Dear Friends, For quite some time I wanted to be a part of this useful forum. I was also initiating few discussions which I felt might be useful to aspiring safety professionals. However, later found that members were just copying and pasting things from here and there just for the sake of getting their names to appear. A few were asking for spoon feeding. I could not appreciate professionals in safety gaining knowledge without involvement. In most of my postings, you may find the reflections of the teacher in me.
Am I realizing the mistakes in me? The answer is “yes”! I could have very well initiated new approaches to get the issue resolved.
Time permits, I will now try to involve myself to the extent possible.
Kindly feed your ideas on the above question “SAFETY IS A VALUE OR IS IT A PRIORITY”?
From India, Kollam
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256Am I realizing the mistakes in me? The answer is “yes”! I could have very well initiated new approaches to get the issue resolved.
Time permits, I will now try to involve myself to the extent possible.
Kindly feed your ideas on the above question “SAFETY IS A VALUE OR IS IT A PRIORITY”?
From India, Kollam
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Dear Sir
I am very happy to see this thread been initiated by you... Also very much exited by seeing your statement "Time permits, I will now try to involve myself to the extent possible" & happy to get back a great senior like you in this forum...
Let me put down my views onto the topic... “SAFETY IS A VALUE OR IS IT A PRIORITY”
Safety is neither a Value or a Priority in majority of Indian Industries... Say 80% of the Indian Industries... Then what it is??? They consider it as a burden / barrier to achieve their production targets... They doing something for the sake of fulfilling the mere statutory requirements... Safety getting implemented by chance, not by choice...
Now ideally safety should considered as a Value than Priority... Many companies doing this as well....
One company who is considering safety as value implementing world class safety systems and believes that if any leading news paper reporting issues related to EHS (Accident, Environmental Releases or Occupational Diseases) against this company they will consider that, it is as equals to loosing billions of rupees.. Safety directly linked with their reputation of the company... Where Safety is getting implemented and followed by each and everyone by choice, not by chance…
So I am concluding my views as Safety Should be a Value than a Priority...
Looking forward to listen from other members as well from you...
From India
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I am very happy to see this thread been initiated by you... Also very much exited by seeing your statement "Time permits, I will now try to involve myself to the extent possible" & happy to get back a great senior like you in this forum...
Let me put down my views onto the topic... “SAFETY IS A VALUE OR IS IT A PRIORITY”
Safety is neither a Value or a Priority in majority of Indian Industries... Say 80% of the Indian Industries... Then what it is??? They consider it as a burden / barrier to achieve their production targets... They doing something for the sake of fulfilling the mere statutory requirements... Safety getting implemented by chance, not by choice...
Now ideally safety should considered as a Value than Priority... Many companies doing this as well....
One company who is considering safety as value implementing world class safety systems and believes that if any leading news paper reporting issues related to EHS (Accident, Environmental Releases or Occupational Diseases) against this company they will consider that, it is as equals to loosing billions of rupees.. Safety directly linked with their reputation of the company... Where Safety is getting implemented and followed by each and everyone by choice, not by chance…
So I am concluding my views as Safety Should be a Value than a Priority...
Looking forward to listen from other members as well from you...
From India
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Value determines the priorities. Safety is the value. It determines other priorities like quality, progress, timely completion, end results, etc. If no value is accorded, the whole project or endeavor goes haywire and does not reach its logical conclusion.
From India, Lucknow
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From India, Lucknow
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Respected sir,
Safety is the most important part of a company. Recently, we have heard a lot of accidents in industries which cause harm to employees. Safety is considered as the most prominent and important aspect for the development of a company.
From India
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Safety is the most important part of a company. Recently, we have heard a lot of accidents in industries which cause harm to employees. Safety is considered as the most prominent and important aspect for the development of a company.
From India
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Dear sir,
Safety is a value. If we have passion towards the value, things automatically get prioritized. However, if we fail to prioritize safety, its importance and the message do not penetrate into people. Consequently, things will be done only for the sake of it, as individuals are forced to comply.
Thank you.
From India, Delhi
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Safety is a value. If we have passion towards the value, things automatically get prioritized. However, if we fail to prioritize safety, its importance and the message do not penetrate into people. Consequently, things will be done only for the sake of it, as individuals are forced to comply.
Thank you.
