Master of Science in OccupationalSafety and Health Management

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/12695

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item: Thesis-Abstract
A Study on fire readiness of shopping complexes in Sri Lanka
(2023) Kumara, MMSR; Thayaparan, M
Fire protection is a study and practice of mitigating the unwanted effects of potentially destructive fires; the study and practice of fire protection aim to reduce the negative impacts of potentially destructive fires. Especially, fire incidents are the most hazardous situation of shopping complexes and evacuation strategies are complicated. The poor conduct of people in shopping complexes during the evacuation process is still a significant issue. However, very limited reported studies have been listed to evaluate the fire readiness of occupants in shopping complexes in Sri Lanka. So, the purpose of this study was to assess fire readiness and make recommendations to improve the fire readiness of shopping complexes in Sri Lanka. The goal of this study was to evaluate Sri Lankan shopping complexes' fire readiness and provide recommendations for improvement. As an initial step, a comprehensive literature survey was carried out to review the fire readiness of shopping complexes in Sri Lanka. As a next step, the data collection process of the research was carried out fewer than two main steps. The convenient sampling method was used. The active and passive safety systems installed in two significant shopping complexes around Colombo city are selected. The results confirmed that physical structure of the building and the behaviors of the occupant’s management process influenced by the function of the building. Furthermore, fire protection systems were identified as sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire extinguisher systems, hydraulic hose reel systems, total flooding systems, fire doors and walls, fire dampers, penetration seals, and emergency staircases. The factors related to the fire readiness were explored related to the fire readiness of both the building and the occupants. The findings of this study can be used to create future fire safety rules, programs, and health initiatives for commercial buildings, particularly for shopping complexes. Keywords: Fire readiness, Evacuation, Shopping Complex, Fire Prevention
item: Thesis-Abstract
Investigation on occupational safety and health practices in university colleges of Sri Lanka
(2023) Dissanayake, WARK; Thayaparan, M
The International Labor Organization (ILO) predicted that 2.3 million (World Statistics, 2011) deaths per year would be reported due to workplace accidents or diseases globally while having an approximation of 340 million workplace-related accidents. Most workers have undergone proper education while concentrating on the global annual death and accident rate. A significant relationship between work-related incidents and the education sector's health & safety (H&S) culture should exist. Identifying the significance of the H&S culture of the University Colleges (UC) in Sri Lanka will assist the further development of H&S culture of the vocational education sector in Sri Lanka. This research aimed to improve Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices and recommend a framework for enhancing OHS practices in University Colleges in Sri Lanka. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 249 participants studying in all six University Colleges in Sri Lanka. Reliability and validity tests were undertaken, and data were evaluated using correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The findings demonstrated that workplace dangers, policies, and awareness were substantially connected with occupational health and safety practices. Multiple regression analysis revealed that workplace hazards, policies, and awareness significantly predicted OHS practices in Sri Lanka's University Colleges. These results suggest that a higher level of OHS practices can be achieved in the vocational education sector by implementing effective policies and procedures and raising awareness among management, staff, and students. These findings imply that vocational education institutions must prioritize implementing comprehensive policies and procedures related to OHS. It is also necessary to promote awareness among all stakeholders to enhance the overall level of OHS procedures in the vocational education sector in Sri Lanka. More study is required to examine the variables that impact the implementation of sound policies and procedures and discover successful techniques to enhance awareness and promote OHS practices in the vocational education sector. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between workplace hazards, policies, awareness, and OHS practices in the vocational education sector in Sri Lanka. The results of this study may be utilized to influence policy choices and guide future research on the subject of OHS in the vocational education sector. ii Keywords - Occupational Health and Safety, Workplace Hazards, Policies and Procedures, Vocational Education, Sri Lanka
item: Thesis-Abstract
The Impact of emotional intelligence on job stress of executive level employees in banking sector in Sri Lanka
(2024) Sandaruwan, VWDL; Kulatunga, U
In general, as humans, we have all experienced stress of some kind. Either positively or negatively is possible. However, prolonged unpleasant mental doubt may have negative effects on our lives. Job stress is the most prevalent type of stress. Job stress impairs employees' performance, which creates a survival problem for the business because people do not work productively and efficiently. Consequently, job stress hinders the performance of the organization paving the way to a natural death. Job stress is inheriting many negative consequences to the organization where job stress exits. This study investigates the relationship between emotional intelligence and job stress level in executives working for reputable regional commercial and public banks in western province. In the current study, questionnaires were the major data collection tool and the main data source. IBM SPSS statistics 21 was used to analyze data to come to conclusions with regard to the developed hypotheses based on existing literature. Except for the emotional intelligence component of relationship management, the researcher finds that the majority of emotional intelligence dimensions (self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness) had a significant negative impact on the job stress of executive-level employees at the different banks. KEYWORDS: Self-awareness, Self-management, Social awareness, Relationship management, Emotional intelligence, Job stress
