ASSP-India Newsletter

Issue: June / 2019 Issue number: ASSP INDIA - 64

ASSP India – Newsletter Committee

Sandip Mukherjee

Message from the President’s Desk…. Content:

June 25, 2019
Dear colleagues,
Greetings!
In a recent national level event on Occupational Health and Safety,
topics on safety culture and role of leadership came up during the
panel discussion.
Diverse thoughts from various subject matter experts kept flowing
around the theme topics. All deliberations touched upon one
common point that is “Leadership commitment”. Everyone felt
that leadership commitment is a must and leaders should not only
“say” but also demonstrate their genuine concerns through their
actions and sustainable behavior.
Similarly, predominance of a suitable organizational culture as a
prerequisite for an appropriate safety culture was also discussed.
In other words, safety culture is a sub-set of the organizational
culture. Several determinants of safety culture primarily stem from
organizational culture, and it is of paramount importance have a
healthy organizational culture at the first place.
I would like to mention that during the recent Society PDC, ASSP
India Chapter was recognized as silver chapter. Now we need to
strive for improvement so that in future we get upgrade to Gold
and could move on to achieve Platinum category. Enhancing our
professional activities, serving the chapter members and
contribution to enrich the profession are the few ways towards the
desired direction.
As you all know the new executive committee of ASSP India
Chapter will take over from 1st July. I sincerely hope that the
elected members will put their best efforts to improve the quality
of services of the India Chapter.
A
We need to enhance our professional support and guidance to the
Student Chapters. In this connection may I request all ASSP India
Chapter Members to come forward and take volunteering role in
Stress
mentoringatandworkplace
coaching some of the wiling students. In case you
Rare interested
Bharadwaj (BEtoMech,
volunteer,
I Dip, please write toNEBOSH
ADIS, PGDEM, me. IGC)
Chair Membership
With warm regards, (ASSP India Chapter)
 Healthy Job
Dr. Krishna NirmalyaSen,PhD, FIE, PE
As defined by World Health Organization (WHO), Health is not
President
merely the absence of disease but a positive state of complete
ASSP India
physical, Chapter
mental and social well-being. A work environment is
healthy only when it is free from harmful conditions as well as
with opportunities of Health promotions.
Preparing for the Monsoon - An article
Monsoon Safety Tips
Important Days in OHS Calendar July 2019
Health Tips - Tips to Prevent Hepatitis B
Chapter News and Member's Activities
Introduction of ASSP India Chapter's New Governing
Body
HSE Quiz
Editor’s Corner:
Dear Reader,
We are presenting the 64th issue of ASSP India Chapter
Newsletter.
End of tough season of summer, welcomed monsoon
rain is already knocking at our doorstep. Tropical
monsoon rain is a blessing for the farmers. However it
also brings new hazards with it. Hundreds of people died
and millions severely affected along with heavy property
damage is being recorded in every year. Hence to create
safety awareness I have thought to publish an article on
monsoon preparation. Also put together the detailed
monsoon safety tips. Trust these information shall be
helpful.
Hepatitis is one of the most serious health disorder and
silently spreading. Every year it affecting healthy lives of
millions. Several time it is life threatening. For spreading
awareness on hepatitis worldwide, a day is already
dedicated on 28th July. Hence furnishing tips to prevent
hepatitis B.
Already the newly elected executive committee of ASSP
India Chapter has taken charge. You will find a brief
introduction of the EC members herein.
Chapter news and member's activities along with
important days in OSH calendar for the month of July is
also furnished herewith.
Do keep on sending interesting articles on OH&S for
publication. Happy reading.
Warm Regards to all our Readers,
Sandip Mukherjee (OHST)
Chair – Newsletter (ASSP India Chapter)
Preparing for the monsoon
" India has a love-hate relationship with the annual weather
phenomenon called the Monsoon. With over 50 percent of the
economy depending on agriculture, she can’t do without it. But
what the monsoon do "
By Jyoti Rao
India has a love-hate relationship with the annual weather
phenomenon called the Monsoon. With over 50 percent of
the economy depending on agriculture, she can’t do without
it. But what the monsoon does with India – is the other part of
the story.
Too much rain and large swathes of the land are turned into
virtual islands with millions displaced and not enough rain
means crippling drought, with all its related downward
spiraling economic and development implications.
