UNITGC3–THEHEALTHAND

CandidatereporttemplateS
AFETYPRACTICALAPPLICATION

Student number 00413749

Location :Construction Site of Commercial Plaza Date of review 01st March 2018
“Zee Avenue”, Cooper Road, Lahore, Punjab,
Pakistan

Structure report under the following headings :

Introduction including overview of area inspected and activities taking place

The following health and safety Inspection was conducted on 1st of March, 2018
(Thursday) at Construction Site of Commercial Plaza “Zee Avenue” on busy Main Cooper
Road in the heart of Lahore city that is the capitol of Punjab Province of Pakistan. The main
purpose of safety inspection was that Construction Company wants to actively monitor
working conditions and practices to identify unsafe conditions and unsafe acts and to
determine suitable and adequate control measure to fulfill compliance with health and
safety standards.

The safety Inspection started at 10:15 am and continued till 11:00 am on 1st March, 2018.
The site covered area was 18000 Square Feet and will be having 6 Floors (shops,
restaurants and apartments) and two basements (parking). There were 72 workers (ages
between 20-50) present on the site and work was carried out in two working shift (Day shift,
8am-8pm and night shift, 8pm-8am). The main activities being carried out were excavation,
work at height, electrical work, hot work, manual handling, confined space entries,
maneuvering of vehicles(dumper trucks, fork lifter, trolleys and cars), construction activities
(steel fixing, concrete filling, brick laying etc) and machine operations . The material
present was soil, cemented bricks, sand, cement, steel bars, wood, lime, reinforced
concrete, flammable materials, marble tiles and other masonry items. The equipment being
used were drilling machines, excavator, cranes, scaffolding, Hoists, chainsaw cutter,
cement mixer, and welding equipment etc.

Executive Summary

This report is prepared in order to communicate the observations made on the inspection
day conducted on 1 st March 2018 at under-construction site of Zee Avenue plaza at cooper
road Lahore. It was very appeasing to see many good practices were being followed on the
site. For instance, proper security and surveillance was present (to prohibit unauthorized
entry and to maintain visitors log book), fully equipped first aid facility (to timely address
personal injuries on site), efficient and effective accident reporting and investigation system
(to identify hazards and minimize future safety risks) and adequate lighting (to maintain
good visibility in night shift and dark areas).

Besides these good practices, few bad practices (from safety point of view) were also
observed. The main hazards were: excavation edges were not supported with battering and
shoring and also maneuvering vehicles in the area causing significant vibrations (might
result in cave in of excavation sides and worker may bury under the soil), workers were
working in confined spaces without proper safety arrangements (this may cause
asphyxiation of worker), work at height was in progress and access equipment like ladders
and mobiles scaffoldings was not being used properly and secondary fall protection was
not provided (may result in accidents of fall from height), hot work was in progression near
flammable materials and (can put whole place to fire), unchecked smoking practice may
also cause fire hazard, striking to buried electrical supplies during excavation and using
defective portable electrical equipment (significant chances of receiving electrical shocks),
using machines like cement mixer drilling machine and grinding machine without safety
guards (may harm the operator) and in most places PPEs were provided but there is still
need of more PPEs specially where hazardous chemicals(dust, cement and sand) are
involved.

The purpose this inspection serves is to implement active monitoring approach to avoid any
near misses, accidents, dangerous occurrences, enforcement actions, fines and
prosecutions in criminal courts by timely identifying hazards inherent in work place and r isk
associated with them and taking suitable control measure to bring these hazards in
acceptable range.

