree to which they are achieved)

2. Efficiency & effectiveness(how well work is being done &
how effectively resources are being used)
3. Comparability(actual to expected performance)

7
 SAFETY & PRODUCTIVITY
• Mental, physical & social conditions of workers & adequacy of
health & safety measures are main indicators of quality of
working life.

• Health & safety measures can be included in list of

productivity improving techniques at workplaces.

Industrial safety is useful to improve productivity:-

1. If a worker is mentally ensured that he is working in safe
conditions(his life is safe) & working conditions are free of
hazards, his morale & concentration will be more which
increases productivity(in reverse case, worker will show
disinterest & will have fear reducing the productivity) 8
2. Managerial staff(senior managers, HR managers) will be able
to perform their functions (planning, organizing, directing, co-
ordinating etc.) if the workers under them are ensured of
safety, which in turn will boost the productivity of
organization. (If many accidents are occurring in the company,
managers will lose their focus reducing productivity)

3. Safe working environment motivates workers to perform their

jobs with maximum efficiency & effectiveness which
increases productivity.

4. Fellow workers will lose their focus/morale & contribute their

best efforts & expertise to achieve optimum production when
their co-workers are injured/met with accidents due to
unsafe working conditions.(this reduces productivity)
9
4. Safe working environment leads to reduction of accidents &
hence, reduction in direct(medicines & treatment) & indirect
costs(compensation, loss of service, insurance) of accidents which
increases productivity
5. Safe working environment reduces absenteeism which in turn
increases productivity

10
 PLANNING FOR SAFETY
• Planning(process of deciding in advance the future course
of action) is must for industrial safety.

• Involves decision making in advance taking due account of

constraints(limitations) & priorities, resources(men,
money, material & time) available & future things in the
company.

Basic considerations for planning Safety Management:

1. Participation of workers(they should be alerted to be

safety conscious, right type of training to be given to them
11
based on their attitude & socio-economic background)
2. Experience of workers(their knowledge & expertise can be
shared with newcomers with proper interaction)

3. Age & other factors(salient traits) of workers(considered for

building strategy for safety management)

4. Actual working procedures & working conditions(safe

layout, safe working procedure, safe working conditions
contribute to safety. Poor layout/working conditions,
damaged machines, unpleasant working environment have
bad effects in safety management)

5. Past planning experience

6. Role of employer/management: Mutual co-operation &

understanding b/w workers & mgmt. is important for
successful planning in safety management 12
 PURPOSE OF SAFETY PLANNING
• Safety program must be planned continuous effort to
promote plant safety. It should begin with safety planning.

• Recognizes accidents are results of unsafe acts & conditions

• Objectives/Purpose of Safety planning are:

1. Humanitarian(for orker’s welfare i.e. their life, morale,
confidence etc.)
2. Reduction of production & operating costs
3. Intangible benefits(non-physical benefits, increases workers
confidence, dedication, morale etc.)
4. Improves Performance standards 13
 BENEFITS OF SAFETY PLANNING
1. To promote standards of safety & health which comply with
requirements of Factories Act, 1948.
2. To maintain safe & healthy workplaces, safe systems &
methods of work.
3. To protect all workers from unforeseen hazards
4. To develop safety awareness among workers
5. To encourage effective participation from employees on
safety measures.
6. Provides for a safe & healthy work environment by
identifying & controlling hazards
7. Provides a structure for action, especially in an emergency
14
 BASIC SAFETY PLAN ELEMENTS
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration(OSHA): federal
agency of the U.S. that regulates workplace safety & health.
• OSHA recommends that each written plan should have following
basic elements:
1. Policy or goals statement(in field of safety)
2. List of responsible persons(authority)
3. Hazard identification(which can lead to accidents)
4. Hazard controls & Safe practices of safety
5. Emergency & Accident response
6. Employee Training & Communication
7. Recordkeeping of safety data
• Main steps for producing safety plans are: 1) Establish
necessary tasks to be done, 2) Identify all the risks/hazards
15
involved in the tasks, 3) Define how each risk will be controlled
 SAFETY PROCEDURE
• Safety Procedures are available across all industries & for all
types of equipments & processes. Procedures that are easy to
understand & to use can significantly help manage the safety
of your workplace

• Various steps are:

1. Write & announce safety plan(should be known to all workers)
2. Appoint a safety director
3. Analyze operational records of safety
4. Study the scope & seriousness of hazards(possible injuries)
5. Select, study & schedule common safety methods
6. Establish a periodic review(in the field of safety)
16
7. Determine long term & short term goals of safety
• It can requires study of/understanding of:
a. Risk Assessments
b. Pre-Planning(safety measures to be taken)
c. Site Safety methods(how to be safe at workplace)
d. Personal Protective Equipments(helmets, gloves, goggles etc.)
e. First Aid(basic medicines/actions for certain accidents)
f. General Safety Information(to be known by all workers)
g. Maintenance of the Procedure
h. Job Completion
VARIETY OF SAFETY PLANS
• A safety plan consists of safety objectives, policies, rules &
regulations & methods chosen for implementation. Based on
time span, planning is classified as:
1. Long range planning(Strategic planning) – for 5 years
2. Medium range planning(Tactical planning) – for 1-2 years
3. Short range planning(Operational planning) – for 1 year 17
 COMMON SAFETY PROCEDURES MAY COVER:
• How to report a hazard(which can lead to accidents)
• Step-by-step examples of how to safely complete specific
work tasks
• Basic safety rules(wearing shoes, goggles, helmets etc.)
• Personal protective equipments(helmets, shoes, goggles,
gloves)
• Usage of chemicals(in the lab)
• Hazard communication(to the superiors so that first aid is
given & after that injured person is taken to hospital)
• Specific equipment use & safe operations(how to use the
equipments safely with all precautions)
• Disposal procedures of harmful waste
• Emergency plans(in case of any accidents) 18
 SAFETY POLICY
• Settled course adopted & followed by a body/firm
• Plan unique to each business which sets out how to manage
Health, Safety & Environmental issues.

• Policy document should:

1. Set out your business commitment to manage risks & meet
legal rules for safety
2. Tell people in the business what their duties are of health,
safety & environment issues
3. Explain steps they need to take to meet their duties

• Features are:
a. Safety Policy Statement
b. Employee Responsibility & Accountability
c. Hazard Assessment & Correction 19
d. Discipline Policy
 WHY SAFETY POLICY?
• Safety Policy Statement: Starting point of all activities in a safety
program, introductory statement in a written safety program &
should reflect the importance of injury prevention. It states
co pa y’s beliefs, principles, objectives, strategies in field of
safety
• Management should direct safety efforts by setting safety goals
& by planning, organizing & controlling to achieve them.
• Management expression of safety directions/rules to be
followed & commitment towards e ployee’s health & safety
• Ensure worker compliance with Occupational Health & Safety
Act
• Creates safety awareness among workers
• Sets out safe work practices & procedures to be followed at
workplace
• It clearly outlines responsibility & accountability of all
workers/employer for workplace safety & health
20
 FRAMING/FORMULATING SAFETY POLICY
• Consists of three parts:
1. Statement of Intent section(not rules but purpose of safety):
• Sets out orga izatio ’s commitment to managing health, safety
& envt. issues effectively & how it is going to manage/achieve it
• Statement must be signed & dated by a senior person

• It mainly says :
a. Orga isatio ’s commitment to ensure safety of employees,
customers & all others effected by business activities
b. Who has ultimate(special, in-charge) responsibility for health,
safety & environment in business?
c. All employees have responsibility for taking care of their own
health & safety & that of people they work with(co-workers)
d. Company have to provide safe working environment, safe work21
equipment & safe work methods.
2. The Organizational Section: says who is responsible for what.

• Overall responsibility for safety rests on the employer but day-

to-day responsibility can be delegated to others in the company

• Questions to be answered are: who will undertake risk

assessments, who will make workplace inspections, who will
ensure safety of specific tasks/activities/work areas

• Responsibilities of Managing Director, other senior Managers,

Supervisors/Team Leaders & all employees must be charted

• Organization must designate a competent person to take

responsibility of health, safety & environment issues in business
& advise employees of their duties & how to meet them 22
3. The Arrangements section: details of what/how employees
are going to do in practice to achieve aims set out in the
Statement of Intent section.
a. Risk Assessment: Outcome of this study provides training for
employees, provides a written safe working method, safety
rules for particular areas
b. Involvement of workers in preparing & implementing safety
policy:
• Consultation with workers on safety matters at work place will
be good because they actually do the job & can suggest
whether proposed work method is safe or not
• Employees involvement in making safety rules or devising safe
working methods will make them adhere to these rules because
of their understanding of them
c. Bring policy in attention of the workers: by providing this
policy in Handbooks, notice boards, intranet, company sites23etc.
 Phase 1: INITIATING THE POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Step 3: Identify
Step 1:Assess the Step 2: Raise Step 4: Involve
leadership & foster
situation awareness stakeholders
commitment

