Safety Measures In Pakistan Construction Industry Construction Essay

Safety Measures In Pakistan Construction Industry Construction Essay Safety in the construction industry has always been a major issue. Wherever reliable records are available, construction is found to be one of the most dangerous on safety and health criteria, particularly in developing countries. Though much improvement in construction safety has been achieved, the industry still continues to lag behind most other industries with regard to safety. Pakistan is a developing country and currently enjoys a relatively strong growth in construction work. Unfortunately, Pakistans construction industry suffers from poor safety and health conditions. The framework of the existing occupational and health conditions is fragmented and inadequately enforced, making construction sites more hazardous. It may even be argued that relevant regulations are outdated and irrelevant in day-to-day construction operations. Like many developing countries of the world, Pakistan at present does not have comprehensive occupational health and safety laws. The number of injuries and illnesses is probably very high in Pakistan because thousands of workers are routinely exposed to hazardous work in construction industry. However, there is no reliable data on occupational safety and health injuries and illnesses because a majority of accidents are not reported to the regulatory agencies. The regulatory agencies neither have an effective enforcement policy nor strict requirements for reporting injuries and illness at work places. Another reason of such indents is the careless behaviour of workers towards safety measures and rules. This study focus on national culture and safety climate in the construction industry in Pakistan. More specifically, it investigates the safety perceptions, attitudes, and behaviour of Pakistani construction workers and management safety practices. It will present the practical results of a number of questionnaire surveys administrate in Pakistan targeting construction workers, and managers with safety management responsibilities. Due to a relatively new awareness of construction safety in Pakistan, the construction industry lacks infrastructure for proper construction safety standards and plans. This study provide the way to improve management system to reduce injuries at construction site and some useful insights into the main players of the Pakistani construction industry for a greater understanding of: (1) risk perceptions, attitudes and safe/unsafe work behaviour of construction workers; (2) managers safety practices and their preferences; and (3) the extent to which workers attitudes and perceptions and their behaviour are associated with their national culture. This data not only adds to the understanding of the implications of Pakistani cultural values on the construction organization, but also provides new knowledge for construction managers who will be better able to understand the culture within which they operate and improve outcomes. The results of this research will be of use to a cross-sectional range of workers and managers Why are you interested in the project? Safety of a workforce employed in the construction industry has always been a matter of concern for employers and labour organizations in developing countries. Previous research has shown that improving the accuracy in the recording of incidents (or accidents) is one way in which the safety management system could be improved. Without a robust safety management system it is impossible to provide a safe working environment for employees. In order to improve health and safety systems, developing countries should look at systems in place in developed countries. In these countries the situation is quite the opposite, and therefore they can be used as a guide as to what can be achieved in the health and safety area of the construction industry in developing countries. Though a lot of preventive measures have been implemented and enforced to ensure the safety of labourers in the developing countries, there is still much more that needs to be done in this area to reduce the chances of any unfortunate situations arising. Astonishingly, in certain parts of developing countries like Pakistan, safety rules within construction companies usually do not exist; and if they do in a rough form. Most companies do not even follow rules considered basic in developed countries, for example appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and adequate signage. For this research, appropriate methods for data collection would surely be: questionnaire surveys and interviews. The questionnaire will have both qualitative and quantitative items for this research and it includes open-ended and close-ended questions. The open-ended questions will be providing with a view to obtain as much as information possible about site safety conditions and plans. This questionnaire also has several quantitative measures (Keys) built into it. These quantitative measures (Keys) will provide to facilitate the intention to translate the qualitative impressions gathered after each interview into some measurable rating scales. In addition, each management staff was asked for their personal and professional information background (i.e. age, job title, experience in construction and safety training received). Finally management was asked to provide personal suggestions for improvements to the safety systems at the site. And finally the data which will collect from the questionnaire surveys and interviews will analyse and the analytical analysis will undertake. For secondary data there has been increasing interest in trying to understand how management practices and organizational factors impact on workplace, workers and their safety. Some research papers have focused on workplace managers as role models for instilling safety awareness and supporting safe behaviour also I will use internet search for this research. The construction industry plays a vital role in the social and economic development of all countries. The importance and role of the construction industry in the economy of any country has been confirmed by several studies, including Coble and Haupt (1999). However, when compared with other (labour intensive) industries, the construction industry has historically experienced a disproportionately high rate of disabling injuries and fatalities for its size (Hinze, 1997). Kartam and Bouz (1998) identified the advancement in social sciences as having promoted a greater awareness of the purity of life and the unacceptability of premature death due to work-related accidents. Past researches has shown that the high number of construction site accidents is a universal problem of much concern. Though notable improvements in construction worker safety at sites have been achieved, the industry continues to lag behind most other industries with regard to safety (National Safety Council, 1999). According to Davies and Tomasin (1996), there are a number of reasons why accident records within the construction industry compare poorly with those of the manufacturing industry. In factories, there is normally a controlled working environment, with little change in the working procedures and equipment over long periods; additionally, the labour force usually remains fairly constant. Thus once identified, hazards