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NDTV
5 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Empowering India's Corporate Workforce: Effective Safety Training For A Safe + Sound Workplace
Corporate India runs on ambition-tight project timelines, strategic brainstorming, and agile online stand-up calls scheduled throughout the work week. But amid the hustle, one silent pillar often gets overlooked: workplace safety. And no, it's not just about hard hats or safety signs. True safety encompasses ergonomic health, mental health, emergency preparedness, and a culture that treats safety not as an event but a habit. That's where effective safety training becomes essential. And that's where The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code of 2020 (known as the OSH Code in short) by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, come in. Every year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the USA celebrates Safe + Sound Week to highlight workplace safety issues. This year, the week falls between 11-17 August, 2025, and it is the perfect occasion to get you better acquainted with India's own OSH Code. Whether you're a finance analyst pulling long hours or a facilities head managing emergency protocols, structured, well-targeted safety training is a shared investment in well-being. Studies show that consistent training lowers incident rates, improves morale, and enhances productivity across all levels of corporate operations. Let's uncover the legal and practical landscape of safety training in India, how global frameworks can be tailored for Indian offices, and how companies can make training not just another meeting-but a vital part of everyday work culture. The Current Landscape Of Workplace Safety In Indian Corporate Offices Safety Still Seen As An Afterthought: In many Indian corporate offices, safety remains reactive. Fire drills happen rarely, electrical hazards are noticed only after incidents, and ergonomic awareness often stops at an uncomfortable chair. Despite an increasing number of young professionals facing lifestyle-related injuries and mental health challenges, safety training is often confined to compliance paperwork. Legal Framework Still Evolving: India's move to consolidate labour laws under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020 was a landmark step, aimed at covering all workplaces and not just factories. However, many provisions are yet to be fully enforced across states. Meanwhile, the Directorate General Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes (DGFASLI) has continued to publish training advisories under existing acts like the Factories Act, 1948. Until full implementation, Indian companies must act proactively, using these guidelines and global standards to self-regulate and upgrade safety training internally. Mental Health And Ergonomics Are Ignored: Stress, burnout, and poor posture are silent yet serious threats in modern offices. According to a 2023 LinkedIn India survey, over 80% of Indian professionals reported burnout, while tech workers frequently report Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) due to prolonged screen time. Safety training that doesn't include these factors leaves a major gap in workforce health. Effective Safety Training: A Deep Dive Effective safety training isn't about checking regulatory boxes-it's about building a resilient, informed, and confident workforce. Below is a breakdown of what comprehensive, modern, and relevant safety training should look like for Indian corporate environments. Foundation: The 3 Pillars Of Effective Safety Training Leadership Commitment: Training initiatives must start at the top. Leaders must allocate budget, participate in sessions, and speak openly about safety. When employees see leaders involved, training gets taken seriously. Assign a Chief Safety Officer (CSO) or designate safety champions across departments. A great way to action this is to include safety as a regular agenda item in management reviews or town halls. Worker Participation: Involve employees in shaping training programs. Different roles have different risks-IT staff might need eye-strain and sitting posture training, while admin teams need to know emergency exits and electrical shut-off points. Interactive formats like polls, feedback forms, safety suggestion boxes, and team-based activities can turn passive training into an engaging conversation. Hazard Identification & Fixes: Encourage a "Find and Fix" culture: allow anonymous reporting of hazards, follow through with fixes, and highlight resolved issues in internal newsletters or stand-up meetings. Use simple tools like: Safety walkthrough checklists Monthly "Hazard Hunt" challenges QR-coded incident reporting tools Continuous Improvement Training shouldn't be a one-time induction module. Incorporate the following for best results: Quarterly refresher sessions that focus on small but comprehensive sessions Annual assessments with certifications Post-incident debrief training Workplace Safety Training Content Structure: Local, Practical, Specific Generic slides on "fire safety" pasted across your workplace or sent as mails occasionally aren't enough. Build contextual, scenario-based and shareable content using real office layouts, actual tools, and regional languages when possible. You could easily