PHASE 2: FORMULATING THE POLICY

Step 3: Ensure that policy leads
Step 1: Define a framework Step 2: Set objectives
to action

PHASE 3: SEEKING APPROVAL & ENDORSEMENT

Step 1: Stakeholder approval Step 2: Government approval Step 3: State endorsement

24
 COMPONENTS OF SAFETY POLICY
a. Target(in field of safety defined by top mgmt.)

b. Authority(responsibility for safety)

c. Norms & Standards in safety

d. Formulation & Functioning of Safety committee(should be

given adequate powers)

e. Safety Personnel(their duties defined properly)

f. Scope & Responsibility of all workers in field of safety(for

each & every action) 25
 IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY POLICY
• Provide a suitable base for co-ordination of safety activities in
various levels of hierarchies(authority of workers)

• Provide clear, logical, consistent & distinct objectives/goals in

field of safety management

• Provide co-operation to translate safety activities into action at

all levels

• Provide an effective platform for initiation & motivation in field

of safety

• Provide a course of action which ensures that accepted norms

of safety are not deviated/violated 26
 SAFETY BUDGET
• Planning to manage for the financial resources required to
perform activities for achieving the set targets for the safety
department of the orgn.(every action required to be taken for
safety must be planned & evaluated in terms of finance/time)
• Safety costs can be classified into:
1. Fixed costs: Salaries & benefits, Information Technology costs,
Office space & associated utilities
2. Variable costs: Number of Safety Audits & Inspections, Hotel
costs, travel costs
CONTENTS OF A SAFETY BUDGET:
• Budget should help to accomplish goals & objectives of safety
1. Departmental costs(associated with safety personnel of safety
& health program including their salaries, telephones,
27
computers, office supplies)
2. Safety Training(I structor’s remuneration, vehicle/food/rental
charges, training materials/supplies)
3. Safety programs(safety incentives/awards, materials
associated with safety promotional programs)
4. Safety equipments/systems(methods): costs for personal
protective equipments, testing/monitor equipments, fire
detection/suppression systems)
5. Membership Dues/fees for joining Safety Association(their
conferences/handbooks will be useful for workers/safety
professionals)
6. Registration fees for Safety conferences, seminars,
meetings(useful for workers to gain knowledge, get
professional training, good contacts, listen to experience)
7. Safety books, publications & subscriptions
8. Funds should also be allocated for: celebrating safety
day/week/environment day, hiring external consultants for
safety audits, internal safety audits 28
 SAFETY RULES
• It lists specific set of activities to do or avoid for the completion
of job effectively & safely.
• Important things/features to be kept in mind about these
rules:
1. No single list of safety rules is adequate for all types of work
2. All rules are to be strictly & consistently enforced
3. All rules need to be completely & clearly communicated to staff
& management.
4. Develop your own list of safety rules based on standard
industry practices & accident experiences
5. Employees should be strictly punished for not sticking on to the
safety rules/procedures
6. Follow a ufacturer’s recommendations when creating rules 29
for operation of equipments
 GENERAL/SAMPLE SAFETY RULES:
1. All injuries/accidents should be reported as soon as possible
2. Personal Protective Equipments(PPEs) should be worn
3. All tools/equipments must be maintained in good condition
4. Only appropriate/proper tools shall be used for specific jobs
5. Only authorized persons shall operate forklift vehicles
6. All guards must be in place(for machines/electrical
connections)
7. Use of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes etc. not allowed at workplace
8. Perform the jobs only after getting proper training
9. Do not ignore safe work methods, policies, procedures
10. Report to work alert, rested & in good physical condition
11. Seat belts must be used while driving
30
12. Horseplay/practical jokes are not allowed
 ROLES & QUALIFICATION OF SAFETY
PROFESSIONALS
• A safety professional is one who applies the expertise gained
from a study of safety science, principles, practices & from
professional safety experience to create or develop
procedures, processes, standards, specifications, plans &
systems to achieve optimal control(minimize) or reduction of
the hazards(which can lead to accidents) & exposures which
may harm people, property &/or the environment.

• Heads of units appoint Safety officers. Safety officers act as

the employer's representative at the local level.

• Safety at work place is called Occupational Health &

Safety(OHS) 31
• The CERTIFIED SAFETY PROFESSIONAL(CSP) is a certification
awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
to individuals who meet all requirements for certification

• Respected by other safety professionals, Preferred or required

by most employers of safety professionals, Required in many
government & private contracts.

• QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for the CSP certification one must:

• Have a Degree/Diploma in Engg/Chemistry/Physics/Technical
fields
• Apply to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals(BCSP)
• Meet the Academic requirements.
• Meet the Professional Safety Experience Requirement
• Pass the CSP examination 32
 SKILLS OF WORKERS(LOW RANKED) IN FIELD OF
SAFETY(OHS):

a. Basic knowledge of Industrial Hygiene, Safety & Engineering

principles
b. Understanding use of machine guards(to cover machine parts
which are rotating) & lock/tag out electricity connections
c. Basic computer skills(to maintain safety data)
d. Knowledge of Basic Safety Rules/Laws & Regulations
e. Capable to manage multiple projects at a time
f. Strong Training & Interpersonal skills
g. Should exhibit Positivity, Passion & Responsibility
33
RESPONSIBILITY/DUTIES OF WORKERS(LOW RANKED) IN
FIELD OF SAFETY(OHS):

a. Acquaintance of safety norms, rules & regulations, laws, codes

b. Abiding by(follow) instructions, rules & regulations of safety
c. Abiding by the orders of the top authority in matter of safety
d. Co-ordinate/perform training in all Safety, Health & Envt. areas
e. Managing safety data sheets
f. Conduct walk through inspections regularly
g. Participate in accident investigations
h. Pointing out to the authority any gap in work procedures,
defective tools & M/C, defective controls & lack of repair &
maintenance which can result in hazardous situation
i. Check out personal habits of co-workers like alcohols, drugs etc
34
SKILLS OF SAFETY OFFICER/SAFETY SUPERVISOR IN FIELD
OF SAFETY(OHS):

1. Thorough knowledge of Applicable Govt. regulations

2. Effective communication skills(to speak with workers)
3. Basic computer skills(to manage safety data)
4. Capable to manage multiple projects at a time
5. Strong Training & Interpersonal skills
6. Should exhibit Positivity, Passion & Responsibility

RESPONSIBILITY/DUTIES OF SAFETY OFFICER/SAFETY

SUPERVISOR IN FIELD OF SAFETY:
1. To comply with safety norms, laws & standards
2. To promptly investigate causes & nature of accidents as well as
identify accident prone workers 35
3. To inculcate spirit of safety among workers by safety
campaigns like safety week/day, safety seminars/conferences
4. To co-ordinate & motivate safety education & training
programs among workers
5. To collect & maintain data of frequency & severity of
accidents
6. To formulate suitable safety policies & programs
7. To identify hazardous tasks/procedures/zones in work places
8. To implement Safety, Health & Environment(SHE) measures,
programs, procedures etc.
9. To adopt remedial/corrective measures to avoid hazards
10.To report regularly on safety performance & accident trends
11.To ensure that Personal Protective Equipments are in working
conditions & are being used by workers
36
12.To help Safety Committee as a Secretary/Advisor
SKILLS OF SAFETY MANAGER IN FIELD OF SAFETY(OHS):

1. Thorough knowledge of applicable Govt. regulations, Safety

compliance & Industrial hygiene
2. Strong analytical skills & strategic thinking abilities
3. An understanding of organizational behavior(of all workers)
4. Good communication skills, should be Passionate about
safety
5. Ability to influence others & work on a team as a leader

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES OF SAFETY MANAGER IN

FIELD OF SAFETY(OHS):

1. Assistance in formulation of Safety committee & its

functioning
2. Assistance to top managers to frame safety policies &
follow-up actions regarding their enforcement 37
3. Enforcement of safety norms, rules, regulations, codes & laws
relating to safety & proper maintenance of legal records &
necessary records pertaining to safety
4. Controlling & monitoring all activities which are hazardous in
nature to avoid accidents resulting into injury, damage to
equipments, material or property
5. Co-ordination of all departments in organization which could
be involved in accident prevention directly or indirectly
6. Giving safety knowledge & information to all departments
7. Conducting site inspections & audits
8. Implement corrective actions & changes
9. Impart safety training to workers at various levels
10.Study & measurement of environment Hazards
11.To act as a middleman between top management & all other
functional departments in matter of safety 38
 SKILLS OF SAFETY HEAD IN FIELD OF SAFETY(OHS):

• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable Govt. regulations

including all Environment regulations
• Understand International Regulations & Certifications
• Strategic approach & support of Safety, Health &
Environment(SHE) to all business units
• Understand financial implications(Profit & Loss, Return on
Investment(ROI) & Payback period data/reports) of safety
• Strong analytical skills & strategic thinking abilities
• An understanding of organizational behavior
• Good communication skills, should be Passionate
• Ability to influence others & work on a team as a leader
39
RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES OF SAFETY HEAD IN FIELD
OF SAFETY(OHS):

