We spoke to Datta Prasad Potapragada, Head Operations & Industrial Safety Trainer & Auditor, 4s Techno Systems & Member, National Safety Council to understand the key challenges related to implementing electrical safety regulations within a large organization, pre-requisites for safety managers before they conduct a workplace safety audit, key points to be conveyed to employees as part of an occupational safety communication program and steps required to address non-compliance among employees.

Interviewed by Adeesh Sharma

What are the key challenges related to implementing electrical safety regulations within a large organisation? 

The key challenges faced by safety managers are: Lack of Hazard Awareness; lack of Maintenance and Repairs; Energy isolation regulations; lack of safety precautions for unqualified workers; lack of sufficient infrastructure and funds; and overall lack of awareness regarding rules and regulations.

What are the pre-requisites for safety managers before they conduct a workplace safety audit for electrical hazards elimination?

The safety managers should ensure the following:

1) Scope of the Audit coverage

2) Adequate Regulations to be covered during audit

3) Check list preparation to cover all the required elements

4) Previous Near miss/Accidents History and Root causes, CAPA implementation

5) Have a co-auditor with sufficient knowledge regarding on site operations

What are some of the key points that you would like to convey to employees as part of an Occupational Safety Communication Program?

I would like to sensitise employees regarding:

1) Hazard Recognition, Evaluation, and Control

2) Workplace Design and Engineering 

3) Safety Performance Management

4) Regulatory Compliance Management

5) Emergency preparedness and response.

How would you address non-compliance to safety norms among employees? 

We would like to alleviate non-compliance through the following measures:

1) Effective training regarding safety rules and regulations and consequences of violations 

2) Create and enforce clear policies on regulations and make them understandable and accessible to employees

3) Engage employees on implementation of policies towards safety regulations