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— Photo: Shanker Chakravarty

Safe working environment: While wooden scaffolding is cost effective, steel pole H-frame scaffolding units alone meet the requirements in the new era of vertical construction projects.

Industry specialists from both the private and public sectors spoke on issues as far ranging as fire prevention, electrocution and the safety challenges of adopting to an era of multi-storey construction.

Some spoke of using simple acronyms like RICE (rest-ice-compress-elevate) and ample signage to avoid major accidents and death on the worksite.

"There is simply too much unregulated activity," said G. Ganesh, a private sector engineer who spoke at the conference. "There needs to be greater respect for safety. Whether you’re a high level contractor or the common man, you have to realise there will be consequences to your actions."

Ganesh’s warnings came at the tail end of a spate of troubles in Chennai construction industries. Eight men died working in Chennai construction in December alone.

"Over 90% of all construction fatalities and accidents are because of a failure to implement proper scaffolding."

Cement form-work and bamboo pole scaffolding are the main reasons for such deaths.

While several speakers noted the cost effectiveness of wooden scaffolding, studies show they aren’t sufficient for the new era of vertical construction projects. Slides were shown of proper steel pole H-frame scaffolding units and how they should be bolted to the building, and covered by netting.

Specifics were addressed according to the TAG international safety specification system. These include lifelines, which must be anchored to rigid structures; tensioning of lifelines by mechanical device; netting set at a 45 degree pitch about the perimeter of a building; and, no worker should be allowed to fall any further than 3 metres before either being caught by net or life line.

An equally lethal hazard is the issue of architectural ‘black holes’, comprising lift openings, staircases and tunnelling.

The majority of these fatalities are a result of falling into pits and being subsequently covered in debris or cement before medics can be reached.

While the majority of puncture wounds and fatalities on worksites are a result of fall, the issue of electrocution was also thoroughly addressed. Slides demonstrating severe electrocution burns were displayed, along with basic information regarding their treatment and means of prevention.

Several lecturers pointed out the necessity of routine health checkups, including obesity tests, fitness checks and rigorous training for working at height or with electrical equipment or during fire evacuations. According to statistics presented, many lives could already have been saved with simple tests for salt-deficiency, heat-exhaustion and intense thirst.

A senior faculty member mentioned however that the lion’s share of responsibility will have to rest with the new private sector companies.

“The Government can no longer supply adequate safety measures and equipment for all these projects. Our job will be to inspire and facilitate private sector companies to train and develop their workers’ skills – and to ensure a safe working environment for all. Our role as government will be to act as guide."

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