Team,
I have a same problem in all our Sub-Contractor site’s including ours (self performance). Let’s go the issue.
In construction always we facing different kind of issues last couple of months were are specially monitoring Respirator / Dust mask issues in our work areas they are using RESPIRATOR / DUST MASK for all purposes sorry to say specially our EHS guys (Including me) always forget to read instruction ‘’ How many of our guys reading instruction or asking manuals when your inspection something in work areas any one???’’.
In my workplace they are using some chemicals for fixing tiles, silicon sealant for finishing etc,..,, But all of the employees who assigned for the job using a same Respirator / Mask for all tasks when I go through the MSDS manufacturer clearly recommend what type of MASK we need to use including model’s just couple of weeks ago we had meeting with our supervisor regarding this issue how they can choose right PPE’s for job after the meeting I visited one site its shocked me they using the different mask it’s not meet manufacturer requirement again I called the supervisor he brawl with me.
1. For example: In one area it’s like a hall more than more than 20 employees working in different activities Tiles, finishing, Plumbing. They are using different types of chemicals its needs different types Respirator / masks for each activities but they are using the same Respirator / mask while cleaning the area but they suppose to use different mask.
I know strongly its leads to occupational disease in future even if my employee suffered after 5 years I am the soul responsibly for them even though they aren’t in my company. They are not understood lot of times we explained but it’s happened again and again.
We cannot monitor 1000+ employees one by one at all times it’s not possible too.
I discussed this issue with my colleagues most of them advised me you make a small issue like disaster guys please advise me If I am wrong in this case??????
Note: We are providing Mask for all activities in our workplace our employee’s failure to use.
Your suggestions are most welcome thanks in advance . . .
From United States, Fpo
707I have a same problem in all our Sub-Contractor site’s including ours (self performance). Let’s go the issue.
In construction always we facing different kind of issues last couple of months were are specially monitoring Respirator / Dust mask issues in our work areas they are using RESPIRATOR / DUST MASK for all purposes sorry to say specially our EHS guys (Including me) always forget to read instruction ‘’ How many of our guys reading instruction or asking manuals when your inspection something in work areas any one???’’.
In my workplace they are using some chemicals for fixing tiles, silicon sealant for finishing etc,..,, But all of the employees who assigned for the job using a same Respirator / Mask for all tasks when I go through the MSDS manufacturer clearly recommend what type of MASK we need to use including model’s just couple of weeks ago we had meeting with our supervisor regarding this issue how they can choose right PPE’s for job after the meeting I visited one site its shocked me they using the different mask it’s not meet manufacturer requirement again I called the supervisor he brawl with me.
1. For example: In one area it’s like a hall more than more than 20 employees working in different activities Tiles, finishing, Plumbing. They are using different types of chemicals its needs different types Respirator / masks for each activities but they are using the same Respirator / mask while cleaning the area but they suppose to use different mask.
I know strongly its leads to occupational disease in future even if my employee suffered after 5 years I am the soul responsibly for them even though they aren’t in my company. They are not understood lot of times we explained but it’s happened again and again.
We cannot monitor 1000+ employees one by one at all times it’s not possible too.
I discussed this issue with my colleagues most of them advised me you make a small issue like disaster guys please advise me If I am wrong in this case??????
Note: We are providing Mask for all activities in our workplace our employee’s failure to use.
Your suggestions are most welcome thanks in advance . . .
From United States, Fpo
Dear Raghu,
I will suggest the following:
1. You can't always expect the job supervisor to refer to the MSDS or manufacturer's instructions before selecting suitable respiratory protection. For this, you have to do a detailed study (HIRA) of all your activities and come up with a list. Identify which respiratory protection is needed for which job, how long it should be used, etc. You may use the attached format.
2. Once the list is ready, hand it over to your supervisors. Clearly advise/train them on which PPE is for a particular job. You can expect results from this.
3. Conduct a training program for workers covering specific jobs, hazards, and the importance of using the right type of respiratory protection. The training level/learning level should be such that the worker feels empowered to demand the right type of respiratory protection for the job. If they do not receive it, they can escalate the issue to their superiors.
These are my suggestions. Please let me know if this will work for you or not.