can be remedied with relative ease, and the danger mitigated. However the case is quite different in the construction industry as the working environment is constantly changing. The construction industry is a mixture of different organisations, which directly and indirectly influence the construction process. These organisations include property developers, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, accountants, lawyers, civil engineering contractors, engineering contractors, management contractors, labourers, subcontractors and specialist trades. The same complexity can be found with construction workplaces. Within the workplace Construction processes involve hazardous activities, such as working at height, manual handling, exposure to hazardous materials, demolition, frame erection, lifting operations, scaffolding and ground works, bulk materials and heavy equipment handling, as well as the varying jobsite personnel and the regularly changing worksites. A further characteristic of the industry, that makes management of this sector more troublesome, is the unfavourably high supervisor-worker ratio. Supervisors who have more a personal and positive relations hip with workers have more favourable safety performance records (Hinze, 1997; Levitt Samelson, 1993). This relationship is harder to develop if the ratio is too high, which is generally the case within the construction industry (Smallwood, 2000). Rowlinson and Lingard (1996) have attributed the prototype nature of construction projects, the transient nature of work, low education levels of the workforce and high levels of subcontracting, as major contributing factors to poor safety records within the construction industry worldwide. There is a wide variation in economic structures, occupational structures, working conditions, work environment, and the health status of workers in different regions of the world, in different countries and in different sectors of the economy. Therefore the mechanisation of the construction industry is not uniform throughout the world. However, as stated earlier, the construction industry plays a vital role in boosting the economy of any country, especially a developing country. It provides the infrastructure required for other sectors of the economy to flourish. Many studies, such as Coble and Haupt (1999) have shown that construction industry reflects the level of economic development within the country. The construction sector everywhere faces problems and challenges. However, in developing countries, these difficulties and challenges are present alongside a general level of socio-economic stress and a lower productivity rate when compared to developed countries (Ofori, 2000). Ne vertheless it is generally believed that the industry is a good source of employment at various levels of skills, from a general labour to semi-skilled, skilled and specialist workforce. Other major areas that impacts on this sector are lack of research and development, lack of trade and safety training, client dissatisfaction, and the continuously increasing construction costs (all of which result in less profitability). A lot of analyst found that, in most developing countries, for example like India, there are: no training programs for staff and workers therefore, no orientation for new staff or workers is conducted, hazards are not pointed out and no safety meetings are held. Employees are expected to learn from their own mistakes and experience. It is widely accepted that unsafe behaviour is intrinsically linked to workplace accidents. A positive correlation exists between workers safe behaviour and the safety climate within construction site environments. Construction workers attitudes towards safety are influenced by their perceptions of risk, management, safety rules and procedures. A variety of studies, including Niskanen (1994), Glendon and Litherland (2001) and Mohamed (2002) have investigated the construction safety climate within developed countries. In the majority of these studies, researchers have either developed a new model or replicated an already tested model with a view to improving its adequacy. However, there is a lack of research in this area in the context of developing countries. Pakistan is a developing country that is currently enjoying relatively strong growth in construction activities. Unfortunately, the enforcement of safety regulations is not widespread within Pakistan. Some may even argue that the framework of existing occupational and health conditions of Pakistans construction industry is fragmented and inadequately enforced. Likewise in any industry, good health and safety conditions form good and safe business practice. Therefore, it is believed the integration of safety and health measures into a total management system, within the construction sector in Pakistan, could contribute significantly to the cost efficiency, quality assurance and environmental protection of the company and its employees. Cultural differences have a significant impact upon industrial safety culture and help in understanding the different approaches to accident prevention and safety management. Knowledge of cultural differences cannot be acquired without first understanding what culture is. Although culture is used widely to describe variations among people from different nations or of different ethnicities, there is no single, accepted definition. There is, however, a commonly-used set of characteristics that helps to identify culture: 1) culture includes systems of values 2) Culture is learned, not innate 3) culture distinguishes one group from another and 4) culture influences beliefs, attitudes, perceptions and behaviour in a somewhat uniform and predictable way (Bird, 2003). As safety climate is often portrayed as a temporal measure of culture (Cheyne et al., 1998) this last characteristic of culture is most important, as it relates the national culture to the safety climate. Safety climate also refers to the shared perceptions, beliefs, attitudes and behaviour of the worker, regarding safety in their workplace. Ngowi and Mothibi (1996), in a study of 30 construction sites in Botswana, found cultural differences were a major reason for viewing safety procedures differently. Site managers in that study stated that the safety gear provided to employees from impoverished backgrounds were often sold. The managers also referred to the cultural habits of drinking alcohol or taking herbal drugs. They identified a tendency for workers to travel to work in smart clothes and to leave the construction site to spend their money as soon as they received their wages. Experience with traditional construction techniques, such as the use of mud mixed by hand, proved to be obstacles in getting workers to appreciate the need to wear gloves when working with concrete. Further, some local cultures were considered more emotional or more dominant, thus causing certain difficulties with effective safety management. The literature review revealed a lack of research work undertaken on the influence (direct or indirect) of national culture on local safety conditions in the construction industry. This deficiency is a major contributor to the development of this current research rationale which focuses on workers and management characteristics, and how these characteristics in turn, can influence the safety climate of the workplace.