From India, Delhi
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I do not know if I have understood the question properly. However, from what I understand, I think safety is a priority. If an organization cannot ensure the safety of its employees or is careless about it, then it has no business to continue or exist in the business. Employees are not meant to be sacrificial goats for the employer. Safety comes first and always!
Warm regards.
From India, Delhi
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Warm regards.
From India, Delhi
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I think any organization that takes safety as a priority will get value as well. The moment we start calculating accidents, man-days lost, resulting loss in production, absence of skilled personnel, etc., as a base, certainly safety activities and precautions will become a priority. Organizations will also realize the value in it.
From India, Hyderabad
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From India, Hyderabad
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Priorities are set based on the value. Hence safety is the value first and then it gets prioritised. pon
From India, Lucknow
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From India, Lucknow
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All types of organizations require people, other than machines, to carry out desired activities. We talk about our target of achieving our objectives effectively and efficiently. Providing a safe environment at the workplace becomes essential to attain targets effectively. Planning for safety means taking prior actions to prevent or minimize possible hazards that may harm the organization's people, including the management.
Organizations that have established Safety and Health Management Systems have added value to their reputation in the eyes of their employees, stakeholders, and the public. In a similar way, establishing a QMS, Communication Management System, or EMS has added more value to their organizations.
From Malaysia, Sungai Petani
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Organizations that have established Safety and Health Management Systems have added value to their reputation in the eyes of their employees, stakeholders, and the public. In a similar way, establishing a QMS, Communication Management System, or EMS has added more value to their organizations.
From Malaysia, Sungai Petani
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Dear Friends,
It is interesting to see such safety awareness creating debates in this forum, and I especially appreciate Mr. Kesava Pillai for initiating this thread.
As a matter of fact, here we are discussing safety as a value or priority. But safety should be in the minds of everyone.
Safety and security are the responsibility of everyone. The safety part is taken care of by my father in my house, so I will touch the live electric wire, and it will not give an electric shock to me... Does anyone speak like this? The security is taken care of by my father in my house, so if some unknown person tries to break open the door of my house, I will not say anything because it is my father's duty... Does anyone think like this? The apparent reply is known to everyone.
Safety and security are everyone's concern. It must be inculcated in the minds of everyone. The change in attitude towards safety will add value and make everyone give priority to "Safety First & Work Next."
From India, Kumbakonam
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It is interesting to see such safety awareness creating debates in this forum, and I especially appreciate Mr. Kesava Pillai for initiating this thread.
As a matter of fact, here we are discussing safety as a value or priority. But safety should be in the minds of everyone.
Safety and security are the responsibility of everyone. The safety part is taken care of by my father in my house, so I will touch the live electric wire, and it will not give an electric shock to me... Does anyone speak like this? The security is taken care of by my father in my house, so if some unknown person tries to break open the door of my house, I will not say anything because it is my father's duty... Does anyone think like this? The apparent reply is known to everyone.
Safety and security are everyone's concern. It must be inculcated in the minds of everyone. The change in attitude towards safety will add value and make everyone give priority to "Safety First & Work Next."
From India, Kumbakonam
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Dear Friends,
Nice to see this discussion gaining due attention.
From the comments being posted; I further get an idea to add more for your involvement. May be; this because we have friends from other disciplines also involving in the discussion and bringing out certain points they consider apt.
Now here is the point for your views:
Do you continue to accept the slogan “safety first” for a safetyman.
Kindly express your views.
Regards,
Kesava Pillai
From India, Kollam
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Nice to see this discussion gaining due attention.
From the comments being posted; I further get an idea to add more for your involvement. May be; this because we have friends from other disciplines also involving in the discussion and bringing out certain points they consider apt.
Now here is the point for your views:
Do you continue to accept the slogan “safety first” for a safetyman.
Kindly express your views.
Regards,
Kesava Pillai
From India, Kollam
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Dear Sir
Let me share my thoughts on the new topic which you bring upon for discussion....
“Do you continue to accept the slogan “safety first” for a safetyman"
My answer is No in case if you specifically ask about safety man only.
Why Safety First only for a Safety Man? Safety first should be for everyone... For a Production Man, For an Engineering Man, For all the line management function professionals... Everyone should give at least a minute thought to safety before executing any job…
Safety should be the line management responsibility… Safety Man should be able to perform his own duty of managing safety… When comes to Safety, Managing of the same plays vital role than execution…
From India
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Let me share my thoughts on the new topic which you bring upon for discussion....