try the following types of trainings: Induction Training: Basics of workplace safety, evacuation paths, reporting lines need to be provided to every new joinee or those returning to the workplace after a break, say women coming back from maternity leaves or remote workers. Job-Specific Modules: Tailored sessions for various corporate roles, like screen health training for IT, fire panel safety trainings for Admin, can provide more engaging modules on safety. Emergency Preparedness: Drills for fire, earthquake, electrical outages are essential, and must be conducted every month, especially if your workplace is located in zones where these hazards lead to safety issues frequently. Ergonomics & Mental Health: Teaching safe screen habits is essential in this day and age, but so is reiterating the importance of work breaks. You could also engage teams in peer support and stress signal trainings. These would be team building as well as safety trainings at the same time. Refresher Micro-Sessions: Short, engaging content around safety measures targeting every module mentioned above can be effective. These safety training visuals can be shared over emails, posters or even internal organisational platforms. Safety Training Frequency: How Often Is Enough? To be fair, today's corporate hustle culture barely allows organisations enough time to engage in too many workplace safety trainings. However, taking the time out to do these is essential. Here are some possible ideas on when to schedule safety trainings as per a general corporate calendar: Induction Training: Onboarding Day Emergency Drills: Quarterly Refresher Courses: Quarterly Annual Certification: Yearly Special Safety Days: Bi-Annually As anyone who has ever tried the difference between theory and practice may know, it is one thing to organise and execute safety training sessions in a corporate environment and quite another to learn from them for future reference and implementable changes. To overcome this obstacle, the team organising these safety drills need to maintain the following records meticulously: Attendance logs Assessment scores Drill reports Incident response protocols Certificates issued These not only help in audit preparedness but also demonstrate due diligence in case of legal scrutiny. Why Safety Training Pays Off: Tangible Benefits There are many benefits of organising safety trainings in the workplace. Here are a few you should know about. Fewer Injuries, Lower Costs: Companies with strong safety programs see 30-50% fewer injuries, per OSHA estimates. Boosted Morale: Employees feel valued and respected when safety is prioritized. Improved Productivity: Healthier teams are more focused, less fatigued. Reputation Shield: A safety-conscious brand attracts both clients and top talent. Legal Compliance: Reduces risk of penalties under OSH Code audits or during on-site inspections. For Employees: Your Role In Corporate Office Safety While your employers or an organisation are legally bound to provide workplace safety by following OSHA guidelines, as an employee, it is vital for you too to take charge and follow the following safety steps: Report Early: See something unsafe? Report it immediately for your own wellbeing as well as that of everyone else at the workplace. Know Your Exits: Don't treat drills as optional because practice could save your life. In any case, taking the stairs regularly has plenty of benefits as well (weight loss and fitness included), so try those exits. Take Micro-Breaks: You might think taking a small break can interrupt your workflow, but regular breaks to stretch, hydrate and reset are crucial for your physical and mental health. Remember, small habits prevent big issues. Check Ergonomics: Use screen risers, adjust your chair, avoid hunching. Support Your Team: Encourage safety among peers because reminders go a long way. Build A Culture, Not Just A Checklist Workplace safety isn't a policy, it's a culture. By embedding meaningful training, involving every employee, and adapting global best practices for Indian offices, we can build workplaces that are not only productive but also deeply humane. As India's knowledge economy grows, so must its safety IQ. From ergonomic chairs to emergency exits, from leadership advocacy to employee engagement, it's time we make safety training central to the corporate DNA. So whether you're a team lead, HR head, or a new joiner, take safety seriously. Because it's not just about avoiding accidents. It's about ensuring that everyone goes home healthier than they arrived. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US firm tells employees to clock out for restroom breaks: Here's why labour laws matter now more than ever