Main findings of the inspection

1. EXCAVATION (CONFINED SPACE) HAZARDS (OSERVATION # 01, 02, 03)

The excavation, owing to its enclosed nature, difficult access and egress means and
accumulation of hazardous gasses, is considered as confined space and is the most significant
hazard. The main hazards that were associated to excavation were the absence of proper
bettering and shoring of the sides and edges of the excavation and that may result to the collapse
of the structure of excavation. The collapse hazard enhanced because of the vehicle (dumper
trucks, fork lifters, excavator ) movements near the edges and sides of excavation which
produced significant vibration. The consequence may result in cave in of the sides and soils into
the excavation that can cause significant material loss and even the workers can bury under the
soil which could cause crush injuries and even death. Another, hazard was the accumulation of
poisonous gases in excavation and other enclosed structure such as (septic tanks and sewer
mains) which would result in explosion and asphyxiation of the worker. The control measures are
to do battering and shoring in the first place to reinforce the strength of edges. Additionally, the
vehicles maneuvering near edges should be restricted with the help of fencing and sign boards to
avoid any instability caused by vibration. Moreover, person entry into confined space should be
assessed and planned properly well before the task. It should be under Permit-to-Work and
banksman should also be deputed to look after and help the person who is in confined space in
case of any emergency.
These practices are serious breaches of ILO Convention C-167‘s Article 19 Para a & c, which
states
a) by suitable shoring or otherwise to guard against danger to workers from a fall or
dislodgement of earth, rock or other material
c) to secure adequate ventilation at every workplace so as to maintain an atmosphere fit for
respiration and to limit any fumes, gases, vapours, dust or other impurities to levels which are
not dangerous or injurious to health and are within limits laid down by national laws or
regulations;

The entry to confined space without proper planning is also a serious breach of The
Pakistan Factory Act Law 1934, Law # 33-K “Precautions against dangerous fumes” that
can result in enforcement action against employer.

The cost of battering and shoring with timber is almost 100000 and cost of risk
assessment of confined space and control measures is around 25000. The failure to take actions
could lead to cave in of excavation sites and can not only cause material loss and the excavation
work may need to be performed again. The most importantly in case of any disability or causality
the insurance claim is 1 Million PKR and 2.5 Million PKR respectively. The government’s
enforcement actions and fines can also be the outcome that sometimes is very high.

2. WORK AT HEIGHT HAZARDS (OSERVATION # 04, 05, 06, 07)

The work at height is very high risk activity and is major cause of the most serious
injuries and causalities. The work at height related hazards were that the mobile scaffolding
was not secured by applying brakes and outriggers. This could cause the mobile scaffolding
 to move when it is not meant to move it means when the workers and material are on it. This
could cause the worker to be unstable and he may fall and also material can fall. The
scaffolding can also be toppled over. Moreover the ladders were being used to access the
work at height. They were neither secured at the top nor at the bottom. This could cause the
ladder to topple over or overturn when worker is climbing it. The results are severe personal
injuries that can lead to disability and death. Then the workers were using ladders for carrying
construction material such as bricks and cement-sand mixtures that is not recommended. This
result was that climber would not be able to maintain three-point contact to the ladder and can
slip or fall off the ladder that is very likely to cause personal injuries, such as broken bones,
permanent disability and death in severe cases. Another hazard was that the workers were
working at height using scaffolding and other access equipment but they were not provided
with the secondary fall protection, for instance, personal protective equipment (safety belts,
safety harness) and collective protective equipment (air bags, safety nest). The structural
failure in this case can cause the worker to fall and to suffer from severe personal injuries.

The control measures should be taken to reduce the risk to the acceptable level. The
Mobile scaffolding should be provided with the brakes and outriggers and it must be
supervise that they are being applied when platform is stationary and people are working on
it. Similarly, the ladders should be secured at the top and if not possible use guy ropes to
secure the unwanted movement of ladder if short term use is desired that a worker at the
foot of the ladder should be present to secure it from bottom. Moreover, the ladder are not
recommended for carrying construction material because it would lose the climber grip on
the ladder and he may fall. The hoists and other manual handling aids must be used in order
to secure the person from falling from height.

These hazards are serious breaches of the ILO Convention C-167‘s Article 14 Para
1, 2 & 3, which states;
1. Where work cannot safely be done on or from the ground or from part of a building or
other permanent structure, a safe and suitable scaffold shall be provided and maintained,
or other equally safe and suitable provision shall be made.
2. In the absence of alternative safe means of access to elevated working places, suitable
and sound ladders shall be provided. They shall be property secured against inadvertent
movement.
3. All scaffolds and ladders shall be constructed and used in accordance with national laws
and regulations.

The improper use of access equipment is a serious breach of The Pakistan Factory
Act Law 1934, Law # 33-D “Floors, stairs and means of access” that can result in
enforcement action against employer.