“Do you continue to accept the slogan “safety first” for a safetyman"
My answer is No in case if you specifically ask about safety man only.
Why Safety First only for a Safety Man? Safety first should be for everyone... For a Production Man, For an Engineering Man, For all the line management function professionals... Everyone should give at least a minute thought to safety before executing any job…
Safety should be the line management responsibility… Safety Man should be able to perform his own duty of managing safety… When comes to Safety, Managing of the same plays vital role than execution…
From India
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Dear Mr. Kesava Pillai,
In my thread, I clearly mentioned that safety is everyone's concern and not only for safety personnel. Reading in between the lines will not make any meaning, and it will twist the concept itself. Safety first is for everyone and not only specific to safety personnel. Even though we are from another discipline and do not have any link with safety discipline, out of curiosity and interest towards safety, we are involving ourselves and giving our opinion. Unlike Facebook, we do not have such a limited user group, so others will have access to your safety group in this forum. Furthermore, I will restrict myself from involving and giving replies to any safety-related threads.
Have a great weekend.
From India, Kumbakonam
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In my thread, I clearly mentioned that safety is everyone's concern and not only for safety personnel. Reading in between the lines will not make any meaning, and it will twist the concept itself. Safety first is for everyone and not only specific to safety personnel. Even though we are from another discipline and do not have any link with safety discipline, out of curiosity and interest towards safety, we are involving ourselves and giving our opinion. Unlike Facebook, we do not have such a limited user group, so others will have access to your safety group in this forum. Furthermore, I will restrict myself from involving and giving replies to any safety-related threads.
Have a great weekend.
From India, Kumbakonam
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Dear Mr. Bhaskar,
Thank you for the response. I believe you may have misinterpreted the point Mr. Kesava Pillai was trying to make. It is always enriching to have individuals from diverse backgrounds contribute to safety-related discussions. He did not prevent anyone from participating in the threads. The discussions become more engaging and beneficial with the involvement of a wide range of people.
Whether you choose to participate or not is entirely up to you. As a longstanding member of this forum, I trust you understand my intention in joining the conversation and offering comments. Let's strive to engage more actively and keep the forum vibrant for the benefit of all.
From India
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Thank you for the response. I believe you may have misinterpreted the point Mr. Kesava Pillai was trying to make. It is always enriching to have individuals from diverse backgrounds contribute to safety-related discussions. He did not prevent anyone from participating in the threads. The discussions become more engaging and beneficial with the involvement of a wide range of people.
Whether you choose to participate or not is entirely up to you. As a longstanding member of this forum, I trust you understand my intention in joining the conversation and offering comments. Let's strive to engage more actively and keep the forum vibrant for the benefit of all.
From India
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Dear my Bhaskar,
If you feel offended in any manner I take this opportunity to express my regret. I really expect none others to feel so without getting the spirit of my posting by end of the day.
My intention is purely professional and I am sure that you have misinterpreted my posting.
I do not have to prove myself by stating my qualification, experience, exposure involvement and so on in safety. Some of my technical explanations will speak for me. Yet I am proud to say that still I am a student in safety engineering.
While contributing to these columns I wanted to be of some help to young safety professionals specifically and to people from other disciplines in general.
In the past there were various theories on accident prevention. Of these, the first one was Domino theory. To help accident prevention; very many slogans were developed. For some time the most popular one was “Safety First’. Many who have little knowledge on later developments in the field still hold on to it. We have come a long way. The slogan is outdated. Slowly I wanted to move on to the present situation and wanted the practicing safety men to come out with their understanding. I reinstate; my method is not spoon feeding. I wanted to know how much they hold, then interpret and add on to it for their own benefit.
Hope I have clarified myself and now it is up to you to decide what to do or what not to do.
Being a safety professional; I am capable of controlling my emotions to some extent and think well to react.
Regards,
Kesavapillai
From India, Kollam
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If you feel offended in any manner I take this opportunity to express my regret. I really expect none others to feel so without getting the spirit of my posting by end of the day.
My intention is purely professional and I am sure that you have misinterpreted my posting.
I do not have to prove myself by stating my qualification, experience, exposure involvement and so on in safety. Some of my technical explanations will speak for me. Yet I am proud to say that still I am a student in safety engineering.