item: Thesis-Abstract
Investigation of health and safety training requirements for large scale construction projects in Sri Lanka
(2023) Kumara, KRP; Disaratna, V
Construction industry is one of the most significant industries which makes a considerable contribution to the GDP. Currently a large number of employees are working in this industry and a number of fatal accidents taken place every year. Therefore construction is one of most hazardous industries in the country and more attention needs to be given to improve health and safety in this industry. Also, a lot of accidents taken place in construction projects are not reported. In the construction projects, enough competent safety professionals are not available to ensure the safe working environment. In Sri Lankan context people’s attitudes on health and safety is not in the satisfactory level and, to change the attitudes of the people a lot of improvements need to be made providing necessary training emphasizing the importance of the health and safety. This research focuses on the adequacy of health and safety training in large scale construction projects in Sri Lanka. The research followed a mixed method approach. A questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews were used to gather the data. The questionnaire data was analyzed using statistical tools and manual content analysis was used to analyze interview data. The research revealed that training on health and safety conducted in large scale construction projects is not enough to meet the required level to maintain an accident free working environment. The different types of trainings such as first aid, work at height, fire, etc. are needed to be conducted to minimize the accidents generating in these projects. The research further revealed that to minimize this adverse environment, more attention needs to be paid and to do it successfully, enough budgets should be allocated.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Identification of VOCs distribution in a petroleum terminal and minimization of hazardous levels on health
(2023) Gamage, NS; De Silva, L
Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs) can be found both naturally and manmade environments. Petroleum Industry is a major contributor to the atmospheric VOCs. In this study, a detailed field survey is carried out to investigate the distribution status of VOCs within a petroleum terminal in Sri Lanka. The entire terminal area was identified as operational and non-operational areas according to the zonal categorization of British Standards. The VOC levels of technically selected 99 nos. of locations were measured using a factory-calibrated portable VOC meter. All measurements were obtained when wind speed was less than 1 ms-1 to enhance the reliability of measurements. The entire data was analyzed using the Microsoft Excel data analysis tool. The mean value of the non-operational area was 3 ppm which was below the Central Environmental Authority accepted level of 5 ppm for any operations within Sri Lanka. The operational area was further divided into two different series of data because it was observed as distinct two histograms during the analysis. Those were for the exact source of VOCs and the rear vicinity of VOCs (beyond 2 m from the exact source). The average value of VOC in the rear vicinity was 6.9 ppm and it was 43.2 ppm for the exact locations of the VOC sources. Control perspectives were discussed for operational and non-operational areas separately following the available literature. The control perspectives were adsorption, biofiltration for the non-operational area, and catalyst oxidizer and membrane separation for the operational area
item: Thesis-Abstract
Fire readiness of high rise commercial buildings in Sri Lanka
(2022) Dasanayaka DMBNC; Seneviratne I
Contemporary cities and enormous skyscrapers have been constructed due to the increasing population in urban areas. Evacuation strategies and the time needed to evacuate from the buildings are the main concerns of governments, construction developers and occupants. As a result, fire readiness is an important factor to consider when it comes to the safety of building occupants. There are a variety of people working in high-rise commercial buildings with varying thought patterns and educational levels. Furthermore, both active and passive safety systems have been installed at all high rise commercial buildings located within the city limits of Colombo, and without a satisfactory level of fire safety systems, the fire service department did not issue the fire clearance certificate for the high rise commercial buildings to operate. Aside from fire extinguishers, hose reel systems, fire alarm master panels, fire detectors, and sprinkler systems, active fire safety systems can be found in all high rise commercial buildings, while passive fire safety systems include emergency staircases, fire doors, and walls. Furthermore, an administrative team was appointed to administer and maintain the system installed in the buildings, and it is their primary responsibility to ensure the smooth operation of the high rise commercial buildings. In order to determine the fire readiness in 10 existing high-rise commercial buildings, questionnaires were given to tenants and management teams. Moreover, suggestions to improve the fire readiness appertain to buildings were identified using the same questionnaire. Total flooding and fire suppression systems do not appear to be a common fire prevention approach in the Sri Lankan context, based on the existing status of high-rise building fire preparation. Additionally, several standards that must be met, like familiarity with the buildings fire safety systems and knowledge of fire safety among the occupants, fall short of the required standard. Additionally, several construction criteria, such the accessibility of evacuation aids for individuals with disabilities and the plans for implementing fire training and awareness campaigns, fall short of expectations.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Study the challenges on outsourcing health and safety responsibility in logistics industry
