Why Safety is important
There are many reasons for which managers concern about safety and accident prevention, the utmost important one of this is the staggering number of workplace accidents. On 24 April 2013, an eight-story commercial building, Rana Plaza, collapsed in Savar, in the Greater Dhaka Area, the capital of Bangladesh. The search for the dead ended on 13 May with the death toll of 1,129. Approximately 2,500 injured people were rescued from the building alive. Statistics is actually underestimating the real number of injuries and illness by many times.
However, injuries are just not the problems in dangerous industries like construction. For instance, manufacturers of computers and computer peripherals experiences reportable injuries or illnesses every year. Even commercial kitchens contain hazards like slippery floors and knives. ‘Sick building syndrome” like headaches and sniffles are the results of new computer technology which emit chemical fumes. Last but not the least, office work is at risk to other health problems which includes “repetitive trauma injuries that related to computer use, respiratory illness stemming from indoor air quality and also high levels of stress.
The Hidden Story However the facts and figures do not tell us the complete story. As because this does not encompasses the human suffering incurred by the injured workers and their families or the real economic cost incurred y the employers. The 2012 Dhaka fire broke out on 24 November 2012, in the Tazreen Fashion factory in the Ashulia district on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. At least 117 people were confirmed dead in the fire, and at least 200 were injured, making it the deadliest factory fire in the nation's history.
Management role in Safety Prevention of accidents often results in reducing accident causing conditions and accident causing acts. However safety always starts at the top is what as agreed by the safety experts. Telling supervisors to “Watch for spills” and employees to “work safety” is fruitless if everyone thinks management’s not serious about safety.
For example, DuPont’s accident rate has been much lower than that of the chemical industry as a whole historically. Organizational commitment to safety is partly contributes to this good safety record.
What Top Management can do? Safety policies generates from the top management. Ideally, “Safety is an integral part of the system, woven into management proficiency and a part of everyone’s day to day responsibilities. The employer should institutionalize top management’s obligation with a safety plan and publicize it. Safety matters should be given high priority in the meeting.
One cannot consider Safety is just a case of legal conformity or humanitarianism; in fact it is beyond that. Particular Study based on two organization shows that payment for safety activities by themselves work out as direct savings of workers’ compensation expenses over 4 years.
The Supervisor’s role in Safety While inspecting was done on a site where workers installing pipes in a 4 foot trench, an OSHA inspector cited employer for violating the rule requi4ring employers to have a “stairway, ramp, ladder or other safe means of egress” in deep trench excavations. Workers needed a quick way out in the event when the trench caved in.
In most cases, the employer bears the first and foremost in charge for safety and the local supervisor is made responsible for day to day inspections. However, in this case supervisor did not properly do his daily inspection. The trench collapsed and as a result several employees were severely injured.
So, the moral is that safety inspection should always be part of the supervisor’s daily routine. For instance, “a daily walk-through of supervisors’ workplace – whether you are working in outdoors constructions, indoor manufacturing, or any place that poses safety challenges-is an essential part of his/their work.”
However, what to look depends on the situation. For example, dry cleaners and construction sites have unique hazards. Because of all those factors and reasons, all managers and supervisors need to be familiar with occupational safety law.
Occupational Safety Law in Bangladesh
Safety
Fire: Present law with regards to fire: Section 62 deals with the provisions for measures to be taken by a factory to avoid dangers and damage due to fire. 1. Marking in red letter in proper size, in the language understood by the majority of the workers, on such doors, windows or any alternative exit affording means of escape in case of fire. 2. Where more than ten workers are employed other than in the ground floor, there shall be a training for all the workers about the means of escape in case of fire. 3. The section provides for the following: At least one alternative exit with staircases connecting all the floors of the factory building as described in the rules for each and every factory. 4. The doors affording exit must be open outwards, unless it is sliding in nature, if the door is between two rooms it must open in the direction of the nearest exit. 5. There shall be at least one fire-extinction parade and escape-drill at least once a year in a factory where more than fifty workers are employed. 6. There shall be a free passage-way giving access to each means to escape.
Floors, stairs and means of access: Provisions of the new labor law:
Under Section 72 of the new labor law deals with the floors, stairs and means of access. The section states as follows:
All floors, staircases, and passages shall be of sound construction and properly maintained, and if it is necessary to ensure safety, hand-railings shall be provided with them.
Reasonable safe passageway or access shall be maintained in a place where employees work.
All the floors, passageways, and staircases shall be maintained in a neat and clean manner, wide enough, and free from any blockade.
Excessive Weights: Provisions of the new labor law:
