Download the Incident Report/ Notification Form👈

Accidents/Incidents occur at the workplace and it is mandatory they are reported. Sometimes, the accidents occur at the different places and required to be reported properly. For this purpose, a document should be used for the clear and complete information sharing. The document can be used to inform the others about incident.

Follow the link above to download the form and use it as per need of time.

What is Corrective Action Plan (CAP)?

Problems arise within and outside any organization due to multiple factors, and these problems create further trouble for the organizations in all aspects, whether it is economical, legal, reputational, or physical loss or regular operation hurdles, so no organization wants to face these problems during the routine work.

A Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is part of any organization's management system where these problems are identified, relevant risks are evaluated, and Corrective Actions are taken to rectify these problems to prevent any further deterioration.

When an organization goes through audit either performed by External Body or Internally, the problems and concerns are revealed. When these problems have been revealed, the organization starts working towards their rectification on immediate basis. When an organization understands the revealed gaps in the management and operation process, corrective action plans are prepared and implemented.

In health, safety, and environment domain, the corrective action plan helps in identifying, resolving, and preventing issues of non-compliance, legal requirements, violations etc. Corrective Action Plan (CAP) helps the organization in staying focused to what is to achieve, organized and compliant of mandatory requirements.

Effectiveness of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) depends on the goals selected and implemented, and it ensures a meaningful Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is implemented. The goals should be SMART and must dictate the importance and direction to organization to aim for.

Word SMART stands for SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, AHCIEVEABLE, REASONABLE, TIMEBOUND.

One thing must be remember, all kind of issues either related to management operations or addressing the occupational health, safety, and environment should be corrected on immediate basis, because a minor issue can trigger the big one, leading to severe consequences.

Why A Corrective Action Plan Necessary?

A Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is more than a method to remain compliant of the requirements, and working in an approved manner. Corrective Action Plan (CAP) of an organization demonstrates the commitment of the management towards providing a safe, reliable, working environment, and protecting them from unexpected circumstances.

Benefit of Corrective Action Plan (CAP) Implementation

1. Protect Employees

Organization is responsible to identify the hazards, correct them, adopt control measures, and reduce the risk level to the acceptable level. This helps in protecting the employees against the known risks. In parallel to this, employee watch the employer protecting them from risks, their moral and trust builds up. Working in a safe, reliable, working environment, they try their best to take part in campaigns to improve the system and productivity increases with the passage of the time.

Those who work in a dangerous environment, will not take part in any campaign, or most probably they will quit the job since no one wants to risk his life.

2. Cost Saving

Correcting the risks can minimize company's losses, and money can be saved and used somewhere else if needed.

3. Preventing Legal Action

If any accident took place at worksite, or irregularity is found, local authorities or national government can take action leading to imprisonment, fine, etc. To prevent this legal action, the organization should have action plan implemented and executed so that all identified risks are corrected on immediate basis.

Types of Corrective Actions

Download the Mini Loader Inspection Checklist👈

Mini Loader also known as Mini Track Loader or bobcat is a machinery equipment used in the construction industry for loading and unloading the material as well as shifting soil, sand, crush from location to location.

The machinery is equipment with tracks and wheels for use on sandy and muddy surfaces. Mini Loaders are used on the surfaces where levelling activity is being performed, specially in those areas where excavator or skid steer can't enter due to narrow space.

The equipment poses dangers and it must be ensured the equipment is safe and well maintained. To ensure inspection is done before use for fault and hazards tracing, a perfectly tailored inspection checklist can be used.

Follow the above mentioned link and download the Mini Loader Inspection Checklist in MS Word Format and modify as per need.

A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a procedure which helps in accepting, implementing health & safety principles, and practicing into a particular or specific job operation.

In Job Safety Analysis (JSA) the main task activity is divided into sub-parts, and hazards with associated risks are identified, and evaluated for their risk level, so that appropriate control measures are adopted. The control measures help in reducing the risk level, and selecting appropriate control measures.

Job Safety Analysis require the employer to;

1. Form a team for conducting Job Safety Analysis - The team should consist of management and field workers with relevant skills and previous experience.
2. Prioritize the task activity that is to be done, for job safety analysis.
3. Divide the task into sub-parts for relevant hazard identifications and risk evaluation.
4. Prioritize the hazards, and associated risk level.
5. Analyze the existing control measures, and suggest new ones to reduce risk level.

Download the Articulated or Knuckle Boom Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) Inspection Checklist👈

Articulated or Knuckle Boom is a work platform used to perform the job at the height specially in those areas where work platform can't reach directly. The use of the Articulated or Knuckle Boom mobile elevated work platform is not limited to this, but it is used to reach over the obstructions. It helps the workers to perform the work around the fixtures, walls, machinery, in a tight workspace, in a safe manner.

