During our last interactive meeting with DySP Mr. Rangappa in November 2020, he has suggested some very relevant and useful suggestions for industries to ensure the safety and well being of their employees. DIA recommends HR and EHS Teams to implement these measures within their organizations, since it will go a long way in ensuring a safe atmosphere in the industrial area for everyone.
1) Overcrowding in autos/public transportation : Communicate the risks of accidents and Covid 19 spread due to such overcrowding during employee commute to and from the factory.
2) Random Breath Alcohol Testing for Drivers : It is recommended to carry out these tests at random intervals to rule out of the risks of drunken driving by drivers ferrying employees to and from the industries.
3) Employee Reference Checking : Detailed background check of all employees (on roll and contractual) has been suggested both at the time of hiring and periodically, eg once in a year. Employers should retain at least 2 address proof/identification documents and verify family antecedent details, especially for workers from other regions/states.
4) Vehicle Document Checking : Voluntary periodic checking of mandatory vehicle documents of all employees and outsourced drivers (DL, Insurance, RC, Fitness & Tax). Apart from ensuring compliance, these documents are now critical for insurance claims during accidents. The police have come across several cases where accident victims are unable to obtain insurance coverage due to lack of up to date documents.
5) Helmets/Seatbelts : To enforce an attitude of safety, employers can make wearing of helmets & seatbelts as a mandatory requirement for entry into factories. Training on the importance of traffic rules and safety can be conducted either through internal resources or with the help of the police authorities.
6) Fire/Emergency Equipment: Ensure regular maintenance of fire extinguishers and preparedness for emergencies (eg. mock drills, ambulance, etc)
We trust that these simple steps can be easily implemented in your companies and will improve both the morale and safety of your employees.