From India
I will suggest the following:
1. You can't always expect the job supervisor to refer to the MSDS or manufacturer's instructions before selecting suitable respiratory protection. For this, you have to do a detailed study (HIRA) of all your activities and come up with a list. Identify which respiratory protection is needed for which job, how long it should be used, etc. You may use the attached format.
2. Once the list is ready, hand it over to your supervisors. Clearly advise/train them on which PPE is for a particular job. You can expect results from this.
3. Conduct a training program for workers covering specific jobs, hazards, and the importance of using the right type of respiratory protection. The training level/learning level should be such that the worker feels empowered to demand the right type of respiratory protection for the job. If they do not receive it, they can escalate the issue to their superiors.
These are my suggestions. Please let me know if this will work for you or not.
From India
Dear Raghu,
I apologize for the delay in my reply and for not being very participative in the forum recently due to my involvement in the EHS and OHSAS audits last week.
Regarding your issue, I have some comments to share and would also like to offer some of my experiences that might provide you with useful insights.
1. Use of PPE: There is significant resistance to the use of PPE.
Personal life examples:
- Helmets while driving two-wheelers:
Most individuals view it as a response to police enforcement and fines rather than a safety measure. Only a small percentage wear helmets voluntarily.
- Talking on mobile phones while driving two and four-wheelers:
Despite the well-known dangers, few people comply with this safety regulation.
- Fastening seat belts while driving four-wheelers:
This practice is mainly followed in cities where it is mandated by the RTO.
Professional life examples:
Encouraging workers to use PPE in the industry poses a challenge for management. In cases of incidents involving falling objects, management often immediately emphasizes the importance of wearing helmets.
In my opinion, companies should conduct hazard identification regarding falling hazards and the issues associated with helmet use.
Some concerns regarding helmets in the Indian subcontinent include discomfort due to sweating and itching, hindered hearing, and potential issues like dandruff and dermatitis if helmets are shared among employees.
Preventing falling hazards at the source can render helmets unnecessary. For instance, by implementing anti-fall measures on EOT crane platforms in workshops, the risk of falling objects can be mitigated without relying solely on helmets.
PPEs are typically considered the last line of defense, with emphasis placed on elimination, substitution, and engineering controls first. Modifying crane platforms can serve as an engineering control measure. Therefore, I recommend conducting a detailed Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) and adopting Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) practices to enhance hazard awareness and acceptance.
In a previous role, we encountered hazards related to VOCs, with impotency being a major concern after prolonged exposure. By providing training to workers based on the MSDS and communicating the risks effectively, we observed positive changes in behavior, with workers using masks regularly and requesting replacements as needed.
Specific training can significantly impact safety practices and hazard awareness.
These are my perspectives, which may differ from others, but I have seen positive outcomes by following this approach.
Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir
From India, Vadodara
I apologize for the delay in my reply and for not being very participative in the forum recently due to my involvement in the EHS and OHSAS audits last week.
Regarding your issue, I have some comments to share and would also like to offer some of my experiences that might provide you with useful insights.
1. Use of PPE: There is significant resistance to the use of PPE.
Personal life examples:
- Helmets while driving two-wheelers:
Most individuals view it as a response to police enforcement and fines rather than a safety measure. Only a small percentage wear helmets voluntarily.
- Talking on mobile phones while driving two and four-wheelers:
Despite the well-known dangers, few people comply with this safety regulation.
- Fastening seat belts while driving four-wheelers:
This practice is mainly followed in cities where it is mandated by the RTO.
Professional life examples:
Encouraging workers to use PPE in the industry poses a challenge for management. In cases of incidents involving falling objects, management often immediately emphasizes the importance of wearing helmets.
In my opinion, companies should conduct hazard identification regarding falling hazards and the issues associated with helmet use.
Some concerns regarding helmets in the Indian subcontinent include discomfort due to sweating and itching, hindered hearing, and potential issues like dandruff and dermatitis if helmets are shared among employees.
Preventing falling hazards at the source can render helmets unnecessary. For instance, by implementing anti-fall measures on EOT crane platforms in workshops, the risk of falling objects can be mitigated without relying solely on helmets.
PPEs are typically considered the last line of defense, with emphasis placed on elimination, substitution, and engineering controls first. Modifying crane platforms can serve as an engineering control measure. Therefore, I recommend conducting a detailed Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) and adopting Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) practices to enhance hazard awareness and acceptance.