(2021) Fernando MAGP; De Silva L
This study mainly based on the Occupational Health and Safety related issues that are faced by the contractor workers. Based on the several business factors, most of the companies are now moving towards deploying workers from Manpower providing companies to carry out tasks on behalf of the company. Therefore, Contractor companies are recruiting wider range of people for different roles under contractor company carder. Since most of the contractor companies are not properly established with considering all minimum qualities of be an employer, they are striving for making maximum profit out of each contract they get. Therefore, contractor workers and their rights are the most neglected element in this business model. Due to the nature of the employment, they do not have right access for close supervision and guidance by the competent personnel when they are conducting the high-risk activities. Hence contractor workers are the most prominent group of workers who get exposed to severe injuries at work. The study was conducted to identify the root causes and contributory factors that can lead to accidents in the logistics sector. Since Logistics sector have many verticals, this study was mainly focused on the logistics fulfillment centers, distribution center and logistics hubs. The information in this report are taken from the 3 main logistics companies, under 15 different sites in with the range of about 50 contractor companies and with the participation of 2435 employees. This study reveals that, there are several behavioral and organizational factors that contributes to various number of occupational accidents. Lack of competency, poor supervision, unclear work instructions, lack of worker motivations, less empowerment, poor risk perception capabilities and ignoring the contract worker rights were among the visible gaps throughout the study. Since contractor workers are deployed in many high-risk activities, fall prevention, high probability of people and moving machinery entanglement and ergonomics issues related to manual lifting are the most common issue in logistics industry.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Effectiveness of safety management in controlling occupational accidents in transformer manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka: management perspective
(2021) Senanayake SJ; De Silva N
Effective management of occupational health and safety (OSH) is vital in every industry. It enhances the favorable motives for the accomplishment of goals in a particular industry. The effectiveness of safety management procedures for controlling occupational accidents in manufacturing industry has been acquired increased attention over the recent times. It can be understood that it is crucial to avoid occupational accidents caused by poor management and awareness related to OSH practices in Sri Lankan context. As a result of mitigating accidents, desired productivity can be achieved. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the effectiveness of occupational safety and health management systems in accident prevention at Transformer Manufacturing Industry (TMI) in Sri Lanka. In the literature synthesis of the study, possible hazards and injuries have been discussed with their risk and security levels. Questionnaire survey was used to collect primary data and further company accident data were referred in data collection process. The most common accident identified are slips and trips, cut and laceration, being caught in or stuck by moving machinery, and overexertion injuries. Since the implementation of the occupational safety and health management system in the work environment became safer and there was a decline in the number of lost time accidents recorded each year thereafter according to TMC accident primary data. High risk accident has been identified as an eye injuries and electrocution injuries. The existing occupational health and safety management system at transformer manufacturing company met the majority of the requirements comprehensive safety management systems. Furthermore, is implementation of accident control actions and the occupational safety and health management system are align with international standards always improved the occupational safety and health performance generated positive results in health and safety sector. With the proper involvement of management practices in monitoring and controlling occupational accidents, higher productivity can be assured with lesser negative consequences in transformer manufacturing industry. Moreover it is understood that, mitigating occupational accidents assures the availability of potential skilled workers in the manufacturing industry which benefits the country’s economy as well as social wellbeing.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Investigation of occupational hazards and illnesses in the Sri Lankan apparel sector
(2020) Pollamure AMUP; De Silva N