Main Essay

The Daily Mail quotes, â€Å"Protein drinks ‘are no help for athletes and aren't better than a balanced diet',† with The Independent also reporting that there is â€Å"no benefit from sports drinks†. However, does this affect the Protein sports drinks' market? Clear Barrett writes In an article on The Financial Times saying that Omnipotent. Com, Rupee's leading online sports nutrition retailer is forecast to generating earnings of EOM on annual turnover of MEME in the year 2011 from the sale of sports protein drinks and supplements, favored by bodybuilders and sports enthusiasts.Its sales are expected to reach EMMA this year. (Remuneration 2009) found that â€Å"Globally, the U. S is the largest market for sports nutrition supplements and represents 63% of the value. Mexico Is the second largest market with US $192 million In retail sales, followed closely by the united Kingdom with US SSL 72 million. Japan has a market size of US $87 million, while China and Ind ia have negligible sports nutrition retail sales. However, Authenticity and efficacy remain big challenges for the sports nutrition market. Remuneration, 2008) stated that â€Å"the global market for ports nutrition supplements was valued at US $4. 2 billion. The market experienced strong growth until 2008, then growth gradually declined due to a lack of consumer confidence In spending on discretionary products, as a result of the global recession. † Furthermore, recent research have Indicated that protein supplements are bad for your health and can be life threatening. The British Dietetic Association (BAD) says â€Å"high levels of additional protein can cause side-effects, which can include nausea as well as kidney and liver damage. The BAD argues there is now evidence to show excess levels of additional protein taken over a long time can cause health problems. Jane Griffin speaking for the BAD concluded, â€Å"People who have these high protein diets are now running Int o problems with their kidneys because of the amount of protein they must get rid of. † The information provided indicates that there was a decrease in demand in the market for sports protein drinks and can be conveyed in a supply and demand diagram. The first figure (1) is a rundown where value is determined by the market.The supply curve of a certain product as well as the demand curve of the same product is shown on the same axes. David King quotes â€Å"This Is where there Is no excess demand or excess supply, so that the quantity To summaries; â€Å"A demand curve shows the quantity that would be demanded at each price or wage, and a supply curve shows the quantity that would be supplied eat each price or wage. The price or wage will settle at its equilibrium level, which is the level at which the two curves intersect. † Figure (2) shows a shift in demand (to the left) for sports protein drinks.Because of the recession, globally protein drinks will be set at a pric e too high, even though the price does not change. Therefore, protein nutrition drinks will become less attractive for consumers, consequently forcing consumers to purchase less as the price is too high. A shift in the demand curve implies that the original demand curve has changed, meaning that the quantity demanded is affected by a factor other than price, in this case the global recession and awareness that protein drinks actually affect health and may be life threatening.To conclude, protein sports drink manufacturers would be forced to supply less for the same price. King quotes, â€Å"if demand decreases, buyers will demand a smaller annuity at each possible price. So the demand curve shifts left, and the equilibrium price or wage, quantity and expenditure all fall. † Price* Quantity* Price Quantity However, historically, the users of protein nutrition products have been limited to bodybuilders and athletes, but this has now expanded to include recreational users and li festyle users (Denominator 2006).Research in 2012 suggest that more teenagers are using muscle enhancing products, such as protein supplements, according to a study published in Pediatrics, a Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. A CNN article by (Trash Henry) quotes, â€Å"Researchers found the number of teens reporting muscle enhancing behavior to be substantially higher than in previous years. Boys were more likely to report these behaviors, which included supplement use and consumption of protein shakes†, while Dry.Maria Ginsberg, the lead study author said â€Å"These behaviors are a little more common among young Dry. Nicholas Fletcher, an assistant professor of orthopedic declares that, â€Å"As their idols have increased in size they are continually pushed to get stronger, bigger and faster†¦ There is that trickle-down effect. From this, we can assume that the market for Protein sports drinks is indeed rising, due to teenagers working towards increasin g their body mass and overall strength and striving to follow in the footsteps of their inspirational leaders.A BBC article done by Newsiest reporter (Kelsey) stated that Remuneration, whom researchers the market size of products, estimates that the sport supplement industry grew 15% last year. It estimated that one in five people who go to the gym more than twice a week use supplements that can come in the form of powders and bars. The information provided can assume that there is a cent increase in demand for sports protein drinks. Figure (3) below indicates that the quantity demanded for protein sports drink increased even though the price remained the same.A shift to the right for the demand curve depicts the quantity of demand for protein drinks rising. Again, a shift in the demand curve indicates that the original demand relationship has changed; meaning that quantity demand for protein sports drink is affected by something other than price. In this instance, demand for protei n was increased because of protein nutrition products expanding ND targeted not only athletes and bodybuilders, but also children and regular gym attendees. David King quotes, â€Å"If demand increases, buyers will demand a higher quantity at each possible price.So the demand curve shifts right, and the equilibrium price or wage, quantity and expenditure all rise. † To conclude, protein drinks will always be in demand as these products are used not only for sports use, but also widely used between regular gym attendees and children. However, the recent VAT increase implemented on sports nutrition drinks which has taken effect on the 1st October 2012 may cause the demand to slightly crease. References: King, D. (2012) Economics. POP Oxford Remuneration International. Lully 2009).

