Too often, accidents are attributed to people’s actions. When it’s the conditions of the work space that should be under the scanner. A study of the workplace by our team at the Bhatapara plant, revealed that the assumption of safety was the real danger.

Rather than check just once before commencement, it was decided that a senior member would examine the work space every day, before providing the Permit to Work (PTW). And the criteria extended to 9 Key Performance Indicators that had to be fully satisfied.

They were wide-ranging, from the lock system to the personal protective equipment. This detailed and daily check showed instant results. They visibly reduced unsafe acts and conditions on the shop floor. It also helped collaboration and trust between teams, line managers and workmen. And the end result was not just a safer workplace but also a more productive one. The plant’s success also made it easy to replicate it across all operations. Proving that the best way to keep a check on accidents, was to check on them ahead of time.