Industrial Accidents Issues - Report Example

Industrial Accidents Name: Tutor: Course: Date: Executive summary This report is about industrial accidents. The introduction section provides a skeletal summary of what the report entails. Regarding the causes and effects of industrial accidents, the reports attempts to provide a broad definition, identifies the causes and resulting effects of industrial accidents. In risk assessment and evaluation, this section attempts to categorize and rate accidents in terms of likelihood, impact and frequency of occurrence. On how to control of industrial accidents, the report attempts to provide control measures that have been instituted to control industrial accidents with respect to avoidance, mitigation, acceptance and transfer (Kletz, 2007). The role of an engineer in occupational health and safety is espoused at this section through investigations into the role an engineer in reducing industrial accidents and whether the present occurrence is within a level of control and elimination. The report also lists challenges, lessons, skills learnt and competencies utilized in writing this report. Table of Contents Executive summary 1 Table of Contents 2 List of Tables 2 1.0 Introduction 3 1.1 Causes and effects of industrial accidents 3 1.2 Risk Assessment and Evaluation 4 Table 1: Risk Assessment and Evaluation for industrial accidents 4 1.3 Control of industrial accidents 5 1.4 Role of engineer in eliminating industrial accidents 6 1.5 Challenges in developing this report 7 1.6 Skills developed while writing the report 7 1.7 Competencies developed 8 1.8 Conclusion 8 References 9 List of Tables Table 1: Risk Assessment and Evaluation for industrial accidents 4 1.0 Introduction This report is about industrial accidents and how they can be assessed and evaluated. Industrial accidents vary from minor to catastrophic incidences which threaten the vulnerable population (Kletz, 2007). Through various examples, the report attempts to find out what industrial accidents entails, develop a risk management plan, control of the various industrial accidents, and role of the engineer in reducing industrial accidents. This report will be essential for readers and practitioners of engineering safety and health. 1.1 Causes and effects of industrial accidents Heinrich et al. (2000) defines industrial accidents are discrete occurrences in the course of work that causes mental or physical occupational injuries. According to Flynn and Theodore (2001, p. 35), work related accidents include those happening within the firm’s premises that results to disease, injury or death. Some of these accidents include accident release, explosions, chemical explosions, pollution, and acid rain. Mannan (2012, p. 7) argues that although accidents in industries happen due to faulty or worn-out machines, faulty processes, and systems or equipment it is probable to consider the input of human negligence, sabotage, incompetence, and among others. The degree of repercussions depends on whether the accidents are minor or fatal and the frequency of occurrence (Khan & Abbasi, 1998). Some of the worst recorded industrial accidents are; Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine in 1986, toxic spill in the Russian Federation in 2006, and the 2006 health hazard in Cote D’Ivoire. These industrial disasters not only killed many industrial workers but killed and affected a huge vulnerable population in the surrounding areas (Kletz, 2007). Industrial accidents leads injuries and loss of working hours, fatalities will drain the company on numerous claims and compensation while the reputation of the company will be at risk from the perspective of suppliers and buyers (Heinrich et al. 2000). A firm can easily lose its market share as profits dwindle, and more litigation enters the courtroom (ILO, 2004). In Britain, 51 percent of construction injuries resulted in death while falls from height accounted for 50 percent of serious injuries to employees in industries in 2011 (Mannan, 2012, p. 15). With increasing cases of accidents, it is important that engineers adopt a risk assessment plan to guide in classifying and evaluating accidents. The risk assessment scale identifies the risk, impact, magnitude and frequency of occurrence (Khan & Abbasi, 1998). It remains a priority of a plant or site engineer to ensure adherence to occupational health and safety in all aspects of industrial practice. The engineer has a great role in keeping equipment, machines, systems, and processes in check by undertaking random inspections re-work, total productive maintenance and creating awareness among employees (Khan & Abbasi, 1998). It is also important that engineers prioritize on employee safety and health by providing protective clothing, safe working environment and effective guards to moving or rotating machine parts. Lessons are important if learned (Kletz, 2007). Most industrial accidents occur at random, and only effective companywide mechanism and procedures will reduce industrial accidents. 