The Sri Lankan apparel industry is one of the major industrial export earners in Sri Lanka. It contributed 40% to GDP in the year 2017. This industry is highly labour intensive and has provided more than 300,000 direct employment opportunities in which the majority is trade workers. The employees in apparel sector are exposed to various occupational hazards knowingly or unknowingly. As a result, many of them suffer from various occupational illnesses during their employment period or even after a certain period of retirement. This research is a questionnaire survey which was carried out among the industry workers attached to the production sections from medium and large scale garment factories to identify occupational hazards and illnesses in large and medium scale factories in Sri Lanka. 384 employees were selected randomly for this sample, from 25 factories for this survey. Statistical analysis (t-Test) was carried out to find the significant occupational hazards, illnesses and management practices. Nine expert interviews were carried out to explore strategic preventive measures or mitigate the occupational hazards and occupational illnesses in the apparel sector. This study reveals that the employees in the apparel sector are exposed to occupational hazards such as, production target pressure, quality demand pressure, excessive work hours, fabric dust, inadequate wages and working for a prolonged time in the same posture. The significant illnesses are leg pains and back pains. To overcome these issues the factories are required to implement workplace oriented improvements such as upgrading the work places considering the ergonomic and human factors, establishing quality management systems, planning the production volume according to the physical and psychological capacities of human capital etc. Finally the industry is required to identify occupational illnesses through medical surveillances audits and steps are to be taken for corrective and preventive measures. The people oriented proposals are skills development, professional carrier growth and enhancing the leadership qualities of employees, in order to increase their performance and quality of life. Findings of this research provide an insight in to the workplaces of medium scale garment factories. These findings will benefit the industry leaders and policy makers in the industrial upgrading and to enhance the skills and quality of life of employees.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Fostering OSH in informal construction sector of Sri Lanka: challenges and approaches
(2020) Thalpage R; De Silva N
The informal construction sector plays a vital role in Sri Lankan economy by being the second highest informal sector after agriculture. Moreover, there are considerably higher amounts of hazards in informal construction sites when compared with other industries. Simultaneously, several challenges to eliminate those hazards were discovered under five key areas as financial, time, knowledge/skills, misconception and poor attitude, cultural, regulatory and industrial. Thus, this study was conducted with the aim of fostering Occupational Safety and Health in Sri Lankan informal construction sector by recommending the probable approaches to mitigate above identified challenges. Accordingly, a mixed research approach was adopted with questionnaire survey for 102 respondents while carrying out semi structured interviews with seven professionals. The findings were analyzed with descriptive analysis, one sample T-Test, factor analysis and code-based content analysis techniques. As the most common hazards in Sri Lankan informal construction sector, falling from height and ladder/scaffolding work with slippage and breakage were identified. Twelve critical challenges towards Occupational Safety and Health in Sri Lankan informal construction sector were extracted and they were further categorized under four specific factors as Knowledge and education, Safety attitude and culture, Government support and Nature of informal construction sector. Consequently, it was recommended to implement mandatory rules for both labours and clients, provide awareness and education, conduct site inspections and accident inquiries, empower relevant regulatory bodies to provide guidance and support, labour gatherings in community level to raise their problems, training and evaluation for individual labours and provide safety equipment for reasonable prices as few major approaches to mitigate the identified challenges and foster Occupational Safety and Health in informal construction sector of Sri Lanka.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Essential training needs for injury reduction in water and wastewater projects in Sri Lanka
(2020) Amarananda AG; De Silva N
Water and wastewater projects have been recognized as one of the most vulnerable types of projects and with a reported number of annual injuries due to high involvement of underground / trenching work and crowded and congested sites. Therefore, it is required to maintain proper safety measures in those projects for the reduction of injury. This research is established to investigate the essential training needs that are required to educate on occupational safety and health to reduce injuries of the employees of water and the wastewater projects in Sri Lanka. Five projects located in Colombo North, Colombo East, Colombo West, Colombo South, and Thimbirigasyaya Divisional secretariat area were selected for the research. Random sampling technique was utilized to select 210 respondents from 401 of the total workforce, which is a 52% sample. A questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data. Printed copies of questionnaires were distributed among the respondents. This study is able to identify that first-aid type injuries occur frequently in the water and wastewater projects in Sri Lanka. Minor accidents and injuries take place occasionally. Major accidents and injuries seldom occur. Permanently disabling / fatal type accidents happen extremely rarely in the water and wastewater projects in Sri Lanka. It was identified that the risk levels of trench collapsing accidents and electrocution accidents seemed to be relatively high compared to falling from heights, being hit by falling or flying objects, slipping and tripping, traffic, chemical exposures, fire and such other accidents. Further, it was identified that, there is an extreme training demand for trench protection methods. Twelve number of training needs are proposed as essential training areas for the floor level workers in the water and wastewater projects. Accident preventive actions were categorized as management aspects and employee aspect. Limited time, cost allocations and high number of workforce are the challenging factors of training. Knowledge management strategy can be implemented by forming construction groups to able to share the experience and knowledge with the team as a part of on the job training.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Management commitment to establish safety culture in construction industry
