Safety is Everybody’s Responsibility – Page 2
4.0 ROLE OF WORKERS:
An accident prevention programme is in the interest of workers alone. However, the workers should realise that an accident can cause not only physical injury to him but also can cause him great harm and in turn cost him more in the long run. Unfortunately this fact is seldom realised by the workers and they often fall victim to their own attitudes or habits contrary to safe practices. If workers realise that safety is for their wellbeing and hence make it a practice to work safely, then half the battle of safety drive is won. But one may wonder why our workers don’t understand a thing of their own interest? Probably the bad habit which acquired in the past does not allow one to work safely. Probably, the bad habit once acquired becomes the only way of working and any change envisage is resented.
The workers can be critical about the methods of doing the job and pinpoint hazards and suggest possible corrective measures to their immediate superior. They should realise their mistakes either through investigation of past accidents or observation of their fellow beings at work and make a determined effort to rectify those. Workers should realise that they have a moral obligation to produce adequately and safely without endangering lives of others at work. By working safely, they can help their supervisor in an effective discharge of his duty and in turn lessen his burden.
The management can help to the extent of supporting and encouraging safe practices, but much of the success depends on its effective use on shop floor to the workers. Of course, not to forget that the organisation has a responsibility to give adequate wages, facilities and benefits to meet their basic need for survival. The compliance with the safety provisions and if necessary putting demand on management, are the obligations of the workers. It should be remembered that safety is the part of workmanship and that safe method is the only effective and efficient methods to produce.
5.0 ROLE OF SAFETY COMMITTEE:
Normally workers like to participate in decision making concerning their health and welfare. Although, they know that the final decisions will have to be taken by somebody at the top level, they have satisfaction to be a party to the decision making.
The constitution of safety committee consisting of representatives of management and workers, can contribute much to safety promotional activities. The safety committee, therefore, should act as a clearing body for all matters regarding making safety drive more active. The advice of safety officer, if in place, should be made available to the committee for assessing technical matters and practicability of suggestions made. Usually, the safety officer will be the Ex-Officio Secretary of safety committees. It may be reminded that at times the need may arise to re-evaluate and redesign the policy in the interest of safety. The safety committee should meet regularly, at least once in a month and discuss and finalise the issues relating to safety. Members of the safety committee should come with an open mind and discuss only matters relating to safety.
6.0 ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS:
One of the major responsibilities of the trade unions is to look after the welfare of its members. However, often the demand for ‘welfare’ is mainly focussed on wages and other financial incentives. The trade unions have to change this attitude and demand for better working conditions from the management. They have to see that their members are provided with safe place, tools, equipment and environment to work. They should not forget that their members have to follow safety regulations and safety norms. This could be done by instilling safe habits and practices. They should also be on the lookout for the unsafe behaviour of their members and correct it before it provides disastrous. The unsafe behaviour, if not checked in time, they may have to be brought to the notice of the departmental heads, so that it can curbed in the initial stage itself. They should also emphasise to their members, that the safety rules are framed for their own interest.
Trade unions, therefore, must co-operate with the management in matters relating to safety. They may promote safety education to develop safety awareness and safety consciousness among their members.