The work equipment helps and eases the work activity but poses a range of serious threats to the workers. The machinery can toppled and collapse during work activity execution, if not maintained, or gets overloaded, the worker can fell down during work activity, fire and explosion can be observed, workers working nearby can hit by the moving objects, etc.

To perform the work activity safely, it is necessary the machinery is maintained, serviced, and ready to be used in a good shape. It should be inspected by a competent person before work activity, and operated by the trained person. The workers working on it should be trained and experienced of working at height. They should be provided with work cage provided with guard rails, door, and anchor point to attach their harness.

The machine should be placed on safe, hard location, away from the overhead power lines, and outriggers should be deployed. Firefighting, and emergency equipment should be available nearby and ready to be used.

Follow the above☝link to download the Articulated or Knuckle Boom Mobile Elevated Work Platform Inspection Checklist. The checklist is a sample form, the user can download it and modify it according to work activity, or equipment being used.

Download the Truck Mounted Drilling Rig Inspection Checklist in MS Word Format👈

Truck Mounted Drilling Rig is used to make drill into the earth surface for extracting the fluid e.g., water, in those areas where the operation is to be performed on small scale. Moreover the whole setup is small in size, easy to transport from location to location.

The above link can be used to download the Inspection Checklist specially tailored to inspect the whole equipment including truck, and the drilling rig together before start of the job and on periodic basis to ensure it is well maintained, inspected before use, and free of defects.

The use can modify the document according to the need, and type of equipment, since a wide range of the truck mounted drilling rigs is available in the market.

Download the Evacuation Report Form👈

Evacuation report is used to document the evacuation process details to ensure it is used as record as well as for review to make improvements. The Evacuation is a process of leaving an area and proceeding to safe location in case of emergency e.g., Fire, Spillage, Gas Release etc.

The form is developed in Microsoft Word format and it is editable. The user can modify it according to the need and if required, add further items. Use the link☝download the document.

Preventing Heat Stress

What is Heat Stress?

Heat stress is defined as the discomfort, psychological strain perceived due to exposure to a hot environment. For example, a person who is working in a hot environment either in the sun or in a high-temperature area where surrounding machines and plants will be energized and heat produced with raising the temperature.

The normal human body temperature is 98°F (38°C) is maintained constantly by the body naturally. Sometimes, the body raises the temperature faster than the cooling ability of the body, body suffers heat stress. Body temperature can rise due to a lot of factors, e.g., working at a high temperature can make the human body overwhelm the regulating abilities. As a result, the body can't cool itself off fast enough, and overheating occurs.

In simple words, it can be stated that the;

Heat Stress is the stress placed on the human body when it attempts and fails to cope with the excessive interna heat.

Effects of Heat Stress

People love both warm, moderate, and cold environments, and sometimes we travel to other areas to enjoy the climate. For example, people from warm areas, visit cold-weather destinations to get relax and enjoy the weather.

Staying warm is a human instinct, still excessive heat puts a strain on the human body and forces it to regulate the internal temperature. If this one factor combines, with other factors, the potential for Heat Stress exists, and some other factors are listed below;

1. Physical Work Activity
2. Hard Labour Activity
3. Loss of Human Body Fluids
4. Fatigue, Tiredness

1. Heat Cramp
2. Heat Exhaustion
3. Heat Stroke

Heat Stress Factors

Temperature alone causes heat stress seldom, as compared to others. Heat stress is the combination of the many factors which together raise the body temperature rapidly.

These factors are listed below;

1. Temperature
2. Humidity
3. Air movement
4. Radiation temperature from surroundings
5. Clothes being worn
6. Direct contact with the hot objects, surfaces, etc.
7. The physical activity being performed
8. Loss of fluid during work
9. Fatigue

Where Heat Stress can occur, and who is vulnerable to it?

Heat stress can occur in a variety of working environments and conditions. To suffer heat stress, the human body doesn't require to be in a warm tropical climate or desert. If you are working near hot surface machinery e.g., boiler, heat stress can occur since the heat produced by the surface is more than your body's cool off ability.

Anyone can suffer heat stress, but keep in mind, every body has different abilities to cool off the body, and some people can develop heat stress symptoms more rapidly than others. The bottom line is, anyone, can become a victim of heat stress if the environmental conditions overwhelm the body's ability to regulate its temperature and cool off regularly. Since it is a hazard to the human body, awareness about Heat Stress is the key to controlling it.

How does the body regulate Internal Temperature?

The normal body temperature is 98°F (38°C) maintained by the body automatically around the clock. A sudden variation in the temperature and the human body starts compensating the internal body temperature immediately, by employing the body's built-in thermoregulatory system. On top of this, the skin plays as a detecting sensor and communicates the change in outer temperature to the internal thermoregulatory system to compensate for the change.