While contributing to these columns I wanted to be of some help to young safety professionals specifically and to people from other disciplines in general.
In the past there were various theories on accident prevention. Of these, the first one was Domino theory. To help accident prevention; very many slogans were developed. For some time the most popular one was “Safety First’. Many who have little knowledge on later developments in the field still hold on to it. We have come a long way. The slogan is outdated. Slowly I wanted to move on to the present situation and wanted the practicing safety men to come out with their understanding. I reinstate; my method is not spoon feeding. I wanted to know how much they hold, then interpret and add on to it for their own benefit.
Hope I have clarified myself and now it is up to you to decide what to do or what not to do.
Being a safety professional; I am capable of controlling my emotions to some extent and think well to react.
Regards,
Kesavapillai
From India, Kollam
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Dear Mr. Kesava Pillai & Dipil,
Please note that safety and safety consciousness are not only required for safety personnel, but also for all personnel involved in day-to-day activities. Hence, safety first is not only warranted for safety professionals; it must be inculcated in the minds of everyone. Due to a lack of safety awareness, if someone inflicts an injury, safety personnel will not necessarily be held responsible. Nowadays, even the government is first arresting the safety professional and the project head because it has become the moral responsibility of both to provide a safe environment for employees. Safety personnel are required to identify unsafe conditions and ensure they are rectified to provide a safe working environment for employees. Similarly, unsafe acts due to lack of knowledge and ignorance must be identified and addressed with necessary corrective actions.
I would like to quote Murphy's Law, which states, "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." Initially, this sentence may seem comedic, but upon deeper analysis, the real meaning becomes apparent. Where there are opportunities for things to go wrong in any activity, mistakes are likely to occur. It is not that someone will intentionally commit errors, but rather that due to lack of knowledge or ignorance, mistakes may happen, sometimes leading to irreparable damage.
This is why I emphasize "Safety First and Work Next." Although I have not specifically mentioned it is only for safety professionals, I hope you understand the message and its meaning in a positive light.
Thank you.
From India, Kumbakonam
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Please note that safety and safety consciousness are not only required for safety personnel, but also for all personnel involved in day-to-day activities. Hence, safety first is not only warranted for safety professionals; it must be inculcated in the minds of everyone. Due to a lack of safety awareness, if someone inflicts an injury, safety personnel will not necessarily be held responsible. Nowadays, even the government is first arresting the safety professional and the project head because it has become the moral responsibility of both to provide a safe environment for employees. Safety personnel are required to identify unsafe conditions and ensure they are rectified to provide a safe working environment for employees. Similarly, unsafe acts due to lack of knowledge and ignorance must be identified and addressed with necessary corrective actions.
I would like to quote Murphy's Law, which states, "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." Initially, this sentence may seem comedic, but upon deeper analysis, the real meaning becomes apparent. Where there are opportunities for things to go wrong in any activity, mistakes are likely to occur. It is not that someone will intentionally commit errors, but rather that due to lack of knowledge or ignorance, mistakes may happen, sometimes leading to irreparable damage.
This is why I emphasize "Safety First and Work Next." Although I have not specifically mentioned it is only for safety professionals, I hope you understand the message and its meaning in a positive light.
Thank you.
From India, Kumbakonam
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Safety is a responsibility that should be given priority, and in a sense, it always reflects the value that we are giving to the people around us and also in the workplace. Acquiring knowledge on fire safety is always a good idea, as it is essential to handle fire accidents effectively.
From India, Kakinada
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From India, Kakinada
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The saying or slogan "Better safe than sorry" is the underlying principle of all safety management. The recent accidents are a grim reminder of this. Therefore, the slogan 'Safety First' is all-inclusive in its applicability. The people discharging this responsibility are experts in their field and thus are trusted by all others to ensure their safety. Of course, safety people need to take care of their safety first to be in a position to take care of others' safety. Thus, they are to be provided all material and infrastructure like safety gear, tools, and equipment to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
I appreciate Mr. Kesav Pillai for initiating this discussion on safety to spread awareness. As one learned member, Mr. Dipil, has rightly commented that safety is more viewed as a cost rather than a value by the employers.
B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
From India, Mumbai
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I appreciate Mr. Kesav Pillai for initiating this discussion on safety to spread awareness. As one learned member, Mr. Dipil, has rightly commented that safety is more viewed as a cost rather than a value by the employers.