US firm tells employees to clock out for restroom breaks. In a recent case that sparked widespread attention online, a US-based employee exposed a company's controversial policy requiring workers to clock out for using the restroom. When legal risks emerged, the company shifted tactics, opting instead to discipline staff who spent more than ten minutes in the bathroom. Backed by HR, the policy led to formal write-ups and threats of termination masked as 'coaching.' But one employee didn't stay silent. Armed with legal knowledge, documentation, and state laws on workplace recording, they filed a complaint with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). The case now serves as a striking reminder: labor laws are not just fine print, they're essential protections for every employee, and a crucial area of understanding for future HR professionals, business leaders, and students entering the workforce. Here is the Reddit post shared by a US-based employee: Reddit post highlighting the incident about US-based firm monitoring restroom breaks taken by employees. When bathroom time becomes company policy The issue began when management floated the idea of having employees clock out during restroom breaks, meaning time away from their workstation would be unpaid. Unable to implement that legally, the company switched to a different approach: employees who spent more than ten minutes in the bathroom would be issued formal warnings. This policy quickly escalated into an HR-approved disciplinary system. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brigade™ Insignia. 3, 4 & 5 BHK Starting at ₹3.39 Cr* Brigade Group Learn More Undo Repeated 'violations' meant being 'coached into termination': a corporate euphemism for pushing someone out without direct firing. A complaint triggers a messy response The employee, recognising the potential legal and ethical violations, filed a complaint with OSHA, the federal body that monitors workplace health and safety. Soon after, HR posted a vague retraction, acting as though the policy had been misunderstood or misapplied. But the very next day, in a team meeting, a supervisor blamed the anonymous OSHA complaint, accused someone of 'lying,' and reintroduced the same policy under a new name. They openly admitted they were still seeking legal loopholes to dock pay for restroom use, highlighting just how committed the company was to controlling time, regardless of workers' well-being. One employee fights back, again Instead of being intimidated, the employee filed a second OSHA complaint, and this time, came prepared. Knowing their state allows single-party consent recording, they recorded the meeting where the policy and retaliation were discussed. Since the meeting was about workplace rules and discipline, it counted as a public discussion under company policy. The employee has stated they plan to publicly name the company and release all evidence once they complete their personal reason for staying in the job. Why labour laws matter more than ever This case may seem unusual, but it reveals deeper problems that HR students, business leaders, and professionals-in-training must understand: Human rights are not negotiable. Denying or punishing basic needs like restroom access creates a hostile and possibly unsafe work environment. Internal policies must still follow the law. HR departments cannot hide behind 'it's in the policy' if the rule contradicts labor standards or human dignity. Retaliation is a serious legal risk. Publicly blaming an employee for reporting to a labor authority can lead to fines or lawsuits. Knowledge is power. The employee in this case understood the law and used it — not to cause trouble, but to restore fairness. That's the kind of professionalism students should aim for. The bottom line As corporate environments become more performance-obsessed, cases like this are reminders of what happens when metrics override morality. For students pursuing careers in human resources, business management, or labour law, this is more than a viral post. It's a modern-day case study. Labour laws are not just about wages or safety gear. They're about respect, dignity, and the boundaries between policy and abuse. The next generation of professionals has a responsibility to know them, and to apply them wisely. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Engadget
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Engadget
Rivian adds Google Maps features to its navigation app
Rivian, the American EV manufacturer, is integrating Google Maps into its navigation app. The update should provide Rivian owners with more detailed information about their route, disruptions and places they're passing. These new features include updated traffic data and reroutes if another option turns out to be quicker along your journey. Drivers will also have access to real-time road disruption reports from the Google Maps community. Plus, places of interest should now be available right on the map. Rivian already used Google Maps' information for searching places, but now everything from hours to ratings should show up on the display. The newly available technology also extends to Google Maps' satellite images. Rivian's navigation app already included features such as range on arrival, charging information and charging stops along your route. The update comes with a new design that Rivian claims has better "glanceability" and "access to information." The company has faced some setbacks and concerns. In February 2024, Rivian laid off 10 percent of its salaried workforce due to a $1.5 billion loss in the fourth quarter of 2023. Then, in October, reports emerged that the EV maker's only factory received 16 initially serious violations in 21 months from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). According to Bloomberg , injuries included an amputated finger, a broken skull, and having symptoms like vomiting and dizziness after having to paint without protections. Rivian has disputed these claims.