Haleemdeen, A; Gunatilaka, S
The Management commitment to establish safety culture in construction industry. The construction industry is the largest accident prone industry in the world. It is also one of the least safe industry with a high frequency of accidents resulting in financial loses, injuries, disabilities and deaths. Hence, it is clear from the construction industry’s safety records that there is room for improvement through the implementation of the management commitment which is a part of the safety culture. In recent years, many construction companies have recognized this importance of the establishment of good safety culture through better management commitment can help in reducing the construction costs by controlling the safety risks, minimising workplace accidents and increasing the efficiency of enduring project operations in the long term. A better safety culture with the strong management commitment provides significant benefits to the construction industry. The features of management commitment of the safety culture and its applicability have dynamic impact in construction industry. Establishing safety culture through management commitment elements in construction industry faced some barriers due to various reasons. The aim of this research is to investigate the elements of management commitment and its barriers to propose a framework in order to establish the safety culture in construction industry. The safety culture through management commitment which could be implemented in the construction sites were identified through mixed methodology approach. The expert interview was carried out among twelve experts as semi-structured interview and a questionnaire survey was conducted among forty respondents. The outcome of this research has proposed a framework to establish safety culture through management commitment in construction industry. More over the RII was used for data analysis to prioritize the factors and one sample t-test was carried out to identify the significant management commitment elements and its barriers. 27 management commitment elements and 30 barriers were identified through the literature review. Out of these, 21 elements and 18 barriers were identified as significant following the semi-structured interviews and the questionnaire survey and was used in developing the framework. Accordingly this frame work has contributed to fulfill the aim of the research and subsidized to knowledge by adding up a developed guidelines which could be used in establishing safety culture in construction industry.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Occupational safety & health management issues of small & medium scale industries in manufacturing sector
Abeysiriwardena, E; De Silva, END
Occupational Safety & Health Management Issues of Small & Medium scale I’sndustries in Manufacturing Sector Small and medium scale industries(SMI’s) play vital role in economic development of developing countries and also SMI’s are labour intensive capital saving and capable of helping to create a large number of new job opportunities in worldwide as well as in Sri Lanka. However most of SMI’s start with own capability of owners and latter sudden growth occurred. Small investors can perform small industries in an remote geographical locations. Tthe employees of SMI’s are lagging behind in providing OSH to workers. It may include manual material handling, lack of training, chemical handling and poor infrastructure facility etc. In the recent past, past traditional manufacturing process transformed and get in to use wide variety machines for the purpose of cutting, drilling, grinding and mixing etc., without considering OSH. Hence SMI’s need to enhance OSH in management skills, finance, technology, commitment and understanding of loses due to injury and illness. Hence comprehensive literary serve had been done to find existing knowledge and possible strategies to enhance OSH bi other industries as well as Sri Lanka. This studresearch was under taken to define appropriate frame work to implement OSH practices improving OSH in SMI’s. The sample was selected considering different type of manufacturing industries to get better sample. Data collection of this research involves three phases such as pilot survey, main survey and expert interview. The pilot survey was conducted to validate the questionnaire developed based on literature findings for main survey. To collect data from SMI’s a structured questionnaire was used among hundred and twenty employees who belongs to managers and other categories from the manufacturing sector SMI’s. Relative important index (RII) was adopted to rank the critical affected OSH barriers (RII ≥ 4) for expert interview. For expert surveyinterviews mixed methods werewere used such as questionnaire surveyconducted to explore strategies??/ to overcome critical OSH barriers. Cand content analysis to collect data base on significant on questionnaire serve was used to establish strategies?? to address the current issue of SMI’s. Based on the questionnaire servesurvey identified the level of OSH practices. Iit is identified that the use of management practices are poor in SMIs such asin availability and practice of safety policy, awareness & applicability of legal requirement. Similar poor situation was observed for use of safety system such as use of sign board, alarm system, machine guard, level of light & ventilation. Safety practices are also poor such as use of PPE, work permit, accident reporting & general register. Further it is identified barriers for OSH implementation and critically affected factors such as insufficient risk assessment & OSH audits, insufficient toolbox meeting, lack of safety training, lack of safety technology. Finally it has been identified strategies through experts to improve OSH practices and overcome management issues of SMI’s such as establish regional safety centers to provide technological support, training, conduct safety promotional activities including risk assessment and OSH audit, As a second strategy Strengthen OSH legal frame work (Factory ordinance) by legalizing OSH management system, training and monitoring mechanism. As a third strategy expanding