Furthermore, there may be droughts and floods in the same
area. Rajasthan is a classic case in point.
80 percent of the total rainfall in India takes between June and
September under the influence of south-west monsoon. The
remainder 20 percent occurs during the north-east monsoon,
cyclones and local weather-related phenomena.
While the monsoon can be called an act of God, floods are
not. Floods are not inevitable; they are preventable and often
the consequence of poor land planning and water
management. The frequency and intensity of floods has
increased in India over the years primarily because of the
increased encroachment of flood plains on the one hand and
discharge of excess water from dams, on the other.
Against the total of 40 million hectares prone to floods,
approximately 15 million hectares have been protected by
construction of embankments. Dams and barrages have also
been constructed, but sometimes these very things cause
floods.
In August 2006 in Maharashtra, as many as 10 dams had to
release large quantities of water within 24 hours after four
days of incessant rains. As a result, over 2,000 villages in 104
taluks spread over 19 districts downstream of the dam were
affected and more than 200,000 hectares of agricultural land
were damaged. Around 100,000 people were affected. Flash
floods in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar were similarly
caused by dams upstream discharging excess water.
Floods are a perennial phenomenon it at least 5 states: Assam,
West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Orissa. Many other
states have of late experienced unprecedented flood levels,
most recently in 2006 when multiple and massive flood
emergencies badly hit several states such as Gujarat and
Rajasthan, some parts of which are not normally prone to
floods, and some are in fact prone to drought.
Wide-spread human and material losses, collapse of
infrastructure and services (including all those for children)
may be major consequences of the floods. Hundreds of
thousands may be displaced, often in isolated and not easily
accessible areas.
June/2019 ASSP - India
National Plan for disaster management
This year, as on mid-June, at least 130 people have been killed
in monsoon fury across India. Torrential rains have caused
havoc in Maharashtra, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and
Kerala.
On 23 December 2005, the Government of India enacted the
Disaster Management Act, which envisaged the creation of the
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by
the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management
Authorities (SDMAs) headed by respective Chief Ministers, to
spearhead and implement a holistic and integrated approach
to Disaster Management in India.
As part of the measures to prepare for the disasters, there is
an overall master plan for every state and contingency plan for
each district, involving apart from other things, steps required
to be taken before the onset of floods during the floods and
post- flood management.
The government has in general developed capacities how to
deal with flood disaster effectively. However, UNICEF’s
interventions are still required in some situations. UNICEF in
line with the Core Commitment to Children provides support
of the government’s relief programs during emergencies and
natural calamities.
In the flood-prone areas, UNICEF aims at pre-positioning
essential emergency items, which will allow for more timely
and efficient response. In sudden / unexpected floods, UNICEF
will make assessments prior to possible action to complement
the government and other humanitarian organizations in relief
and rehabilitation efforts.
Mainstreaming preparedness
In recent years, UNICEF India has initiated a strategy of
mainstreaming disaster preparedness within the framework of
regular program implementation. The goal is to ensure
seamless transition and synergy between the disaster and
development components of its programs.
Community based disaster preparedness (CBDP) projects have
been undertaken in West Bengal for floods, landslides and
cyclones/tsunamis; in Bihar preparedness is focused mostly on
floods, while in Rajasthan it has been focused on drought.
After the 2005 Mumbai floods, UNICEF Maharashtra office
initiated a novel CBDP approach using micro-planning in urban
slum areas which are mostly low-lying and prone to flooding.
Each of these initiatives has proven to be very useful in
strengthening coping mechanisms of the vulnerable
communities in preparing for, responding to and in recovering
from the impacts of disasters.
Source: https://www.unicef.in
Monsoon Safety Tips
Planning ahead
The best way to avoid lightning, flash floods, and other
dangerous conditions is by not being in danger in the first
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place. Many ways are available to gain weather information
including:
 Watching / following current weather forecasts on TV /
Radio or the internet
 Subscribing to lightning and severe weather notification
services
 Scanning the skies 360 degrees around and overhead
before leaving a safe location
Disaster Supply Kit Contents
Every family should prepare a family disaster supply kit in the
event of severe weather conditions. The disaster supply kit
should contain essential items such as food, water, and sturdy
clothing, to sustain a family for up to three days since electric
power, gas and water services may be interrupted.