Section 74 of the new labor code states that, no person shall be employed in any factory to lift, carry or move any load so heavy as to be likely to cause him injury.
Safety of building and machineries: Provisions of the new labor law: Section 61 of the labor law 2006 provides for the measures to be taken as regards the safety measures related to building and machines.
The section goes as follows: If it appears to an Inspector that any building or part thereof or any passageway or machine of the factory is in such a condition which is injurious for the life and health of the workers working therein, the Inspector may issue an order to the owner of the factory to take necessary steps immediately within the specified time therein.
If the Inspector is of the opinion that the building or any machine is seriously dangerous for the life of the worker, he shall issue an order to repair or alter that immediately failing which, to not run the factory unless and until the building is so repaired or replaced.
Fencing of machinery (Section 63 of Labor Law, 2006)
Provisions of the new labor law: Fencing must also be done on any other parts (in motion) that contains screw, bolt and key on any revolving shaft, spindle wheel or pinion and all spur, toothed friction gearing, etc.
The Government may exempt fencing of the aforesaid objects, if and only if certain other measures are adopted that will ensure safety of the workers.
Factories are required to secure the following parts of machinery in order to ensure safety of the workers: * Every part of an electric generator, transmission machinery and other dangerous part of any machinery. * Every moving part of a prime mover and every fly wheel connected to a prime mover
Work on or near machinery on motion (Section 64 of Labor Law, 2006)
Provisions of the new labor law: In case of examining, adjusting and lubricating part of machinery in motion, it is required to employ a well-trained adult male worker.
Women and adolescent are not allowed to do the above-mentioned tasks and they are not also entitled to work in places between fixed and moving parts of any machinery in motion.
The worker must wear tight-fitted clothing while conducting such jobs and no other person will be allowed to work on behalf of him during his absence.
Explosive or inflammable dust or gas (Section 78 of Labor Law, 2006)
Provisions of the new labor law: Enclosed parts of the plant that contain potentially explosive materials shall only be opened if certain required precautionary measures are met: a) Stop valves should be used to stop flow of gaseous objects in pipelines before working on any joint of that pipeline. b) Practicable measures should be taken to reduce pressure inside the pipeline before working on joints of that pipeline c) Entrance of inflammable gases or vapors, into the pipeline through the joints that are to be worked on, must be carefully prevented.
The following practicable measures must be taken in factories to avoid explosions caused by inflammable dust, gas or vapor produced during the manufacturing process: a) Effective enclosure of the plant or machinery used in the process b) Removal or prevention of the accumulation of inflammable objects c) Proper enclosure of all possible sources of ignition.
In case of the impossibility of placing a strong enclosure for the above-mentioned sources of inflammable objects, provisions of chokes, baffles, vent or other effective appliances have to be kept.
Operation that requires actions of heat, such as welding, brazing, soldering or cutting, shall not be conducted in a factory that contains or previously contained inflammable objects without taking appropriate safety measures.
Precautions against dangerous fumes (Section 77 of Labor Law, 2006)
Provisions of the new labor law: No person shall be allowed to enter potentially hazardous chambers, containing dangerous fumes, such as tank, vat, pit, pipe, flue or confined spaces if there is not any manhole of adequate size.
No person shall be allowed to enter the places mentioned above for the purpose of working or making any examination before sufficiently cooling the places down by ventilation.
Suitable breathing apparatus, reviving apparatus and belts and ropes shall be kept ready beside the confined space for instant use.
No person shall be allowed to enter the places mentioned above until the following measures are taken: A certificate in writing has to be given by a competent person stating that the space is free from dangerous fumes and is fit for persons to enter.
Personal protective equipment
Provisions of the new labor law: Effective screens or suitable goggles shall be provided for the protection of person’s eye where there is a risk: - Of injury to eyes from particles or fragments thrown off in the course of the processing - To the eyes, by reason of exposure to excessive light or heat. Section 75 deals with the protection of eyes. There are several sections in the new law where the personal protection of the worker has been discussed.
Risk assessment and prevention
Provisions of the new labor law: There are several sections in the new labor code regarding the assessment of risk and prevention thereof. Section 40 and 79 of the new labor law made provisions for the government to asses certain occupation.
The sections state as follows: The government shall, by notification in the official gazette, provide a list of the dangerous machines and risky operations for the adolescent workers The workers employed in such machines and/or operations shall be sufficiently trained and supervised The Government shall identify and provide a list of dangerous operations
Powers of inspectors on certain matters:
Power to require any measures as to the safety of building and machinery: The inspector may serve an order specifying the measures which should be adopted or an order prohibiting its use until it has been properly repaired.