OSH educational system by introducing OSH as a compulsory subject for schools and other educational institutions and compulsory for employers and employees. As a fourth strategy national policy to get owners and managers commitment for OSH by introducing financial supportive projects such as low interest loan, tax concession for OSH projects. Compliance certification for OSH when market the product.Small scale & medium scale industries (SMIs) generally play vital role in economics growth and equitable development in growing economies. (SMIs are capable of generating new job opportunities). Small investors can perform small industries at different levels and remote geographical locations. That may be unattractive to big industries or too costly for the big industries low overheads enables small industries to work at more competitive prices. The structure of SMIs has a significant difference than in large scale industries. Therefore the implementation OSH in SMIs requires a different scale. In practical situations level of OSH required may not necessary to grow as similar in large industry due to lack of skills of owners and managers. Therefore SMIs need to consider OSH on their own terms. The analysis are indicated that poor financing, inadequate social infrastructures, lack of managerial skills and multiple taxation are major issues confronting SMIs This study focus to identify the characteristic of SMIs and OSH implementation issues in SMIs. It is important to note that there are issues for good OSH practices. Those influence are studied and propose the recommendations to enhance the OSH in SMIs and also select the more appropriate definition to discuss OSH in SMIs.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Analysis of accidents in shift work in container terminals in Sri Lanka
(2019) Dodangoda HP; Gunatilake S
Being one of the most competitive industries in globally, the port industry requires high efficiency rate at all levels of operation. In such circumstances, container terminals play a leading role. The competition among container terminals demands a high productivity and mainly it is achieved by increasing the efficiency of labor force. As a result, shift work has been functioning in container terminals at all levels of operation. However, it has been founded that shift work has a negative impact on health and safety of employees. It affects the accident frequency in work places. Therefore this study focuses on finding the impact of shift work on accidents in container terminals in Sri Lanka. At first, a comprehensive literature review was carried out to investigate the knowledge on the research area. Consequently, occupational health and safety management at work places, container terminal operation, prevailing hazards in terminals, shift work and effects of shift work for the accident frequency in different work places were reviewed. A mixed approach was adopted to capture quantitative and qualitative data for this study. Therefore, quantitative data was collected from AIR (Accident Investigation Report) data base of ABC container terminal for a period of five years from 2012 to 2016 and expert interview survey was carried out in order to capture the qualitative data. Finally, the quantitative data was analyzed using statistical techniques while qualitative data was analyzed via logical reasoning to identify relationships between accidents, activities relevant to accidents, impacts, severity, causes of accidents and work groups and further to investigate the relationship between shift work and accident frequency. Research findings asserted that, there is an effect of shift work on accidents in container terminals. But it was unable to quantify the effect using available data. However, there is a potential to do a further study on workers, who have been identified to be responsible for high accident frequency.
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Behavior based approach for enhancing safety in printing industry : case study approach
(2019) Rathnayake RM; de Silva N
In Sri Lanka today, the requirement of printing industry grows upward in speedily since they are contributing to provide a range of products to the market both local and export such as papers, books, security printed papers, cartoons, garment tags, labels etc. However it needs to be pointed out the reporting of industrial accidents also are increasing year by year. It is same to the printing industry. As per the experts’ view 90 % of accidents occur due to human errors. Unsafe human activities are leading to cause server accidents in the printing industry and directly impact to their production. Workplace accidents are the result of employees’ negligence or employees’ lack of care. Employees together with employers have a vital responsibility to prevent industrial accidents and injuries. It should be provide significant weight to occupational safety and health, improve human behaviour in order to mitigate accidents by preventive measures, and ensure that employees have the required information, training, and supervision to carry out their jobs safely. The aiming is this study to use Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) approaches to prevent workplace accidents in the printing industry. A case study was performed with selected two large scale annual production printing plants located in the Biyagama Export processing Zone. Based on the prepared questioners semi structured interviews and expert survey were conducted with reviewing accident analysis reports to gather information and data validation. The results pointed out the factors affecting to unsafe behaviours of employees. According to the workers judgments and root cause review of accident analysing reports, factors such as lack of safety related trainings, lack of worker involvement for safety, lack of management commitment to improve safety culture, inefficient communication system are directly link to improve worker unsafe behaviours and report accidents. Experts validated that approaches of each behavioural factors to reduce accidents in printing industry. The final outcome of this study is helping to improve employee moral towards safety and reduce accidents while improving productivity.