1.2 Risk Assessment and Evaluation Industrial accidents are assessed and evaluated in terms of impact, effects and frequency of occurrence. The assessment is provided in the risk assessment plan as shown in table 1 below; Table 1: Risk Assessment and Evaluation for industrial accidents Risk Impact Frequency Current controls Responsibility Action plan Injuries or death from exposed rotating machine parts High High Provide alerts to workers Site engineer Provide permanent barriers to falling objects or rotating machine parts Toxic chemical and radioactive spills High Medium Signage of toxic materials and containers Inspection manager Dispose unnecessary radioactive materials. Use gas proof materials while in contact with toxic chemicals Industrial fires High Low Fire assembly point and fire drills Plant engineer Provide firewalls and position extinguishers at strategic points Cuts, falls and lacerations Medium High First aid kit and emergency ambulances Inspections engineer Provide protective devices like gloves, helmets and goggles to workers As shown in the table 1 above, industrial accidents have a degree of impact and level of occurrence which is very critical to the firm. The site or inspection engineers have a huge task in identifying the accidents and providing the necessary cushion to protect employees and the public from exposure or risk (Flynn & Theodore, 2001). The engineer can adopt a Factories Act or a factory code that defines accidents and how they can be avoided, transferred, accepted or mitigated. From the table above, I have learnt that it is important to conduct a risk assessment and evaluation to help predict and categorize accidents. I have also known that industrial accidents can range from fatal to minor cases of which chemical disasters are associated with the former. I believe the engineer has a great responsibility in protecting the lives of workers, plant and the general public from harm of toxic chemicals and poisoning. I understand that by rating accidents in terms of occurrence, impact and likelihood, it becomes easier to provide measures such as mitigation, avoidance, acceptance or transfer of the risk. 1.3 Control of industrial accidents Control and elimination of industrial accidents requires cooperation and support of management to employees (Flynn & Theodore, 2001). Moreover, Kletz (2007) asserts that the presence of a competent engineer to innovate and develop processes and systems is critical in order to limit occurrence of accidents. Although most accidents are machine related, human related mistakes have also contributed to more fatal or serious industrial accidents. Erroneous or careless handling of industrial chemicals engenders some of the worst disasters on earth (ILO, 2004). For example, plants susceptible to major industrial accidents are those using or producing significant quantities of chemicals. By identifying the toxicity of the chemicals produced, safety arrangements in place and competencies of the firm, control of accidents is brought to the core. Maintenance and regular inspection of plants is strongly advised in acknowledging the state of the facility and potential failures of machines, parts and processes (Mannan, 2012). Companywide awareness on occupational health and safety is important so as to prevent minor accidents and mitigate eventualities arising from major industrial accidents (Flynn & Theodore, 2001). I think that measures to control and reduce the impact of industrial accidents rests with the management after the advice from the engineer. I have learnt that accidents happen due to human or machine errors which can be avoided or eliminated completely. I think the world has learnt from various disasters like the Chernobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine and the nuclear explosion in Japan in the recent times. I believe it remains on the competence and capability of inspection engineers to take stock of chemical ingredients being produced or stored in companies to determine their level of safety. 1.4 Role of engineer in eliminating industrial accidents Engineers are assumed to be competent and knowledgeable on industrial processes and systems (Mannan, 2012). Most accidents happen because employees handling machines, ingredients and equipment have fatigue or are careless at work. Chemical producing or utilizing firms are rated as the most serious companies in terms as exposure to risks (Khan & Abbasi, 1998). Chemical engineers have greater role and duty to protect the lives and safety of employees and public living near chemical or nuclear plants. Engineers should have the will, foresight and predictive ability to identify and classify accidents in the various risk levels (Mannan, 2012). Accidents are rated depending on their magnitude of impact on the vulnerable population, level of resilience and frequency of occurrence (ibid). For example, cuts and minor injuries may be common but are less severe compared to an explosion of a chemical plant that has its outcomes affecting larger geographical areas. Engineers have to undertake planning, inspections and routine maintenance of the facility to identify points of weaknesses or collapse in processes which may lead to a worst industrial disaster (Kletz, 2007). I have learnt that the engineer has a great role in