NZ Herald
15-07-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
How aeroplane noise impacts health and hearing: What you need to know
Sensory cells in our cochlea – called hair cells for the tiny filament-like structures protruding from the top of their cell surface – bend to the sound waves that hit our eardrums and translate them into electrical signals that are sent to auditory regions of our brain allowing us to hear. Loud noise can physically damage the cochlea and overstimulate the sensory cells, which, if sustained over time, can harm or even kill them, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Short bursts of extra-loud noise can also cause impairments. Humans and other mammals are unable to replace these hair cells once they are damaged or lost. According to a 2024 study, approximately 1 in 5 Americans have hearing loss, which is a leading cause of disability. Research shows hearing loss is a preventable risk factor for dementia. In addition, noise also has non-auditory health impacts including sleep disturbances, increases in hypertension and cardiovascular health, as well as cognitive impairment. The discomforts of noisy flights Inside an aeroplane cabin, the noise is typically around 75 to 85 decibels during flight, according to research studies that directly measured sound levels inside different passenger aircraft. During takeoff and landing, when the engines are most engaged, the sounds are often louder and can peak over 110 decibels at times. For comparison, normal conversations are around 60 decibels. However, the decibel scale used to measure sound levels is logarithmic, meaning that the amount of sound energy increases dramatically as we move up the scale. Every three-decibel increase corresponds to double the sound intensity reaching our ears. On jet planes, passengers cite noise as the second most influential factor for discomfort, after legroom (or lack thereof). On smaller propeller aircraft, noise is the No. 1 factor for discomfort, 'so it even has a larger impact,' said Gerbera Vledder, a graduate student of industrial design engineering at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands who conducted a 2022 study on the matter. If you are stuck in a noisy environment for a longer period of time, 'you become more aware of other complaints' such as a stiff neck or swollen feet, Vledder said. And research shows that people disembark more tired than if noise were not a factor, she said. How much aircraft noise is safe? In 1972, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the US set sound exposure recommendations of 85 decibels averaged over an eight-hour shift for workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to protect workers' hearing if noise exposure exceeds those limits as well. However, emerging research calls for revising these recommendations 'because the effects of noise exposure on hearing loss may be more severe than previously understood,' Stankovic said. Some studies suggest people who work on commercial aeroplanes, such as pilots and flight attendants, could have increased rates of noise-induced hearing loss, though the results are not conclusive. 'I have to say there's not a lot of research on the risks of hearing loss in aeroplanes,' Vledder said. One 2014 study of more than 4000 flight attendants found that their self-reported hearing loss increased with time on the job. A 2018 study of 134 civilian pilots found they had worse hearing, especially for higher-frequency sounds, than people without that occupational noise exposure. Though it is often cited for the public, using the industrial standard 85-decibel noise exposure limit is 'always inappropriate,' Daniel Fink, programme chair of the Quiet Coalition, a programme of Quiet Communities, said in an email. 'It doesn't protect workers from [noise-induced hearing loss] and safe exposure levels for anything need to be safer for the public than occupational exposures,' said Fink, who has written on the links between noise and hearing loss. Research shows that even quieter levels of noise exposure – beneath the 85-decibel occupational recommendation – could impair hearing by altering how the auditory cortex processes sounds. 