5Es for Accident Prevention

Engineering:

Project stage is the apt time for planning safety. While management has the obligation to make the work environment safer by using all available latest techniques ,govt. agencies should exercise more control in the project stage itself. Also updated technology should be given preference over the updated one even it these are costlier . In granting industrial license ,special emphasis should be given to safety and antipollution measures. Highest level of safety could be achieved through engineering control only.

Education

Accident studies states that over 98% of accidents are due to human failure. If adequate steps are taken to overcome human failure by proper education, then accident prevention will be a reality. The most important steps of education for safety consist of job training ,dissemination of knowledge of hazards and their controls, procedures for repair /maintenance work etc. work permit system ,fire prevention , control and fire fighting equipments, use of Personal protective equipment, first aid measures.

Enforcement

When employees fail to observe safe practices which they have been taught through the educational part of their training programme ,it becomes necessary to prevent the spread of unsafe practices. Enforcing safety discipline to one and all is vital for the healthy growth of the nation . Safety enforcement can be done in industry by including safety codes in standing orders. Anything enforcement is resisted at the outset. Let the workers frame rules and the managers follow. Finally govt. has to enforce the stand.

Enthusiasm

As human failures account for almost all accidents, it is possible to eliminate by suitable corrective methods. Hear say reports that production from industrial workers was 8% higher when they are happy, Maintaining the morale of workers is the prime duty of the management . All kinds of motivational techniques like individual safety awards ,departmental safety contest, safety slogan ,essay contest ,spot the hazard contest etc. goes a long way to motivate the people. A safety suggestion programme to identify hazardous location is worth complementing. Most important of all the participation of workers in all the deliberations of safety. Govt. can appreciate good safety record by issuing medals, trophies and certificates.

Evaluation

Continuous evaluation of programmes , procedures and performance is a must for improvement in safety. Safety committee can work in this line. Job safety analysis and statistics also help in this direction. Quality of Personal protective equipment is also evaluated.
The above five Es are the cardinal principles in accident prevention.