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Investigation of ergonomics risks related factors affected to re bar workers in construction sites
(2019) Kosgahakumbura, NM; Gunatilake, S
Effects of Ergonomics Risks Related Factors to Reinforce Workers in Construction Sites When thinking about Sri Lankan workers, professionals in OHSE, other involving parties are not interested in Ergonomics due to various reasons such as non-availability of data, ergonomics risk are not available in short term, workers do not think that they will face such illness as muscular skeletal disorders in their work life, consideration on manufacturing industries who have foreign base in Sri Lankans and apparel trade have followed ergonomics to some extent. In construction industry no strong evidence have been found and it is necessary to propose a framework to enhance health and safety conditions in construction industry in Sri Lanka. This study is aiming to identify the Ergonomics risk factors faced by reinforcement workers in construction industry. The descriptive study was carried out through a preliminary survey, questionnaire survey and case study of selected workers. Data was analyse by using Percentage on work patterns, frequencies, averages of selected criteria and risk factor assessment tools. Mean and Mode also adapted to the analysis. Almost eighteen criteria were selected for analyses the collected data along with the posture analyses modal. As per the analysis tools posture scores are under very high & high levels, As per the other criteria’s work patterns was not in satisfactory levels according social criteria. On recommendations, In general labor handing on reinforcement work has to do in more organized manner to overcome ergonomics complications at construction sites.
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Effective control of hazards related to steam boilers used in manufacturing industries in Sri Lanka
(2019) Lakmali MHI; De Silva L
Effective control of hazards related to steam boilers used in manufacturing industries in Sri Lanka Steam Boiler (SB) is the major equipment use in a steam system. It is a pressurized vessel in which heating of water take places and generates steam. It is operated under high heat and high pressure. Therefore, it is considered as dangerous equipment. Many incidents have been reported around the world. This study is focused to control Steam Boiler related hazards found in manufacturing industries in Sri Lanka, by revealing measures to enhance Steam Boiler manufacturing and operation. A literature survey, a detailed questionnaire survey, and expert interviews were used to collect data. The pilot survey was conducted to make necessary adjustments and validate the questionnaires. Hundred and twenty manufacturing industries were selected as sample. This study sample was selected among the manufacturing industries registered in the Industrial Safety Division of Department of Labour. This was included sixty factories with Steam Boiler related incidents. Steam Boiler related incidents were not reported in other sixty factories. Questionnaire was given to all selected factories and results were analysed using Graphical and Relative Important Index method (RII). Graphical method was used to evaluate the available work practises and RII method was used to identify critical causes of those incidents. Expert interviews were conducted to find expert opinions regarding Steam Boiler operation procedure and manufacturing procedure. Steam Boiler related hazards are classified as Accidental, Physical, Biological, Chemical, Ergonomic and Psychosocial factors. Only accident type hazards, such as structural explosions, steam leakages fuel leakages were reported in Sri Lanka. The highest number of hazardous incidents was reported in rice mills. Both unsafe actions and unsafe conditions had caused to those incidents. Hazards incidents were not reported in factories with good work practises. Finally, expert suggestions and study results were used to propose strategies to enhance standard of Steam Boiler operation procedure and manufacturing procedure.
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An Analysis of occupational safety and health hazards in the hot end section of container glass manufacturing industry
(2019) Kumara RDKS; Seneviratne I
The uncontrolled occupational health and safety hazards are hidden issue all over the world. Many people die and sacrifice their lives in short terms and long terms as a result of these uncontrolled and unidentified hazards existing in the working environment. The health care sector of countries have to spent billions of money for medical treatments for the occupations illnesses, in the developing countries. In addition, the contribution of victimized people to the economic development process of a country get limited in various ways and their personal lives get disturbed. Accidents caused in industries making partially disabled, fully disabled people, who are considered as dependents in the society making minimum contribution to the economy. The glass industry is known as an industry with high concerns of occupational health and safety conditions and with less studies in finding the long lasting solutions and remedies in remedying the hazardous conditions. In this study, preliminary the Sri Lankan glass manufacturing sector was considered and data collection done. Preliminary in data collection the structured questionnaire was used validated with a questionnaire pilot study with industry experts. In this study, the hot end section was selected in carrying the survey and out of 35 employees; the 32 employees were selected according to the small survey-sampling plan. The demographic data, health and safety hazards according to the criticality, company background of OSH and critical causes for the OSH hazards were collected with interview of employees by the researcher by face-to-face interview. All collected data tabulated and analysed through the excel and RII (Relative Importance Index) was calculated in facilitating the ranking the hazards and the cause. In most of the cases, the hazardous condition had been controlled with PPE applications and engineering controls where as the eliminating and substitution is a challenging initiatives in the glass manufacturing environment. Against the preventive initiatives the controlling of the hazards and exposures are quite unsatisfactory as during the case study the results showed are alarming. This study conducted by emphasizing to develop a better OSH environment in Sri Lankan glass industry.
