Occupational Safety and Health Management in Drainage Services

Another fatal industrial accident occurred in the manhole cleaning works at Yuen Wo Road Playground, Shatin, Hong Kong, resulting in two deaths and two injuries. We are saddened by the loss of life!

According to reports, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) has taken steps to require the principal contractor and sub-contractor involved to stop the work and conduct safety inspections, and has suspended all sewer cleaning works, totaling 25 items, until site safety is ensured. This initiative reflects the importance that government departments attach to industrial safety and the need for occupational safety and health management. The Development Bureau has suspended the contractor involved from tendering in the roads and drains category of public works and requested an independent safety audit. In addition, the Labour Department has initiated an investigation and issued a Stop Work Notice to ensure that drainage works in and around manholes are suspended.

Safety has become a factor that cannot be ignored when it comes to contracting. Ensuring the safety and well-being of employees is an important issue that should be of great concern to every organization. According to occupational safety and health professionals, theoretically, the staff concerned should not be allowed to work until they have attended a professional training course. Therefore, accident prevention through training alone is not enough.

Reducing the occurrence of such accidents requires systematic OSH management. Companies can consider implementing an occupational health and safety (OHS) management system based on the international standard ISO 45001:2018 to establish a safety management system with efficient risk management and continuous improvement mechanisms to ensure the safety and health of employees.

Strengthening Occupational Health Steps to enhance OHS management

Risk assessment and mitigation: Drainage services companies should conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards on the site. It is critical that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate these risks, such as providing personal protective equipment, enforcing safety protocols and ensuring proper training.

Training and education: A comprehensive training program should be provided for workers and supervisors. This includes raising awareness of safety protocols, emergency procedures and the importance of complying with OHS regulations. Training should be ongoing to keep workers up-to-date on the latest safety practices and procedures.

Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Establish a system to continuously monitor OHS performance. Periodic inspections should be conducted to identify potential hazards or non-compliance issues. If any deficiencies are identified, corrective action should be taken immediately to improve safety practices.

Worker participation: Workers are encouraged to actively participate and provide feedback. Workers play a vital role in identifying potential safety issues and suggesting improvements. Allowing workers to voice their concerns and ideas can help create a safer work environment.

ISO 45001 A key tool for strengthening OHS management

ISO 45001 certification can play an important role in strengthening OHS management in the drainage industry. It provides a framework for establishing an effective OHS management system, helping organizations to identify and address potential hazards, improve safety practices and ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

Enhanced Hazard Identification and Risk Management: ISO 45001 provides a structured framework for drainage companies to identify potential hazards, assess risks and implement effective safety measures. By adopting this standard, companies can proactively address safety issues and reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries and occupational diseases.

Streamline safety processes: ISO 45001 promotes the establishment of clear policies, procedures and protocols for managing occupational health and safety. Drainage companies can align their safety processes with the requirements of ISO 45001 to ensure consistency and efficiency in safety practices across drainage projects. This streamlining improves the effectiveness of safety planning and risk management strategies.

Increased employee involvement: ISO 45001 emphasizes the importance of involving employees in OHS management. In the drainage industry, workers are exposed to a variety of safety risks, and involving employees in safety-related decision-making processes can significantly improve safety outcomes. Implementing ISO 45001 fosters a culture of employee involvement, consultation and participation, empowering workers to contribute to the development and improvement of safety measures.

Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements: The drainage industry is subject to numerous occupational health and safety regulations and legal obligations, and ISO 45001 provides a framework for proactively fulfilling legal obligations and helps drainage companies ensure compliance with these requirements. By aligning their OHS management systems with ISO 45001, companies can reduce the risk of non-compliance and maintain a safe working environment for their employees.

It is therefore important for both government departments and companies to place a high priority on OHS management and to take proactive steps to ensure the safety and health of their employees and to create a good working environment for them.