1.

High Works
The aspect of laying sheets or fixing of roof sheets on warehouse beams or sheds is an
activity which could be considered high in risk and thus it needs impeccable planning
and execution. My inspection has brought to light the fact that there exists no fall arrest
systems and there exists unprotected edges and slope roofs which could lead to which
could be disastrous to the workers. The results are extremely dangerous as compared to
other forms of work on the construction site as this would lead to serious personal injury
or imminent death.
To prevent any of the above consequences control measures must be the first
weapon. These measures must be implemented by introducing fall protection arrest
systems (FPAS) to workers on elevated work platforms of over 1.8 metres height. In
case, if it is not possible to provide any kind of edge protection, then it is always safe to
place safety nets so that the fall distance is minimised.
It is the responsibility of the organization to provide appropriate personal
protective equipment like safety shoes, gloves, overalls, goggles, hard hat etc.,. It is
imperative that special training be given to workers who work at a height about the
danger associated with their job and also make them aware of a safe working system.
Such activities should be supervised closely.
Such control measures would have a cost of approximately INR 15,00,000/- for
the organization and upon failing to implement this will lead to legal actions taken by
labour ministry under labour welfare act. We can understand that the cost to the
company is quite minimal compared to the costs which could incur due to accident. It is
my personal recommendation that the company make the appropriate amendments
within the time frame mentioned to protect itself from any legal action.

2. Hazards pertaining to Fire

The three components which would result in a fire are oxygen, appropriate fuel,
inflammable material and source of ignition. A powerful fire could still be curtailed if we
take appropriate measures right at the beginning by ensuring the connectivity between
the above three elements. The fire tends to get out of control if this attempt at isolation of
peace elements, fails. The ways in which the fire can spread through an organization
(work place) is by convection, conduction and radiation. So, if appropriate precautions
were taken right at the beginning then such unfortunate incidents could be avoided.
During my inspection, I found that many workers were carrying out welding, cutting, etc.,
without taking appropriate measures such as cordoning the area using fire blankets and
providing fire extinguishers within close proximity. This attitude could lead to accidents,
which could result in grievous injury to the workmen thus affecting the organization’s
earning as well as goodwill.
Some of the more common causes of fires are deliberate ignition, faulty wiring,
heating and cooking appliances, combustible materials etc.
The consequences of such fires could be as trivial as minor burns and as major
as death. Every organization must ensure that control measures are in place in order to
avoid human and production laws. They could accomplish this by providing emergency
escape routes, fire fighting equipment and appropriate training and awareness
programs. All the workers must be communicated about the emergency rescue
procedures and it is important that the contact numbers of all emergency rescue teams
be displayed in every corner. Associated training pertaining to procedures to be followed
in case of fires such as using fire points, fire break glass points, emergency exits must
be made fully aware to the worker.
My trip to the site has made me aware that the arrangements for fire and other
emergencies were inadequate and would not meet the requirements and guidelines of
 USFDA. These measures might actually cost the organization around INR 30,00,000/- ,
which is quite a nominal amount compared to the losses which could be incurred in the
case of fires’. By implementing these procedures the organization would not only safe
guard the workers but would also protect Dr. Reddy’s from the expenses such accidents
could incur.

3. Working in confined spaces

Confined space activities are considered one of the more dangerous activities in any
construction site. Such activities are usually performed within a sub-ceiling structure
while laying down pipelines, installing conduits or multiple devices. I came across such
areas where it was observed that places where the activities were being performed did
not have any warning signs to prevent unauthorized entry. An emergency rescue
procedure was also missing. Because confined spaces could be home to poisonous
gases, it is mandatory to have someone to keep an eye on the workers inside. But
unfortunately this was not the case, as I have understood that there was nobody to keep
an eye on the workers. A mandatory gas test would need to be carried out at three
different levels ie., top, middle level and bottom because the lighter gases are at the top
and the heavier gases at the bottom.
Competent workers who have been certified and have been approved by the
management should be assigned such tasks. The law authorities in India could penalize
an organization for non-compliance based on the workmen’s compensation act 1923
and the factories act 1948. Not adhering to labour laws pertaining to confined space can
be a cause for heavy penalties. A few such amendments mentioned above would not
cost the company much. I would advice that the company implement the appropriate
procedures and measures thus protecting itself and its workers.

4. Manual Handling
Every site which in some way is associated with manual labour tends to have jobs which
require lifting and handling weights. My observation has made me aware of the improper
methods used by the workers in handling weights which could inturn be considered
unsafe to worker’s health. Injuries such as chronic back pain, spinal injury, work related
upper limb disorder, hernia etc., could be the consequence of such careless activities.
It is the responsibility of the organization to put in place controlled measures by
mechanizing the handling through providing handling aids such as trolleys and lifting
equipment. Workers need to be made aware of the injuries they could be prone to if
such practices are still in place. One measure the company could take into consideration
is providing these individuals with protective gear that could prevent them from hurting
themselves while handling weights. Any failure to enforce such safety processes could
result in fine or sometimes closure of the organization. The organization could incur a
cost of around INR 20,00,000/- to implement safety procedures and buy protective gear.
If it takes into consideration the consequences which could result due to non-compliance
then the management would clearly consider immediate implementation.

5. Digging (Excavation)
Excavation activities are a common feature in any site, but it has to be taken into
consideration that they pose hazards like cave-ins, electrocution due to accidental
contact with power lines, water logging due to buried pipelines which could burst any
time, threat of poisonous gases as it gets deeper. Collapse of the workplace could be
stopped by changing the topography of the excavation site for a small period of time.
One other control measure includes shoring or building a trench box. Proper lighting
arrangements should be made and men should be allocated to guide the vehicles and
people around the area to stop them from falling into the excavation. High visible
marking must be ensured to mark pedestrian crossings and all the vehicles must be
provided with a flashlight and audible reversing alarm. Drivers on such sites should be
well trained and the vehicles must have been taken care of.
i) Controls to prevent falls:
Barriers and guard rails are to be placed in order to prevent unaware
workmen from coming close to the power lines. Special training is
required to workers and to increase safety they could introduce permits to
work enabling the management to manage such high risk activity. To
implement such controls would cost the organization only about INR
4500000 which is an abysmal amount considering the huge
Fines they would incur if these are not put into force soon.