In cold conditions, the body starts shivering when the body is cold, to produce friction in the muscles to produce the heat, on the other hand, in hot conditions, the blood circulation to the skin is increased to dissipate the excessive internal heat through the skin. If the human body is involved in the work activity, less blood is flown to the skin to dissipate the excessive heat. In both cases, sweating takes place, and the body's core temperature is controlled.

Body Overheating Circumstances

Working in the same place for a long time in increasing temperature can lead to body temperature increase, body fluids loss, body fatigue. Ultimately, the alertness of the body decreases to the minimum, the worker responds to the activities slowly as compared to the normal response.

Health Hazards

Temperature around the body raises to the maximum, more than the body's temperature, skin is provided with maximum blood to dissipate the excessive heat. Evaporation of sweating remains the only effective way to get rid of excessive heat.

Since the blood and sweating are being used to get rid of the excessive internal heat, less blood, and liquids are available to supply the body's active muscles and organs. If the body can't reduce its core temperature through flowing blood and sweating, the heat storage will begin, serious risks start existing e.g., heatstroke.

Heat-Related Illness

Heat-related illnesses can range from heat rashes and sunburn to cramps, exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat cramp, sunburn, and exhaustion turn out to be discomfort, but they are not life-threatening. Heat exhaustion is a more serious condition, that can lead to heatstroke.

Heat Cramps are spasm that occurs during or after muscle exhaustion, sweating in a hot environment. They occur in the legs, muscles, and are caused by heavy sweating, because of drainage of the body's salt and fluids in excessive quantity.

The best treatment of the heat cramp is to stay and rest in cool areas, work in less hot times, and take an excessive amount of fluids regularly to keep the body hydrated. A normal diet provides a required amount of salts to the human body. Commercial fluids that contain electrolytes are also beneficial, whereas alcohol shouldn't be used to replace the lost fluids.

Heat Exhaustion develops when the body loses more fluids than it takes in and causes the body's cooling system to start breaking down. People suffering the heat exhaustion can be seen as weak, lazy, clumsy, confused, and upset. Heat exhaustion symptoms are listed below;

1. Heavy Sweating
2. Cool, Moist Skin
3. Weak Pulse

1. Move the worker or yourself to the cool area
2. Remove the excessive clothes
3. Provide plenty of fluids to the worker to drink and cool down the body
4. Spray cold water to cool down the body temperature
5. Keep the person in front of the fan
6. If the situation deteriorates, call the emergency services and shift to the hospital for proper treatment

Heat Stroke & Treatment

Heatstroke occurs when the body's internal temperature regulating function no longer compensates with the outer temperature. There are very few symptoms that warn that a crisis stage has been reached and need immediate action, since the body has ceased body colling function, and started storing heat from surroundings. Few symptoms are listed below;

1. Low or no sweating
2. Hot and dry skin even if the worker was sweating earlier
3. A rise in the body's internal temperature
4. Weakness, dizziness, nauseous
5. Unconsciousness

1. Cool off the person immediately
2. Submerge the person in the water or spray water on him immediately
3. Keep the person in front of fan
4. Alert the emergency services immediately, without any delay
5. Shift the person to the nearest hospital for proper treatment

Preventive Control Measures

1. Reduce the temperature of the working area through engineering controls.
2. Provide shielding against heat-producing objects.
3. The workplace should be provided with ventilation.
4. Workplace temperature should be monitored and maintained.
5. Increase air movement within the workplace using exhaust fans and air conditioners.
6. Divide the work activity, and perform in low-temperature times.
7. Prepare the Risk Assessments and evaluate the work activity for risks.
8. Provide workers with welfare facilities on the worksite.
9. Work activity should be done with break intervals and well monitored.
10. Workers should be trained and informed about working in hot environments.
11. Proper clothing should be provided to the workers working in the hot environment.

Download the Multi Wheel Roller Inspection Checklist👈

Multi Wheel Roller is used for the initial compaction and preparation of the roads, walkways, foundations during the civil work. The vehicle consists of the multiple wheels and all provide an uniform pressure throughout the width of the road/ walkway, foundation.

Follow the link mentioned above👆and download the Multi Wheel Roller Inspection Checklist to inspect the vehicle and ensure it is safe for use, and well maintained.

Near Miss incidents occur at the workplace during the job activity, and it is recorded that the number of near miss incidents is higher than the incidents deliver harm to the worker, equipment, and causing financial losses.

Near Miss incidents if not stopped through corrective actions, these turn into loss causing events in the coming future. Similarly, these incidents are not reported neither investigated to find out the root causes so corrective actions can't be taken as well.

It is necessary all kind of incidents are reported and record, and organization launch incident investigation to find the root causes so that appropriate corrective actions are adopted to correct them before they reoccur.

Follow the link above☝to download the Near Miss Report Form and use as per your own need. Further Near Miss Reporting Procedure, and other forms can be found here👇.

Near Miss Reporting Procedure & Form

Near Miss Report Form - 2

Near Miss Report Form - 3