B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
From India, Mumbai
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If we know the value of life; If we know the value of our kith & kin; If we know the value of our accomplishments; we decide the priority and deliver according to its values. My point is priority is based on values. So safety is a value and accorded first priority.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
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Pon
From India, Lucknow
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Dear Mr. Bhaskar,
Being such a senior member in this forum, we never expected even a slightly negative comment from your end. I am very happy to see your explanation in response, but why does a situation arise where we all need to spend our energy on a cause that will not add any value to anyone? So, I humbly request you to be a true professional when replying to threads. We are not supposed to hurt the emotions of anyone, not even through a single word.
I hope, being a senior member in this forum, you will take my words in the right spirit. More importantly, I look forward to seeing your more active participation in the EHS threads.
From India
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Being such a senior member in this forum, we never expected even a slightly negative comment from your end. I am very happy to see your explanation in response, but why does a situation arise where we all need to spend our energy on a cause that will not add any value to anyone? So, I humbly request you to be a true professional when replying to threads. We are not supposed to hurt the emotions of anyone, not even through a single word.
I hope, being a senior member in this forum, you will take my words in the right spirit. More importantly, I look forward to seeing your more active participation in the EHS threads.
From India
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If we say safety as "priority," then priority is temporary because priorities may change depending on the situation and needs of the organization.
If we say safety as "value," then whatever we do has been done safely when nobody is watching. This is a transformation from priority to value; it will take time.
Regards,
Mallikarjun Arbole
From India
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If we say safety as "value," then whatever we do has been done safely when nobody is watching. This is a transformation from priority to value; it will take time.
Regards,
Mallikarjun Arbole
From India
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Safety is Way of Life.....! its more than value & priority...!
From India, Pune
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From India, Pune
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Safety in everyone responsibility and should be inculcated from child hood as VALUE
However there are barriers. It is the responsibility of the Parents / teachers / society / government by enforcement have to create safe living /working conditions whether in school, road, public places, churches, residential home, working places, and even in retired old age home. By addressing “Barriers” can redirect / prevents unsafe way in life .
Hazards . Recognition and Response. When you are not aware of the risk.
Business System Maintenance never have time to fix it, No goggles available in stores)
Rewards and Recognition wrong attention, want to make my performance bonus, want
to get home early. Get attracted by friends as hero, when you
ride a two wheeler without a helmet
Facilities and Equipment Father has insisted to use a old helmet (old fashioned, dirty) The
handles broken, The guard falls off all the time)
Disagreement on Safe Practice- Father asking for urgent work to use two wheeler without
helmet, Father is not using helmet while riding two wheeler.
The customer lines are stopped - got to do this quickly,
maintenance crew say it is all right but I think otherwise
Personal Factors I have to lift with a bent back because I can't bend my knee, I can’t reach
Without standing on a box - I’m shorter than the rest of the crew
Culture - Co-friends in college are not wearing helmet. Every one does it this way, If I do it
differently to everybody else they might give me a hard time )
Personal Choice (I feel more comfortable, I like doing it this way, I don’t care)
From India, Madras
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However there are barriers. It is the responsibility of the Parents / teachers / society / government by enforcement have to create safe living /working conditions whether in school, road, public places, churches, residential home, working places, and even in retired old age home. By addressing “Barriers” can redirect / prevents unsafe way in life .
Hazards . Recognition and Response. When you are not aware of the risk.
Business System Maintenance never have time to fix it, No goggles available in stores)
Rewards and Recognition wrong attention, want to make my performance bonus, want
to get home early. Get attracted by friends as hero, when you
ride a two wheeler without a helmet
Facilities and Equipment Father has insisted to use a old helmet (old fashioned, dirty) The
handles broken, The guard falls off all the time)
Disagreement on Safe Practice- Father asking for urgent work to use two wheeler without
helmet, Father is not using helmet while riding two wheeler.
The customer lines are stopped - got to do this quickly,
maintenance crew say it is all right but I think otherwise
Personal Factors I have to lift with a bent back because I can't bend my knee, I can’t reach
Without standing on a box - I’m shorter than the rest of the crew
Culture - Co-friends in college are not wearing helmet. Every one does it this way, If I do it
differently to everybody else they might give me a hard time )
Personal Choice (I feel more comfortable, I like doing it this way, I don’t care)
From India, Madras
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