The cost of installing breaks and outriggers is around 10000PKR, the ladders can be
secured at the top/bottom by maximum 10000 PKR, a material hoist or lift can be installed in
25000 PKR, safety harness and safety nets cost around 20000 PKR. The total cost is less
than 1 Lac rupees. But the injuries workers use to suffer in fall from height are far more
serious and leads to death. High insurance claims, civil claims and criminal fines and
prosecution could be faced by employer.

3. FIRE HAZARDS (OSERVATION # 10, 11, 12)

Fire Hazard is very important as it can put the whole workplace to fire. The site
also had fire hazards. The major hazard was the hot works such as soldering and welding
was being carried out near flammable liquids. That may easily catch fire and will burn the
whole place to ashes. Secondly, the workers were performing welding operation without
proper PPEs that may cause the radiant heat to badly affect their eyes and burns may be
suffered on unplanned touches. Thirdly, no smoking restriction policy was devised. Workers
were smoking carelessly in excavation, near sewer lines etc. There were no smoking
designated areas. The careless disposal of cigarette buds may be acted as source of ignition
and can cause fire. The control measures involve fire triangle technique by separating
ignition sources (hot works, cigarettes) from fuel sources(flammable material). Separate
storage facility from work place should be provided for flammable materials. The hot work
should only be performed in designated area with fire watcher, proper PPEs and fire
extinguisher at hand.
 There were breaches of ILO Convention C-167‘s Article 16 Para 2, which states;
2) Sufficient and suitable storage shall be provided for flammable liquids, solids and gases.

The fire prevention related law is The Pakistan Factory Act Law 1934, Law # 25
“Precautions in case of fire” , breaching this law could result in enforcement action against
employer.

Separate storage facility for flammable liquids will cost around 250000/= and PPE
and fire watcher would cost 12000/=PKR, smoking risk assessment, area designation and
warning signs would need 15000/= PKR. The failure to implement these control measures
cannot only put whole workplace to ashes but also personal casualties can occur. This can
result to face business loss and prosecutions in criminal courts.

4. ELECTRICITY HAZARDS (OSERVATION # 13, 14, 15)

In this workplace, workers were working inside the excavation where buried services
were not tagged and were not isolated. Also, manual chisel work was being done in the
walls. The electrical equipments were being used with damaged plugs and wires. As a result,
workers involved might get a severe electric shock which in severe case, might lead to
death. The buried services should be located and tagged and also should use insulated tools
for manual electrical work. The pre use checks and inspection regimes should be introduced
to avoid use of damaged cables and plugs. ILO Convention C-167‘s Article 26 Para 1, 2,
3, governs the practices while dealing with electricity, which states;

1. All electrical equipment and installations shall be constructed, installed and maintained by
a competent person, and so used as to guard against danger.

2. Before construction is commenced and during the progress thereof adequate steps shall
be taken to ascertain the presence of and to guard against danger to workers from any live
electrical cable or apparatus which is under, over or on the site.

3. The laying and maintenance of electrical cables and apparatus on construction sites shall
be governed by the technical rules and standards applied at the national level.

Cost of tagging of buried services and insulating the electric cables would be PKRs.
15,000/- and the insulated tools and changing damaged plugs and cables would cost PKRs.
15000/-. The cost of not taking any control measure would result in severe personal injury of
workers, their sick pay and compensation for any deaths and civil and criminal prosecution.

5. SAFE MOVEMNET HAZARDS (OSERVATION # 21, 22, 23)

In workplace, hazards for safe movement were present. The maneuvering
vehicles were reversing without aids (banksman, cameras, alarms) was major hazard
for other vehicles and pedestrian workers. Similarly, construction material project in
pedestrian ways were trip hazard and also the oil leakage from diesel drums present
slip hazards. All these hazards were making the safe movement in workplace difficult.
The consequences may be collision with other vehicles and predestination that may
cause serious personal injuries and equipment damage. The slip and trip hazards
enhanced the chances of falling which would result in broken bones and serious head
injuries.