1. Synchronizing all safety activities related to all depts.

2. Regular inspections to ensure safety practices & procedures
are in sync with relevant standards & acts & to check
whether this practices are being followed by the workers
3. Approval of any new safety equipment(new to be designed or
already developed)
4. Controlling, directing & formulating accident prevention
policy & programs
5. Closely co-operating & monitoring safety training programs
40
6. Maintain accidents records system & devise ways to avoid
these accidents
7. To inculcate spirit of safety among workers by safety
campaigns like safety week/day, safety
seminars/conferences
8. Maintain contacts with safety consultants/professionals to
update new trends/updates in field of safety
9. Fix standards for Personnel Protective Equipments for
workers
10. To recommend safety measures in connection with new
constructions, renovations, repairs
11. Delegation of certain powers to officers under him to
streamline proper functioning of safety dept.
12. Submission of safety report periodically to superior officers
to make them aware of status of safety in general 41
 SAFETY COMMITTEE
• Group of persons selected from the company to consider,
investigate & report, to act or deal with safety related
matters/issues in interest of welfare of the company

• Integral element of a good safety & health program, it serves to

demonstrate top a age e t’s direction & commitment to
safety

• Consists of staff members who have direct responsibility for

safety such as Manager, Safety Engineer, Plant
Engineer(members qualified, experienced & capable of taking
task of safety mgmt.)

• Committee may be elected by Workers themselves or

nominated by the Employer, headed by a Chairman(Number
strength/function of Committee may vary for each company)42
 NEED FOR SAFETY COMMITTEE
• To promote safety in the workplace(OHS)
• To increase safety awareness
• To build enthusiasm for safety programs
• To reduce & prevent injuries/accidents
• To promote staff involvement in field of safety at all levels
• To increase productivity(output/input)
• To create safe working environment & improve safety
communication
• Improve employee morale(by safe working
methods/procedures)

43
 FUNCTION OF SAFETY COMMITTEE
• Promote safety through co-operation between Top management
& workers, Involve employees in safety programs.
• Planning for control of physical hazards concerning standards to
be followed in guarding machinery, equipment design, layout
• Arousing & maintaining interest in safety of all workers &
supervisors & help them to understand safety in their work
• Investigation/study of accidents & its records
• Safety training
• To provide an opportunity for free discussion with all workers of
accident problems & preventive measures
• To make safety activities integral part of operating policies &
methods
• Maintain a safe environment for employees & visitors. 44
 DUTIES OF SAFETY COMMITTEE
1. Management Commitment to Workplace Safety & Health
• Establish procedures for review
• Submit written recommendations for safety/health improving
• E aluate e ployer’s safety/health policies & procedures
• Review corrective action taken by management.

2. Committee Meetings & Employee Involvement

• Establish procedures for employee input, i.e. to receive
suggestions, report hazards & other safety & health information.
• Include employee input on agenda for safety committee
meetings.
• Hold monthly meetings & keep meeting minutes.
• Develop & make available a written agenda for each meeting.
• Take meeting minutes & distribute to management & the safety
45
committee members
3. Hazard Assessment & Control
• Establish procedures for workplace inspections to identify safety
& health hazards.
• Assist employer to evaluate accident & illness prevention
program.
• Appoint an inspection team of at least one employee
representative & one employer representative.
• Conduct workplace inspections at least quarterly.
• Make a written report of hazards discovered during inspections.
• Review corrective measures.
4. Safety/Health Planning
• Establish procedures to review inspection reports & make
implementation of new safety/health rules & work practices.
• Develop/establish procedures for an annual review of the
company safety & health program. 46
5. Accountability
• Evaluate the company safety & health program,
• Make recommendations to implement supervisor & employee
accountability for safety & health