The Chief Inspector may permit the continued use of machine on such conditions for ensuring safety as he may think fit to impose.

The Chief Inspector may permit the continued use of a hoist or lift installed in a factory upon such conditions for ensuring safety as he may think fit to impose.

Notice to be given to the Inspectors: When any accident occurs in an establishment causing loss of life or bodily injury, the employer of the establishment shall give notice of the occurrence to the Inspector within two working days. (s.62)

where in an establishment any dangerous occurrence occurs whether causing any bodily injury or not the employer of the establishment shall send a notice to the Inspector within three working days.

Where any worker contacts any disease, the employer or the worker concerned or any person authorized by him shall send notice to the Inspector.

Power of Inspectors in case of certain dangers; If, it appears to the Inspectors that any establishment or any part thereof or with the control, management or direction thereof, is dangerous to human life or safety or defective, so as to threaten to the bodily injury of any person, he may give notice in writing to the employer in respect of which he considers the establishment or the thing or practice, to be dangerous or defective and require the same to be remedies within such time and in such manner as he may specify in the notice.

The Inspector may, by order in writing direct the employer prohibiting the extraction or reduction of pillars in any part of such establishments.

The employer if is aggrieved by the order may, within ten days of the receipt of the order, appeal against the same to the Chief Inspector who may confirm , modify or cancel the order.

The Chief Inspector shall report to the Government any order, except the order of cancellation passed by him and shall also inform the employer concerned that such report has been so made. Health and Hygiene
Cleanliness
Provisions of the new labor law:
Under Section 51 of the new labor law deals with the provisions of cleanliness. The law provides for the following:
Every factory shall be kept clean and free from effluvia arising out of any drain, privy, or any other nuisance in the following manner.
A register shall be maintained in every factory for all the required activities

Drinking water
Provisions of the new labor law: Section 58(1) of the new labor law provides for an effective arrangement of sufficient supply of wholesome drinking water conveniently located at suitable point for all workers.

Changes in the present law:
A number of changes are there in the new legislation in this regard: The Factories Act 1965 made a provision that the drinking water cannot be located in any place within 20 feet of distance of latrines, urinals, or washing-places, but the new law has directed for a place convenient to all.

Overcrowding
Provisions of the new labor law:
Section 56(1) of the labor law 2006 makes provisions for required spaces for a single worker employed in a factory.

Lighting
Provisions of the new labor law:
Section 57(1) of the new labor law provides for the arrangement of sufficient and suitable lighting of natural or artificial or both.