The slip and trip hazards can be dealt under The Pakistan Factory Act Law 1934,
Law # 13 “Cleanliness” which states;

“If it appears to the Inspector that any factory is not so provided, he may serve on the
manager of the factory an order in writing, specifying the measures which in his opinion
should be adopted, and requiring them to be carried out before a specified date.”

The cost of reversing aids (Rear Camera, Flashing beacon, banksman and Reversing
alarms) is PKRs. 20000/- and the recurring expense for housekeeping is PKRs.10000/- and
also drip catching trays are of PKRs. 5000/-. The consequences of not taking control
measure exceed far more than the cost incurred. The injuries insurance, material/vehicle
damage, sick pay leaves, insurance claims etc.

Conclusions.

First of all, I would like to thank the management to offer this challenging and
learning opportunity and to extend their cooperation to the highest level that has
made this difficult task to completion. I am pleased to state that working
environment on site was safety oriented and many good practices were observed,
for example, good security arrangements, adequate lighting, fully equipped first aid
facility and efficient reporting systems. Although, there exist some grey areas which
need your immediate attention to make your workplace safer. For instance, battering
and shoring not done of excavation sides, unplanned confined space entry, poor
management of access equipment for work at height, absence of designated spaces
for hot work and smoking, reversing operation without reversing aids and excavation
near buried services without proper locating and tagging of buried services.
These hazards can be dealt by implementing control measures like, locating
and tagging buried services in excavation, doing battering and shoring, displaying
warning signs, using access equipment according to safe working method, providing
manual handling aids, installing guards to dangerous parts of machines, developing
safe system of work in hot and electrical works and providing good housekeeping
and maintenance regimes.
If the recommended control measures are taken, then it will ensure a safer
and healthier working environment. A safety conscious environment enhances
workers confidence and trust in Top Management. This will increase their morale
which in return offer significant raise in productivity, efficiency and quality of work. In
wider perspective, this will also help reducing the accident rates and that will save
the insured and uninsured costs incurred in case of accident. The accident inflict
tangible costs, higher construction costs, construction material loss, manpower sick
leaves and compensations paid to the workers. Moreover, it also helpful to comply
with the legal health and safety standards to gain international certifications and to
avoid any enforcement actions. Ultimately, safety should be the top priority of the
organizations higher safety standards will help to build better public image and
business reputation.
Rcommendations:

Recommendation Likely resource implications Priority Target date

Locating and tagging

Cost Projection :PKRs. 15000/- High 2nd March 2018
of buried services

Risk Assessment of
Confined Space Cost Projection: PKRs. 25000/- High 6th March 2018
Entry

Battering and shoring 3rd March 2018

Cost Projection: PKRs 100000/- High
of excavation edges

Install mobile
Cost Projection: PKRs. 150000
scaffolding wheel High 4th March 2018
brakes & outriggers

Install barrier and

sign boards near Cost Projection: PKRs. 10000/- High 2nd March 2018
excavation area

Provide force air

ventilation in Cost Projection: PKRs. 25000/- High 3rd March 2018
confined spaces

Provide Lifting hoists

Cost Projection: PKRs. 25000/- High 4th March 2018
and lifts

Install warning signs

near flammable
Cost Projection: PKRs.10000/- High 2nd March 2018
material and smoking
restrictions
Cover flammable
material with fire Cost Projection: PKRs. 5000/- High 2nd March 2018
blankets

Install guards on
machines between Cost Projection: PKRs. 25000/- High 6th March 2018
moving parts
Install rear view
aiding equipment to
Cost Projection: PKRs 20000/- High 5th March 2018
vehicles

Maintain Good
Cost Projection: PKRs. 10000/- Medium 2nd March 2018
House keeping

Provide Separate
storage for Cost Projection: PKRs 250000/- Medium 6th March 2018
flammable materials
 Provide separate
designated areas for
Cost Projection: PKRs 100000/- Medium 28th December 2018
hot work and
smoking
Providing Personal
and respiratory Cost Projection: PKRs. 10000/- Low 4th March 2018
protective equipment

Provide spill catch

Cost Projection: PKRs. 5000/- Low 3rd March 2018
trays

Provide Manual
Cost Projection: PKRs. 10000/- Low 4th March 2018
Handling Aids