6. Accident/Incident Investigations

7. Safety/Health Training for Committee Members

• Identify & make accessible applicable standards & other codes
that apply to your particular industry.
• Provide specific training on your type of business activity(include
at a minimum, hazard identification at the workplace & how to
perform effective accident incident investigation)
• Identify safety procedures provided with appropriate equipment
• Recommend training for new employees & refresher training on
work location safety practices, procedures & emergency
response.
47
 HOW TO ACHIEVE GOALS OF A SAFETY
COMMITTEE
• Develop a safety program & work to effectively train all
employees on the program.
• Serve as a safety review board for all incidents & recommend
safety measures helping to prevent similar occurrences in
future.
• Establish a procedure for reporting hazard conditions /activities.
• Conduct facility &/or premises inspections to identify & correct
unsafe conditions before they create an incident.
• Coordinate & assure that practice emergency drills are being
conducted.
• Assure First Aid kits & Personal Protective Equipments are met.
• Develop & conduct safety orientation training for new workers48
 TYPES OF SAFETY COMMITTEE
• In broad terms, Safety Committees are of two types:
1. OPERATIONS SAFETY COMMITTEE: it looks directly after
accident prevention programs at all stages/levels
• Chairman of this committee is reportable to the Executive safety
committee
• Members of this committee includes Secretary of Executive
safety committee, Chairman & Secretary for this committee,
Plant safety inspector along with a few supervisors
• Frequency of this co ittee’s meeting is decided by Executive
safety committee, but for certain special cases urgent meetings
can be conducted.
• Preparation of agenda, supply of facts/info. for considerations &
discussions etc. lie with secretary of this committee
• Provision for rotational membership of supervisors 49
 FUNCTIONS OF OPERATIONS SAFETY
COMMITTEE
• Approval of all proposals related to new constructions, new
equipments, modifications in processes & procedures

• Taking suitable actions after reviewing safety reports &

recommendations submitted by safety inspector, safety
officer, plant engineer, investigation officer & service
engineers

• To check safety processes & procedures at regular intervals

• Discussions on conditions & circumstances that might trigger

off major accidents along with remedial measures 50
 2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
• Purpose is to provide executive direction specially regarding
accident prevention at all levels

• Committee consists of designated representatives selected by

Head of the organization, Plant Superintendent, General
managers including Safety managers & some other functional
managers

• Chairman of this committee is reportable to Head of the orgn.

• Meetings of this committee is usually held in first week of each

month or on some other dates in case of emergency or on
special orders of the Head of the orgn.

• Preparation of agenda, supply of facts/info. for considerations &

discussions etc. lie with secretary of this committee 51
FUNCTIONS OF EXECUTIVE SAFETY COMMITTEE
• Trends & process to check accident frequency & severity should
be reviewed from time to time
• Safety reports & recommendations to be reviewed & acted upon
• Major changes in safety policies & reshuffling in structure of
safety organizations to be sanctioned
• High costs involved in accidents prevention to be approved.

• Apart from two types of Safety committees (Operations &

Executive), following types of safety committees are also found in
industries:
1, Plant Central Safety Committee 2, Company Or Inter-plant
Safety Committee 3, Departmental Safety Committee
4, Fore a ’s Safety Committee 5, Worker’s Safety Committee
6, Inspections Safety Committee 7, Joint Mgmt. Labor Safety
Committee 8,Electrical Safety Committee 52
1.PLANT CENTRAL SAFETY COMMITTEE:
• It is a policy committee responsible for safety policy matter at the
plant level.
• It includes General Manager, Plant Engineers, Superintendent,
Foremen, Medical Personnel, HR Manager, Plant Safety Director, a
representative of Union of employees etc.

• Duties of this committee are:

a. To assess hazardous situations & investigate upon major or
uncommon accidents
b. To take decisions regarding types of safety equipments & their
purchase, education & training methods
c. To thoroughly review, discuss & act upon accident reports & also
to maintain statistical data.
d. To carry out safety training programs efficiently
e. To function as a consulting body for those depts. having high
frequency or severity of accidents 53
2. COMPANY OR INTER-PLANT SAFETY COMMITTEE:

• This committee aims at co-ordinating safety efforts among

different depts. in the company, it is common in companies
with multi-plant operations or in companies controlling
numerous subsidiary units
• Members of this committee are drawn from Safety Engineers,
Supervisors, Safety Officers from various plants.

• Basic aims of this committee are:

a. To hold discussions on specific safety problems in firm as well
as subsidiary units
b. Develop policy recommendations concerned with safety
programs, safety policy & approaches for subsidiary units
c. Bring in new, updated/sophisticated safety techniques
d. Assessment of safety measures in general for subsidiary units
e. Assessing safety efforts put by all units through suitable site
visits & exchange of ideas with the workers 54
3.DEPARTMENTAL SAFETY COMMITTEE
• This committee is common in plants having large number of
employees as wells as large number of departments
functioning in the whole set up.
• Main action is at operating level where safety policies of
company have to take practical shape(should start from there)
• Members of this committee are: Head of the department,
Safety Officer(secretary), Senior & Experienced Foremen

• Main functions of this committee:

a. To provide proper guidance & co-ordination to department
activities, investigation of accidents, check for maintenance of
safety rules & regulations etc
b. To take actions to minimize/reduce hazards
c. To arrange for safety publicity 55
4. FOREMAN’s SAFETY COMMITTEE:

• Usually common in small or medium size plants

• Functions as a general purpose committee providing helping
hand to Plant Safety Committee
• The committee tries to enforce safety policies at operating level
• Members are foremen drawn from different depts./areas, a
Senior & Experienced Foreman acts as Secretary of committee
& Plant Superintendent as Chairman

5. INSPECTIONS SAFETY COMMITTEE:

• Special committee for plant inspections, to avoid accidents

prior to their occurrences by quick spotting of danger
• Extreme alertness with an aggressive inspection is their main
task 56
6. WORKERS SAFETY COMMITTEE:

• Common in large plants, serves as a connecting link between

workers & safety organization

• Workers have rotational membership in this committee(so that

most workers get experience), generally foremen becomes
chairman while another worker becomes secretary of the
committee

• The Functions are:

a. Helps in investigating accidents
b. Provides valuable assistance towards educating & training new
employees
c. Helps in remedial/corrective measures to reduce hazards
d. Provide support & co-operation during safety inspections 57
7. JOINT MANAGEMENT LABOR SAFETY COMMITTEE:

• This committee helps to the need of increasing freedom of

expression to the workers in field of safety
• Management itself appoints members of the committee(from
workers themselves)
• Members can act independently & its recommendations are
passed to policy-making safety committee
• It is an advisory body dealing with safety problems & making
recommendations to the Central safety committee.

8. THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY COMMITTEE:

• Routinely reviews problems related to both electrical service

within buildings as well as major high voltage distribution
system.
• The committee also addresses training issues & updating code
requirements related to work within the electrical trade. 58
 SAFETY ORGANIZATIONS/DEPARTMENTS
• Organization taking in the work of accident
prevention(normally companies have separate dept. for safety
& accident prevention)
• Safety dept. have staffs who specialize in area of Engg., safety
systems & manuals, training, occupational health, industrial
hygiene, process safety, medical matters & envt. protection
• Responsibilities/Functions:
a. Participate in formulation of safety policy
b. Ensure that safety systems are created, maintained & adapted
c. Ensure compliance with safety requirements,
d. Review safety plan & procedures,
e. Identify, assess & monitor hazards,
f. Educate & train workers, promote safety communication in
59
field of safety, contribute to technical developments in safety.
 SPECIFIC AREAS FOR WHICH SAFETY
DEPARTMENT TAKES RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Advice to senior/top management: Safety Policy, Safety
Mgmt. Systems, Technical Safety Aspects, Hazards Incidents
Review, Safety Performance Measure, Compliance with
Safety Rules

2. Creating, monitoring & review of safety management

system: Personnel Selection Criteria, Process Safety Reviews,
Safety Audit, Accidents Investigation, Safety Documentation
& Training

3. Creating & Conducting of safety-related activities 60

5. Communication: Technology Developments, Good Safety
Practices, Accident Investigation & History

6. Dept. should be co pa y’s window to outside world,

monitoring developments, whether in legislations,
technology or safety practices.

7. Planning to ensure that various process safety reviews &

hazard studies are scheduled & monitored.

8. Commitment to safety education & training of workers

9. Creation of safety culture & implementing good practices

10. Training of new safety related techniques/equipments 61

 SAFETY ORGANIZATIONS(INTERNATIONAL &
NATIONAL LEVEL)
• Their duty is to serve the society by creating a organized &
scientific approach to Safety, Health & Environment(SHE)
• Assure safe & healthy working conditions for workers by setting
& enforcing standards & by providing training, education
1. INTERNATIONAL LEVEL SAFETY ASSOCIATIONS:
a. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
• This federal agency establishes partnerships & encourages
constant improvement in the areas of workplace health & safety
with outreach programs & continuing education & training
b. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)
• Federal agency established to help assure healthy & safe working
conditions for workers by providing training, education, research,
& information related to the field of occupational safety & health.
62
c. American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
• Founded in 1911 & guided by a board of directors, ASSE is
largest professional safety orgn, with members who manage,
supervise, research & consult on occupational safety, health,
transportation & environment issues in all industries, govt.,
labor & education.

d. Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE)

• Self-governed by a voluntary board of directors, the CSSE is the
leading Canadian orgn. for professionals focused on health &
safety. CSSE promotes greater awareness of the issues
surrounding health & safety in the workplace.

e. National Safety Council (NSC)

• A non-profit, non-governmental resource for information
related to the prevention of accidental injury/death, focuses on
63
R& D & statistics, fact sheets, consulting services, training
f. International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)