protecting or saving lives by devising systems and procedures that are safe and healthy for workers, customers and the public. I feel that it is the moral duty of the management to effect any recommendations on occupational health and safety as advised by inspection and site engineers. I believe past accidents that have claimed many lives have provided useful lessons that government, local authorities and other stakeholders need to put into consideration while licensing industries to operate. Sometimes, industries fail to observe the health and safety code because they desire to use cheaper methods or ignore protective gadgets and clothing. I think that the firm is at a losing end if they chose to pay more on employee benefits claims than on reviewing systems and procedures that will lower occurrence of accidents and incidences. Engineers have a moral duty to safeguard lives by acting on information and reports from the factory flow that shows stoppage, fault or mistakes (Khan & Abbasi, 1998). By developing computerized business processes, it becomes easier for the engineer to trace and correct mistakes before they spiral into catastrophes. Adopting business information systems and business process mapping are potential ways of reducing industrial accidents. Similarly, error-proof procedures are those that have been tested and ingrained in the company and followed to the later by all employees. It is important that industries develop systems and procedures that detect, warn or correct mistakes as they arise (Kletz, 2007). They will also be able to generate reports linking faults to quality, machines, systems, processed and materials or otherwise. 1.5 Challenges in developing this report 1. Scope: The aspect of industrial accidents is broad and requires a general review of literature from an engineering perspective. Since most industrial accidents happening at a bigger scale are associated with chemical industries, it was only wise to provide examples related to that end. 2. Assessment and evaluation: It is a challenge to provide a simplistic assessment of risks which excludes the effect of other risk evaluation methods like FMEA. For the purpose of this report and ease of understanding from the reader, a simple risk assessment plan was adopted. 3. Position of engineers: Since company operations as an organization, it was not possible to guarantee the persuasion of the engineer and whether they exhibit some influence on Occupation Health and Safety in the firm. I found a more amorphous role of the engineer since the scope was also unlimited. 1.6 Skills developed while writing the report Adaptive skills: Since learning is continuous and research requires broader search of secondary data, it was only reasonable to be flexible and adaptive to changing circumstances surrounding contemporary engineers. Communication skills: I learnt that communication is vital especially if the reader is non-native speaker. I was able to communicate ideas in a simple, grammatically correct and detailed language that makes the report acceptable to others. Research skills: To compile a report, it requires understanding of key concepts, theories, empirical studies and cases. I was able to find various materials in the library and online that can provide direction and focus to the report. 1.7 Competencies developed Skimming and Scanning: I was able to provide quick framework on the research topic which provides the guidelines to write this report. By scanning, I became aware of what was important and critical in adopting the various arguments and perspectives of industrial scientists and engineers. Creativity and critical thinking: Given that the topic on industrial accidents is broad, I was able to critically think and develop a report from the perspective of the teaching institution and to the interest of the reader. 1.8 Conclusion Industrial accidents range from minor to catastrophic incidences depending on the exposure to vulnerable population (Heinrich et al. 2000). The report has developed a risk assessment plan that will help to identify, rate and provide action plans. Major industrial accidents are life threatening and also causes huge loss to the economy and social framework of a society (Mannan, 2012). By developing controls and mechanisms to mitigate or reduce accidents, engineers assume a great role of protecting and building on occupational safety and health of the firm. References Flynn, A.M. & Theodore, L. (2001). Health, Safety, and Accident Management in the Chemical Process Industries, Second Edition,: A Complete Compressed Domain Approach. CRC Press. Heinrich, H.W., Petersen, D.C., Roos, N.R. & Hazlett, S. (2000). Industrial Accident Prevention: A Safety Management Approach. McGraw-Hill. International Labor Organization, (2004). Recent Developments in the Coalmining Industry. International Labour Organization. Khan, F.I. & Abbasi, S.A. (1998). Risk Assessment In Chemical Process Industries. Discovery Publishing House. Kletz, T. (2007). Learning from Accidents. Routledge. Mannan, S. (2012). Lees' Loss Prevention in the Process Industries: Hazard Identification, Assessment and Control. Butterworth-Heinemann. Read More