'Even lower levels of noise exposure, once deemed safe, can cause hearing damage over time' including making it more difficult to understand speech in noisy environments or tinnitus, Stankovic said. In addition, some people may also be more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss because of older age, genetic factors or pre-existing health factors, Stankovic said. How to deal with noise on aeroplanes Whether you want to be more comfortable or lower the risk to your hearing, there are several ways you can deal with aeroplane noise, experts said. Measure your sound levels. You can measure noise levels on a plane with a free sound meter app on your smartphone, such as the NIOSH Sound Level Meter, Decibel Pro or Decibel X. Sit near the front. Your seat location makes a difference. Seats near the aeroplane engines, which are typically on the wings or rear of the plane, tend to be louder, Stankovic said. Stay hydrated. Flying is dehydrating, so make sure to get adequate fluids. This 'can alleviate discomfort, including ear pressure changes that may be worsened by noise,' Stankovic said. Try earplugs or headphones. Both can attenuate the amount of sound that reaches your eardrums, reducing the risk of harm and discomfort. One study found that having earplugs increased comfort – even when people did not use them. It could be that having a sense of control helped people feel better, Vledder said. Of course, actually putting them on is a good idea. In a 2025 study, Vledder and her colleagues found that passengers who used either earplugs or headphones were more comfortable on propeller aeroplanes. 'I always use noise-cancelling headphones when I fly,' Fink said. 'I recommend them for everyone, including children.' However, Vledder noted that wearing headphones and earplugs can be their own source of discomfort in or around the ears. 'I do think it's personal preference,' she said. Don't turn up the volume. Don't add to the problem by blasting more noise into your ears during the flight. In other words, be careful with how loud you play your music or movies, Fink said. 'I don't think flying is safe for the ear,' Fink said. 'Certainly not for cabin crew, and not for passengers either.'
Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Hundreds of Thousands Told To Avoid Sun: ‘Deadliest Weather Phenomenon'
Hundreds of thousands of people have been advised to stay out of the sun this week due to "dangerously hot conditions" forecast in two states. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued extreme heat warnings for large swathes of southern Arizona and southeast California from Tuesday morning until Thursday evening. Temperatures are forecast to reach 119 degrees Fahrenheit in parts, and the warnings cover major urban areas including Phoenix. The NWS warned there will be a major heat risk in affected areas, and that overexposure to the sun can lead to heat cramps, exhaustion and eventually heat stroke. "Don't underestimate the heat! It is the deadliest weather phenomenon in the USA," it said. "An extreme heat warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur. Actions should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors." It added: "Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes." In Arizona, the extreme heat warnings are in effect from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until 8 p.m. on Thursday. Counties impacted by the warnings include: Yuma, La Paz, Yavapai, Maricopa, Gila, Pinal, Pima, Graham, Greenlee, Coconino. In parts of Phoenix, home to around 1.65 million people, temperatures could reach 117 degrees Fahrenheit. In California, extreme heat warnings are in force from 10 a.m. on Wednesday until 8 p.m. on Thursday. Counties impacted by the warnings include: San Diego, Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino. In its warning, the NWS said: "Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. "To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911." The NWS forecast office in Phoenix wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: "Extreme heat is back in the forecast this week. Temperatures will continue to climb each day, peaking on Wednesday when highs are expected to reach 110F-116F across the lower deserts. Make sure you take extra precautions and practice smart heat safety." "Drink a cup of cool water every 20 minutes, even if you aren't thirsty. For long jobs, drink a beverage with electrolytes. Take regular breaks to rest. During hot conditions, skipping breaks is not safe! Seek periodic breaks in the AC if possible. Spend time in the shade when outdoors." The NWS forecast office in Los Angeles wrote on X: "Hotter weather is on it's way starting Tuesday. Temps will peak Wednesday and Thursday this week across most areas, but heat may linger through the weekend across the interior areas. Ensure you are prepared for the heat and know the signs and what to do in case of heat illness." The extreme heat warnings for the affected regions are currently set to remain in force until 8 p.m. on Thursday. Regular forecast updates are issued by the NWS on its website. Related Articles Flash Floods Prompt Evacuation of Responders Near Deadly Texas Flood SiteNorth Carolina Flood Concerns Grow as Chantal WeakensTropical Storm Chantal Makes Landfall, Map Shows Path Update 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