• U.S.-based trade association for companies that manufacture

safety equipment. Its members include world leaders in the
design & manufacture of clothing & safety equipment. Aim to
promote the standardization of safety equipment & the proper
use of personal protective equipment.

g. International Association of Safety Professionals

(IASP)

• Dedicated to creating a properly managed safety culture - with a

focus on producing employees who take an active role in
training & identify potential hazards in the workplace, thus
establishing the foundation for an effective culture of safety.
64
h. International Commission on Occupational Health
(ICOH)
• International, non-governmental professional society whose
aims are to foster the knowledge & development of
occupational health & safety in all its aspects. ICOH is the
world's leading international scientific society in the field of
occupational health.

i. Tri-national Working Group of Government

Experts on Workplace Safety & Health
• This working group is composed of government occupational
safety & health experts from the U.S., Mexico & Canada,
working together to improve living standards & working
conditions. Its members make technical recommendations to
their respective ministers of labor on workplace safety
issues. 65
j. American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial
Organizations (AFL-CIO)
k. U.S. / European Co-operation on Workplace Safety & Health
• This group is a joint effort between the governments of the
United States & European Union. Their is a portal for all
current news & regulatory documents related to workplace
safety & health
l. International Ergonomics Association (IEA)
• Federation of 42 societies from around the globe that focus on
ergonomics & human factors. Governed by a council & run by
an executive committee, it promotes the international
exchange of information through conferences & meetings
m. International Industrial Accident Congress
n. International Workers conference
o. International labor Organization 66
2.National Level Safety Organisations
a. National Safety council in India: Premier, Non-profit,
Self-financing & Autonomous body, set up by the Govt. of India,
to generate, develop & sustain a movement in Safety, Health &
Environment(SHE) matters at national level, to serve society by
creating a preventive culture of accidents, scientific mind-set &
organized approach
Activities are:
• Conducts specialized training courses, conferences, seminars &
workshops all over the nation
• Conduct safety audits, hazard evaluation, Emergency mgmt.
planning etc & also to keep safety day/week, National Envt. day
• Designing safety publications & magazines
b. Fire & Safety Association of India
67
c. Safety Engineers Association
 OSHA
• OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION(OSHA):
agency of the U.S. that regulates workplace safety & health.

• An OSHA Safety Plan is a written document that describes the

process for identifying the physical & health hazards that could
harm workers, procedures to prevent accidents & steps to take
when accidents occur. The written safety plan is your blueprint
for keeping workers safe.

• Safety programs that require written OSHA safety plans:

1. Hazard Communication(identification & assessment)

2. Emergency Action Plan & Fire Prevention Plan
3. Safety & Health Plan
4. Respiratory protection, permit-required confined spaces,
lockout/tagout, process safety, construction fall protection 68
 SAFETY TRAINING
• Suggestions related to training include:

1. Only properly instructed & authorized people should be allowed

to any job
2. All jobs should be safe,
3. Hold emergency preparedness drills
4. New operations should be well guided so that workers with
proper skills are doing the job, they should be aware of hazards
5. Supervisors & managers should be trained to recognize hazards
& understand their responsibilities
6. Make sure everyone knows work plan in case of a fire/other
emergency, when & where personal protective equipments are
required, type of chemicals used in the firm & its precautions69
• OSHA considers safety & health training vital to every
workplace - most effective when integrated into a co pa y’s
overall training in performance requirements & job practices.

• The content of a co pa y’s training program & the methods of

presentation should reflect the needs & characteristics of the
particular workforce. Identification of needs is an important
early step in training design. Involving everyone in this process
& in the subsequent teaching can be highly effective.

• The principles of teaching & learning are:

1. Trainees should understand the purpose of the training.
2. Information should be organized to maximize effectiveness.
3. People learn best when they can immediately practice & apply
newly acquired knowledge & skills.
4. People learn in different ways, so an effective program will
incorporate a variety of training methods. 70
 6 SAFETY TRAINING METHODS
1. Orientation training for site workers & contractors
2. Hazard recognition training
3. Training required by OSHA standards
4. Training for emergency response people
5. Accident investigation training 6. Emergency drills

• Training should target new hires, contract workers who wear

Personal Protective Equipments(PPEs) & workers in high risk areas.
• Managers(importance of their role in visibly supporting safety &
health program & setting a good example) & Supervisors(receive
training in company policies/procedures, as well as hazard
detection & control, accident investigation, handling emergencies)
• The long-term worker whose job changes as a result of new
processes/materials should not be overlooked. 71