A&P by John Updike Essay

The story A&P by John Updike is quite well-written. Despite the fact that the story itself does not have too much content, the author is able to keep the reader interested till the very last line. It’s a simple story and the main theme is the rejection of societal norms and restrictions. Sammy who works in the A&P store represents a teenager who takes an on-the-spot decision to stand up to his boss, disagree with his actions and move on with his life. This occurs when three girls in very skimpy clothes visit the store to buy snacks. Their skimpy attire offends the store manager Mr. Langley and he makes it a point to inform the girls that they should be dressed more appropriately next time they enter his store. â€Å"He comes over and says, â€Å"Girls this isn’t the beach† and when the girls react to his statement he says â€Å"I don’t want to argue with you. After this come in here with your shoulders covered. It’s our policy. † Basically, Langley is a conservative who did not like these girls indecently exposing their bodies. On the other hand, this is a free world and people like Mr. Langley have no right to impose their point of view on others. That is precisely why Sammy decided to quit his job even though he is aware that once he loses this job, his life will become more difficult, and his parents will be worried and angry and that there will be consequences of his action. â€Å"You’ll feel this for the rest of your life,† Lengel says and I know that’s true, too†. Nevertheless, he wants to prove his point and wants to stand up for what he believes and that is why he quits and moves on with his life. Overall, it’s a simple story but makes a valid point and is narrated in a very interesting manner. Some questions for others to think about: 1. Why did Sammy feel so strongly about Mr. Langley’s behavior? 2. Do you think Sammy did the right thing? 3. Do you think its right for teenagers today to behave indecently or do you think it’s the old generation which needs to change their attitude? Bibliography 1. Updike, John. (1993) A&P from Rubinstein and Larson’s Worlds of Fiction. Macmillan Coll Div.

Video Games and Violence - 1011 Words

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