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Development of a model to minimize dust explosion impacts in pharmaceutical industry
(2019) Buddika PS; Sandanayake Y
DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL TO MINIMIZE DUST EXPLOSION IMPACTS IN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY Dust explosion is a major industrial disaster which result catastrophic outcomes if not controlled with necessary enforcements. Various industries which handled powdered materials are associated with dust explosion risk. Food, Tobacco, Plastics, Wood, Paper and pulp, Rubber, Pesticides, and Pharmaceutical are some of the industries associated with dust explosion risk. All the powder types does not responsible for dust explosions though particle size, dimension of particles, moisture content, upper and lower ignition limits, powder resistivity and charge relaxation time of combustible powders has a direct correlation with dust explosions. Dust explosions, initiated with the formation of dust explosion pentagon, which comprises with Combustible dust, Oxidant, Ignition source, Dust cloud and Confinement of dust. However, the comprehensive literature review reveals that there is lack of studies on dust explosion scenarios, it’s impacts, in-depth investigations in to causes and strategies to minimize the impacts of dust explosions in pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, the aim of this research is to develop a model to minimize the dust explosions and its subsequent impacts in pharmaceutical industry. The research objectives were achieved through mixed research approach by using semi structured interviews with experts in pharmaceutical industry and through the direct observations made during the site visit of pharmaceutical plant visits. The data collected during the structured interviews and site visits were collated in to tabulated and graphical mode to create a comparative analysis of three pharmaceutical manufacturing plants belongs to same mother company in three different countries. The findings of the research revealed the risk profiles of three pharmaceutical plants were differentiated with the combustible nature of the powdered raw materials used for each products in plant, quantity of those materials stored at plant and the risk associated with each activity or unit operation. Combustible nature depends on the minimum ignition energy of the material, and quantity of materials stored at plant depends on the batch size, chemical quantity of that particular chemical used for a batch. Finally the risk related to activity depends on the frequency of operation, no of peoples involve for the activity and the nature of the activity and the powder type. Causes of dust explosions were analysed using the investigations done for dust explosion incidents happened at three pharmaceutical manufacturing plants. Causes identified were categorized in to three causes types immediate, underline and root causes. The root causes which need to be eliminated to prevent the dust explosions were identified as inadequate risk assessments, inadequate housekeeping inadequate training and deficiencies in change management. Failure to eliminate these root causes will effect health and safety, environmental and business impacts which could directly affect to the continuation of business. Impacts of dust explosions in pharmaceutical industries can be controlled through disaster cycle approach which includes prevention, preparedness, response and recovery strategies. A single model which discuss the causes and impacts of dust explosions and the strategies to minimize the impacts of dust explosion using disaster cycle was developed to be used in pharmaceutical industries.
item: Thesis-Full-text
A Comparison study of occupational health and safety practices among permanent and outsourced contract employees in construction sites
(2019) Chandrasiri RDS; Jayawickrama T
The accidents frequency in construction field is relatively high in Sri Lankan .construction industry is one of the significant sectors that need an effective and fast site safety practices. The most suffered category is outsourced labours in labour market as the permanent workers in this field are protected by law and their employers provide reasonable protection to them. Accidents are happened mainly unsafe condition and unsafe behaviors of the workers. In most occasions accident happened not only one reason but combination of other factors too. To increase the safety of he construction field real root causes must be identified. At the beginning reviewed past literature relevant o this issue . Then reported accidents and other information from twelve construction sites around the country were collected and investigated to find causes of accidents. Questionnaire forms and interviews were carried out to collect information both outsource contractors and permanent workers. Separate questionnaire form was prepared for the supervisors working in the construction industry. The results of this study says that accidents are the causes of many hidden factors. They are unsafe method, unsafe human behaviors, unsafe or inferior quality equipment, bad site conditions, poor Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) knowledge, ineffective supervision, poor safety culture. The causes of accidents in Sri Lanka were also very similar while reviewing past literature of the world. Finally it was revealed that main causes to accidents in construction industry are the workers’ risk taking behaviors , unable to follow safe work procedures, working at elevated area without proper precautions, unsafe electricity equipment and use them unsafely etc. In addition, work without proper training not using suitable and sufficient safety gear are other causes. The purpose of this study to take immediate actions by relevant managers in such industries in Sri Lanka to get rid of those issues to make their work sites safe and increases the productivity