Latrines and urinals
Provisions of the new labor law:
Section 59 of the new labor law makes the provisions of the latrines and urinals for the workers employed in a particular factory. The section provides for the following:
a) Sufficient number of latrines and urinals located at convenient places and accessible to all the workers
b) Separate arrangements for male and female workers
c) Properly illuminated and ventilated and sufficient supplied with water at all times
d) Clean and sanitary condition be maintained by detergents or disinfectants or with both

Dust bins and spittoons
Provisions of the new labor law:
Under Section 60, the present law deals with the provisions of dustbins and spittoons. Every factory shall provide sufficient number of dustbins and spittoons at convenient places in clean and hygienic conditions a notice shall be posted at every conspicuous place for the workers to the effect that
“Spitting or littering in contravention of clause 2 is a punishable offence”. The earlier laws made the provision of a Taka 2 fine for the violation of the spitting rules which is eliminated in the new law and only a notice has been provided for to that effect.

Occupational Safety Law in the United States of America
OSHA standards and record keeping in carrying out its duties, OSHA is responsible for promulgating legally enforceable standards. OSHA standards may require conditions, or the adoption or use of one or more practices, means, methods or processes reasonably necessary and appropriate to protect workers on the job. It is the responsibility of employers to become familiar with standards applicable to their establishments and to ensure that employees have and use personal protective equipment when required for safety. Exempt employers, like nonexempt employers, must comply with OSHA standards, display the OSHA poster, and report to OSHA within 8 hours any accident that results in one or more fatalities or the hospitalization of three or more employees.

If an on-the-job accident occurs that results in the death of an employee or in the hospitalization of three or more employees, all employers, regardless of the number of employees, must report the accident, in detail, to the nearest OSHA office within 8 hours.
What the employers must report
Employers are responsible for keeping employees informed about OSHA and about the various safety and health matters with which they are involved. These include:
• Job Safety and Health Protection workplace poster (OSHA 2203 or state equivalent) informing employees of their rights and responsibilities under the Act. Besides displaying the workplace poster, the employer must make available to employees, upon request, copies of the Act and copies of relevant OSHA rules and regulations.
• Copies of all OSHA citations for violations of standards. Every establishment covered by the Act is subject to inspection by OSHA compliance safety and health officers, who are chosen for their knowledge and experience in the occupational safety and health field. Compliance officers are vigorously trained in OSHA standards and in recognition of safety and health hazards. Similarly, states with their own occupational safety and health programs conduct inspections using qualified compliance safety and health officers.
Under the Act, "upon presenting appropriate credentials to the owner, operator or agent in charge," an OSHA compliance officer is authorized to:
• "Enter without delay and at reasonable times any factory, plant, establishment, construction site or other areas, workplace, or environment where work is performed by an employee of an employer; and to
• "Inspect and investigate during regular working hours, and at other reasonable times, and within reasonable limits and in a reasonable manner, any such place of employment and all pertinent conditions, structures, machines, apparatus, devices, equipment and materials therein, and to question privately any such employer, owner, operator, agent or employee." and/or
• Situations in which the OSHA area director determines that advance notice would produce a more thorough or effective inspection.

Citation and Penalties
These are the types of violations that may be cited and the penalties that may be proposed:
• Other Than Serious Violation - A violation that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.
• Repeated Violation - A violation of any standard, regulation, rule, or order where, upon re-inspection, a substantially similar violation can bring a fine of up to $70,000 for each such violation.
• Failure to Abate Prior Violation - Failure to abate a prior violation may bring a civil penalty of up to $7,000 for each day the violation continues beyond the prescribed abatement date.
• De Minimis Violation - De minimis violations are violations of standards which have no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health. Employer responsibilities and rights in states with their own occupational safety and health programs are generally the same as in federal OSHA states.

