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Unit 14: Workplace Safety and Health

than 250 employees, suitable arrangements must be made to provide cool drinking water Notes
during the hot summer months.
9. Latrines and Urinals (19): The latrines and urinals are (a) maintained separately for male
and female workers, (b) having sufficient enclosed space, (c) conveniently situated and
accessible to all workmen, (d) adequately lighted and ventilated, (e) cleanly kept at all
times, (f) maintained properly by employing sweepers for this purpose.
10. Spittoons (20): A sufficient number of spittoons should be provided at convenient places
in every factory and these should be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.
14.4.2 Industrial Safety: Effective Safety Management

Effective safety management considers the type of safety problems, accidents, employees and
technology in the organisational setting. The role of human beings in safety related problems
should also be looked into. Safety efforts will not be successful if we try to engineer machines
without paying attention to behavioural reactions of employees. A comprehensive approach to
safety includes the following steps:
1. Safety Policy: Every factory must formulate and implement a safety policy. The objective
of such a policy should be to eliminate or reduce accidents and injuries in the workplace.
2. Top Management Support: The safety policy must be supported by top management
firmly. 12 Safety commitment should begin with top management. The commitment
manifests itself in top managements' being personally involved in safety activities in a
routine way; giving safety matters top priority in company meetings and production
scheduling, giving company safety officer high rank and status and including safety training
in new workers' training.

3. Safety Committee: To promote safety consciousness among employees, safety committees
could be constituted, under the chairmanship of a safety officer. The committee should
consist of representatives from workers and supervisors from various departments and
levels. It must meet regularly to conduct safety reviews and make recommendations for
changes necessary to avoid future accidents.
4. Safety Discipline Motivation: Safety rules must be enforced strictly. Violations should
not be tolerated. Frequent reinforcement of the need for safe behaviour and feedback on
positive safety practices have been found to be extremely effective in improving workers'
safety. Rewards and certificates could be offered to employees for good safety records. To
promote employee involvement and motivation, safety contests could be held followed
by incentives for safe work behaviour.

5. Safety Engineering: To minimise workplace accidents, proper engineering procedures
could be followed. Fencing of machinery, adequate space between machines, parts and
equipment, use of material handling equipment, safety devices, proper maintenance of
machines, etc., are undertaken to prevent accidents from occurring.
6. Safety Training and Communications: Safety training can also reduce accidents. It is especially
useful in case of new recruits. Training in safe practices, procedures, material handling, first
aid, fire prevention, etc., could be offered to them. Posters, newsletters, displays, slogans
and signs could also be used to promote safety consciousness throughout the organisation.
Another way to communicate safety ideas is through safety films and videotapes.
7. Accident Investigation and Research: When accidents takes place, they should be
thoroughly investigated to find the actual reason (poor lighting, poor ventilation, wet
floor, etc.) as early as possible. Such an early probe is necessary to ensure that conditions

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