A firm can easily lose its market share as profits dwindle, and more litigation enters the courtroom (ILO, 2004). In Britain, 51 percent of construction injuries resulted in death while falls from height accounted for 50 percent of serious injuries to employees in industries in 2011 (Mannan, 2012, p. 15). With increasing cases of accidents, it is important that engineers adopt a risk assessment plan to guide in classifying and evaluating accidents. The risk assessment scale identifies the risk, impact, magnitude and frequency of occurrence (Khan & Abbasi, 1998).

It remains a priority of a plant or site engineer to ensure adherence to occupational health and safety in all aspects of industrial practice. The engineer has a great role in keeping equipment, machines, systems, and processes in check by undertaking random inspections re-work, total productive maintenance and creating awareness among employees (Khan & Abbasi, 1998). It is also important that engineers prioritize on employee safety and health by providing protective clothing, safe working environment and effective guards to moving or rotating machine parts.

Lessons are important if learned (Kletz, 2007). Most industrial accidents occur at random, and only effective companywide mechanism and procedures will reduce industrial accidents. 1.2 Risk Assessment and Evaluation Industrial accidents are assessed and evaluated in terms of impact, effects and frequency of occurrence. The assessment is provided in the risk assessment plan as shown in table 1 below; Table 1: Risk Assessment and Evaluation for industrial accidents Risk Impact Frequency Current controls Responsibility Action plan Injuries or death from exposed rotating machine parts High High Provide alerts to workers Site engineer Provide permanent barriers to falling objects or rotating machine parts Toxic chemical and radioactive spills High Medium Signage of toxic materials and containers Inspection manager Dispose unnecessary radioactive materials.

Use gas proof materials while in contact with toxic chemicals Industrial fires High Low Fire assembly point and fire drills Plant engineer Provide firewalls and position extinguishers at strategic points Cuts, falls and lacerations Medium High First aid kit and emergency ambulances Inspections engineer Provide protective devices like gloves, helmets and goggles to workers As shown in the table 1 above, industrial accidents have a degree of impact and level of occurrence which is very critical to the firm.

The site or inspection engineers have a huge task in identifying the accidents and providing the necessary cushion to protect employees and the public from exposure or risk (Flynn & Theodore, 2001). The engineer can adopt a Factories Act or a factory code that defines accidents and how they can be avoided, transferred, accepted or mitigated. From the table above, I have learnt that it is important to conduct a risk assessment and evaluation to help predict and categorize accidents. I have also known that industrial accidents can range from fatal to minor cases of which chemical disasters are associated with the former.

I believe the engineer has a great responsibility in protecting the lives of workers, plant and the general public from harm of toxic chemicals and poisoning. I understand that by rating accidents in terms of occurrence, impact and likelihood, it becomes easier to provide measures such as mitigation, avoidance, acceptance or transfer of the risk. 1.3 Control of industrial accidents Control and elimination of industrial accidents requires cooperation and support of management to employees (Flynn & Theodore, 2001).

Moreover, Kletz (2007) asserts that the presence of a competent engineer to innovate and develop processes and systems is critical in order to limit occurrence of accidents. Although most accidents are machine related, human related mistakes have also contributed to more fatal or serious industrial accidents. Erroneous or careless handling of industrial chemicals engenders some of the worst disasters on earth (ILO, 2004).

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