Responsibilities and Rights of an Employer

As an employer, he/she must:
• Meet your general duty responsibility to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, and comply with standards, rules and regulations issued under the Act.
• Be familiar with mandatory OSHA standards and make copies available to employees for review upon request.
• Inform all employees about OSHA.
• Provide training required by OSHA standards (e.g., hazard communication, lead, etc).
• Report to the nearest OSHA office within 8 hours any fatal accident or one that results in the hospitalization of three or more employees.
• Keep OSHA-required records of work-related injuries and illnesses, and post a copy of the totals from the last page of OSHA No. (This applies to employers with 11 or more employees.)
• Post, at a prominent location within the workplace, the OSHA poster (OSHA 2203) informing employees of their rights and responsibilities. (In states operating OSHA-approved job safety and health programs, the state's equivalent poster and/or OSHA 2203 may be required.)
• Provide employees, former employees and their representatives’ access to the Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA 200) at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner.
• Cooperate with the OSHA compliance officer by furnishing names of authorized employee representatives who may be asked to accompany the compliance officer during an inspection. (If none, the compliance officer will consult with a reasonable number of employees concerning safety and health in the workplace.)
• Not discriminate against employees who properly exercise their rights under the Act.
Rights

As an employer, he/she have the right to:
• Seek advice and off-site consultation as needed by writing, calling or visiting the nearest OSHA office. (OSHA will not inspect merely because an employer requests assistance.)
• Be active in your industry association's involvement in job safety and health.
• Request and receive proper identification of the OSHA compliance officer prior to inspection.
• File a Notice of Contest with the OSHA area director within 15 working days of receipt of a notice of citation and proposed penalty.
• Apply to OSHA for a temporary variance from a standard if unable to comply because of the unavailability of materials, equipment or personnel needed to make necessary changes within the required time.
• Apply to OSHA for a permanent variance from a standard if you can furnish proof that your facilities or method of operation provide employee protection at least as effective as that required by the standard.
• Take an active role in developing safety and health standards through participation in OSHA Standard Advisory Committees, through nationally recognized standards-setting organizations and through evidence and views presented in writing or at hearings.
• Be assured of the confidentiality of any trade secrets observed by an OSHA compliance officer during an inspection.

Employees Responsibilities and Rights
Although OSHA does not cite employees for violations of their responsibilities, each employee "shall comply with all occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders Issued under the Act" that are applicable.
• Comply with all applicable OSHA standards.
• Cooperate with the OSHA compliance officer conducting an inspection if he or she inquires about safety and health conditions in your workplace.
What Causes Accidents?
Three basic causes of workplace accidents are Chance occurrences which are beyond the management control, unsafe conditions and Unsafe acts on the part of the employees.
Unsafe conditions

Identifying and eliminating the unsafe condition is the absolute solution. That is why; the major endeavor of the OSHA standards is to deal with these mechanical and physical accidents causing conditions. It is the responsibility of the employer’s safety department, human resource managers and top managers to identify the unsafe conditions.
Though accident can happen anywhere, but there are some high danger zones. According to Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006:
Dangerous operations : Where the Government is satisfied that any operation carried on in an establishment exposes any person employed in it to a serious risk of bodily injury, poisoning, or disease, it may make rules applicable to such establishment or class of establishments in which such operation is carried on-
(a) specifying the operation and declaring it to be hazardous
(b) Prohibiting or restricting the employment of women, adolescents or children in the operation;
(c) Providing for the periodical medical examination of persons employed in the operation and prohibiting the employment of persons not certified as fit for such employment;
(d) Providing for the protection of all persons employed in the operation or in the vicinity of the places where it is carried on and the use of any specified materials or processes in
Connection with the operation; and
(e) Notice specifying use and precautions regarding use of any corrosive chemicals.

What causes Unsafe Acts (A second basic cases of accidents) Unsafe acts can have huge impact even the better efforts to reduce unsafe conditions exists. For instance, people who are impulsive, sensation seeking, extremely extroverted and less conscientious are more likely to face accidents. Moreover, risky driving personality traits are naturally competitive and prone to anger as a result Accidents caused with unsafe acts e.g. throwing materials might happens.