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Today
due to rapid growth in urban population,
and space constraints, many Multi Storeyed
constructions are coming up. We not only
have to complete the construction in a stipulated
time, and give quality construction but
also look after safety of our workplace
and workmen.
According to a survey by Government,
there are around 30000 minor or major
accidents every year at construction sites
in India. Looking to high volume of construction
industry, these numbers of accidents are
not very significant. But still, with
a little awareness, care, and a little
training, these accidents can largely
be prevented, and minimized. In construction
industry hazards are new everyday, as
the job process is not set. Accidents
are also due to migrant and illiterate
labour, who is part of any construction
site.
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In construction industry, training
of engineers, supervisors and labour,
in safety rules is of great importance.
Also we have to set certain rules
invariably to be followed by all,
sort of mandatory. Since most of
the labour is illiterate, regular
hammering on safety issues will
lead to awareness. At least once
a week, instructions be repeated
to labour and also to supervisors,
so as to bring culture of safe working.
The most important aspect is management’s
commitment towards safety. Normally
in construction industry we see
safety offices is appointed and
issue forgotten. The owners and
senior staff are the main persons
who often break the rules. They
should themselves, sincerely and
with responsibility follow all the
rules, which will have a great impact
on workmen.
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The main hazard while constructing
multistoried building is in working
at height. Shuttering work needs
to be designed properly and erected
rigidly. It should have sufficient
spaces within to allow safe passage
to workmen working under. And basically
we have to see that whenever a workman
is working at height (2m & above)
he wears a safety belt and ties
it properly to some permanent building
members, or rigid scaffolding which
can take his weight if he falls.
Also when work on height is going
on, the area should be barricaded
with red tapes having sign of danger,
and every one instructed about the
barricaded part.
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The
other thing, which we have to look into,
is housekeeping. In construction, housekeeping
does not mean sweeping everything on site.
It means “A place for everything and
everything at its place.” Normally
what happens is when we receive the material
on site it is stacked in proper way, but
during use and after use it is just scattered
on the site and not arranged properly and
the reason we get for not arranging it properly
is “we are going to use again”,
but we do not realise that everyone has
to work here and someone may fall down after
hitting the material which can lead to severe
accidents. Also protruding nails in shuttering
materials are not removed properly, there
is every chance that someone walking may
just walk at that level or over it and nail
will have his head or his foot, as the case
maybe. Wearing of helmets and safety shoes
(having steel plate in sole and steel bracket
to guard toe) will greatly reduce risk.
Scaffoldings
are a major thing for construction of high
rise buildings as it has much usage, but
once a scaffold is erected and during using
it do we really check it? Whether it has
proper access whether scaffold is erected
on firm ground level and also the bracings
and working platform. If we check the above
points scaffold can be safe to use. Otherwise
we can imagine the situation in case scaffolding
falls, or tilts.
Different
machines are used for construction purpose
e.g. Concrete Pumps, Cranes, JCB, Poclain,
Concrete Mixers, Dumpers, Vibrators, Cutters
etc. For machines, we must follow the safety
requirements as per manufacturer’s
manual. Also some common points like whenever
a crane or JCB, Poclain is at work no one
should stand in swing area of machine and
if possible it can be barricaded. Machinery
having moving parts can be covered with
effective guards. Ensure that hand brakes
work and are effective. Driver must carry
valid driving licence. |
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To reduce pollution and difficulty
of storing fuel in bulk, more and
more electrical machinery is used.
Electrical safety is also of great
importance as all electrical installations
are temporary. There is general
tendency of not using plugs and
people give 2-3 connections from
single socket. Also fuse wire is
not used as per specification because
the electrical board is overloaded
and the fuse trips every time now
and then. Also electrical cables
should be joined properly and only
certified electrician should work
on electrical installations. Cables,
used for construction work must
invariably be shielded and doubly
insulated.
There is every chance of fire on
site as we have to use and store
materials like wood, cloth, and
fuels at site. Supervisors can be
given training in use of fire extinguishers,
other fire fighting equipment, which
has to be maintained in efficient
working order. Storage of sufficient
quantity of water will greatly help
in reducing fire damage.
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points are of great importance: |
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Safety can
be achieved with only teamwork and not otherwise.
Everyone must be aware of safety arrangements
and equiped to use it.
Mr Jadhav is a Safety officer, working with
DEVI Construction Co., Pune. He shall welcome
feed back, and suggestions, if any, from
the readers.
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By Mr. Manoj Yadhav |
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