In a previous role, we encountered hazards related to VOCs, with impotency being a major concern after prolonged exposure. By providing training to workers based on the MSDS and communicating the risks effectively, we observed positive changes in behavior, with workers using masks regularly and requesting replacements as needed.
Specific training can significantly impact safety practices and hazard awareness.
These are my perspectives, which may differ from others, but I have seen positive outcomes by following this approach.
Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir
From India, Vadodara
Dear Raghu, Dipil,
While I was writing a reply on this thread, which took some time, Mr. Dipil replied in between and also commented on HIRA. I am sure Hazard Identification and Communication will give positive results.
Thanks, Mr. Dipil, for your reply.
Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir
From India, Vadodara
While I was writing a reply on this thread, which took some time, Mr. Dipil replied in between and also commented on HIRA. I am sure Hazard Identification and Communication will give positive results.
Thanks, Mr. Dipil, for your reply.
Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir
From India, Vadodara
Dear Sir,
Thank you for sharing a detailed write-up with us. What stands out to me is your vast experience in different fields. Your real-life experiences are valuable to us. It's nice to have a senior member like you in the forum.
Keep on sharing and thanks.
From India
Thank you for sharing a detailed write-up with us. What stands out to me is your vast experience in different fields. Your real-life experiences are valuable to us. It's nice to have a senior member like you in the forum.
Keep on sharing and thanks.
From India
Dear Mr. Raghu, Mr. Dipil,
I forgot to mention about the quality of the mask. This is a competency issue. For selecting the correct type of mask, read the MSDS, contact good companies, and select the proper mask.
The following incident happened when I was working in Production. We had subcontracted the painting activity. The masks were issued to the painting contractor's employees. He regularly used the mask, but under the mask, he used to cover his nose with a handkerchief.
When we implemented OHSAS, we did HIRA, and the suitability of this mask was checked. Then, we realized that the particular mask was not suitable for the painting application. I studied the particle size of the fumes during painting and procured a suitable mask. The same painter was given the new mask, and feedback was taken. His feedback was in Hindi, "sir abhi paint ka smell nahi aata, pahle wale mask me se paint ka smell aata tha isiliye mai rumal bandhata tha."
The selection of proper PPE also changes the attitude of the workmen.
Thanks and Regards,
Sudhir
From India, Vadodara
I forgot to mention about the quality of the mask. This is a competency issue. For selecting the correct type of mask, read the MSDS, contact good companies, and select the proper mask.
The following incident happened when I was working in Production. We had subcontracted the painting activity. The masks were issued to the painting contractor's employees. He regularly used the mask, but under the mask, he used to cover his nose with a handkerchief.
When we implemented OHSAS, we did HIRA, and the suitability of this mask was checked. Then, we realized that the particular mask was not suitable for the painting application. I studied the particle size of the fumes during painting and procured a suitable mask. The same painter was given the new mask, and feedback was taken. His feedback was in Hindi, "sir abhi paint ka smell nahi aata, pahle wale mask me se paint ka smell aata tha isiliye mai rumal bandhata tha."
The selection of proper PPE also changes the attitude of the workmen.
Thanks and Regards,
Sudhir
From India, Vadodara
Dear Raghu,
Please ensure the comfort of the employees while they are using masks. If an employee faces any inconvenience, they are unlikely to continue using the mask. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA). If your selection process is accurate, employees should undergo training. During the training, focus not only on how to use masks and why it is important but also on the potential consequences of failing to use them. Remember, imposing fines on employees should be the last resort.
Regards,
Vijay
From India, Bangalore
Please ensure the comfort of the employees while they are using masks. If an employee faces any inconvenience, they are unlikely to continue using the mask. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA). If your selection process is accurate, employees should undergo training. During the training, focus not only on how to use masks and why it is important but also on the potential consequences of failing to use them. Remember, imposing fines on employees should be the last resort.
Regards,
Vijay
From India, Bangalore
Dear Dipil, First of all thanks for your quick response and sorry for delaying in reply i was obstructed in some of our sub-contract issues . . . I will reply you in couple of hours. . .
From United States, Fpo
From United States, Fpo
Dear Sudhir, Nice to see your professional example thanks for your participation in between your busy schedule. Again thanks i will revert back to you in couple of hours. . . Keep on touch. . .
From United States, Fpo
From United States, Fpo
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