 Three gallons of water in clean, closed containers for each
person and pet
 First aid kit
 A stock of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration
 Portable and working battery-operated radio, flashlights,
and extra batteries (Candles and oil lamps are fire
hazards)
 Necessary medications
 Back-up power source for life support or other medical
equipment that requires electricity to function
Flash Flood Safety for Homeowners
 If you live in a flood prone area have an evacuation plan.
 Store materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting
and lumber for protection from floodwaters and to make
quick repairs after a severe storm.
 Store materials above flood levels.
 Secure wanted objects to prevent them from floating
away.
 Learn where to find high ground, which is safe from
flooding. In a flash flood seek high ground quickly.
 Contact an insurance agent to discuss flood insurance
coverage. Flood losses are not covered under normal
homeowners' insurance policies. Get coverage early-there
is a waiting period before it takes effect.
Turn Around Don't Drown™ Safety Tips
 Driving around barricades is illegal and dangerous.
 Do not let children play near storm drains or washes after
a heavy rain.
 Avoid low-water crossings.
 Avoid camping in a wash or in the bottom of a canyon
with steep side slopes.
 Be especially cautious at night. Flood dangers are much
more difficult to see in the dark.
 Even a less serious urban flood can be dangerous. Driving
too fast through standing water can cause a car to
hydroplane. The best defense is to slow down or pull well
off the road (with the lights off) for a few minutes to wait
out heavy rains.
 Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is
flowing fast.
June/2019 ASSP - India
 Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
 Do not camp or park a vehicle along streams and washes,
particularly during threatening conditions.
 If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas
subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons,
washes, etc.
 Roadbeds may be washed out under floodwaters. Never
drive through flooded roadways.
 If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it
immediately and seek higher ground.
 If a traffic signal is out, treat the intersection as a 4-way
stop.
 As little as ten inches of water can float average-sized
cars, mini-vans, SUVs and trucks. Strength of the flow is
the critical force.
 When in doubt, wait it out, or find a safer route.
Lightning Safety
When thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you
are close enough to be struck by lightning. There is no place
outside that is safe from a lightning strike. Remaining indoors
for 30 minutes after seeing the last lightning and hearing the
last thunder will eliminate the risk at the end of storms.
If fewer than 30 seconds elapse between the time you see a
flash and hear the thunder, then the flash is less than 6 miles
away. Research has shown that the most successive flashes
are within 6 miles, which means that you should have reached
a safe place if lightning is less than 6 miles away. However,
lightning may strike up to 10 miles away from the parent
storm.
If someone is struck by lightning, call Emergency Service
immediately
Indoor Safety
 Never touch wiring during a thunderstorm. It's too late to
unplug electronics if thunder is heard.
 Corded phones are dangerous during thunderstorms.
Lightning traveling through telephone wires has killed
people. Cell phone and cordless phones are safe.
 Wait to use any plumbing-sinks, showers, tubs, and
toilets. Plumbing can conduct electricity from lightning
strikes from outside.
 Unplug expensive electronics including TV, stereo, home
entertainment centers, and computers modem lines when
thunderstorms are expected, and before the storm
arrives. Typically, summer thunderstorms form in the
early to mid-afternoon, when most people are at work.
 Stop playing video games connected to the TV.
Outdoor Safety
No place outside is safe from lightning during a thunderstorm.
When a storm approaches go to a nearby large substantial
building or a fully-enclosed metal-topped vehicle. Bring pets
indoors. Lightning and thunder are very scary for pets, and
they are likely to panic or even run away to try and escape the
storm.
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Power and Communications Outage Safety
Power and communications outages can be more widespread
and last longer than a thunderstorm. Be ready for outages
inside and outdoors by taking precautions and actions to
minimize inconvenience and maximize safety. Protect
sensitive electrical equipment by installing power protection
devices that can be purchased at department, hardware or
electronics stores.
Indoor Safety
 Stay at home.
 Use a cell phone. Cordless phones do not work without
electricity. Use corded phone only for emergencies.
 Unplug sensitive electronic equipment before the storm
arrives.
 Turn off electric appliances that were on before power
was lost. Leave one light on as an indicator for when
power is restored.
 Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed — food will
stay fresh up to 8 hours.
 If the power is out for less than two hours, do not open
the refrigerator or freezer. This will help food to stay cold.
For a power outage lasting longer than two hours, pack
cold and frozen foods into coolers. As a general rule,
perishable foods should not be held over 40 degrees for
more than two hours.
 During a thunderstorm, turn off the AC unit. Power surges
from lightning can overload units, leading to costly repair
bills.
Outdoor Safety
 Stay away from downed power lines.
 Call 911 to report downed power lines.
 If a power line comes into contact with your vehicle,
remain inside the vehicle until help arrives. Do not
attempt to get out of the vehicle - that is the safest place
for you to be. By stepping out of the vehicle, your body
can become the pathway for electricity to reach the
ground, causing severe bodily harm and possibly
electrocution. Use a cell phone, if available, to notify
emergency services of the exact location.
Dust Storms
 Straight lines winds in any thunderstorm can lift huge
clouds of dust and reduce visibilities to near zero in
seconds, which can quickly result in deadly, multi-vehicle
accidents on roadways.
 Dust storms are more common during the early part of
the monsoon, but can occur at any time during the
season, depending on rainfall patterns. Be prepared for
blowing dust and reduced visibilities any time
thunderstorms are nearby.
 Remember: PULL ASIDE, STAY ALIVE! If you encounter a
dust storm, and cannot avoid driving into it. Pull off the
road as far as you can safely do so. Turn off your
headlights and taillights. Put your vehicle in "PARK,"
and/or engage your parking brake, and take your foot off
the brake (so your brake lights are not illuminated.) Other
June/2019 ASSP - India
motorists may tend to follow tail lights in an attempt to
get through the dust storm, and may strike your vehicle
from behind.
 Dust storms usually last a few minutes, and up to an hour
at most. Stay where you are until the dust storm passes.
Source: https://www.monsoonsafety.org
Important days in Safety, Health and
Environmental Calendar of July, 2019
National Doctors Day 01st July 2019
National Doctors day in India is a big awareness campaign
offering great opportunities to all to get aware about the
roles, importance and responsibilities of the doctors as well as
promote medical professionals to come closer and follow the
responsibilities of their profession very dedicatedly. This day is
celebrated in the memory of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy in order
to pay honor to the entire medical profession.
National Doctors Day History
Doctor’s Day in India was established by the Government of
India in 1991 to be recognized and celebrated every year on
1st of July as National Doctors day. It is celebrated on 1st of
July on the birth and death anniversary of the most famous
physician of India Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (Dr. B C Roy) to pay
lots of honor and tribute. He was honored with the great
Indian civilian award called Bharat Ratna on 4th of February in
1961.
He was born on 1st of July in 1882 in the Patna, Bihar. He had
completed his medical graduation from Calcutta and returned
to the India in 1911 after completing his MRCP and FRCS
degrees in London and began his medical career as a physician
in India in the same year.
Later he joined the Calcutta Medical College as a teaching staff
and afterward he moved to the Campbell Medical School and
then to Carmichael Medical College. He was a most famous
physician and renowned educationist as well as a freedom
fighter as he joined the Mahatma Gandhi during Civil
Disobedience Movement.
Later he became Indian National Congress leader and then
Chief Minister of the West Bengal. He passed away on his
birthday means 1st of July in 1962, after 80 years of his great
service in this world. Behind his name, Dr. B. C. Roy National
Award was instituted in the year 1976 to pay honor, respect
and tribute.
Why National Doctors Day is Celebrated
National doctors day is celebrated every year all across the
India on 1st of July to provide honor to the most famous and
legendary physician as well as 2nd Chief Minister of the West
Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy.
It is a great observance in India which helps in fulfilling the
actual need of doctors and physicians in the lives of everyone
as well as their significant roles and responsibilities. The
annual celebration of this awareness campaign helps common
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public to get aware about the roles, importance and the
precious care of the doctors.
Large population crowd of the India depends in many ways on
the physicians and their quality treatments which show the
remarkable improvements and progress in the cure and
treatments methods. Annual celebration of the doctors day
has been proved as a way of encouragement and big eye
opener for all the physicians and doctors of the India to wake
up from their failing career due to the lack of commitment
towards their profession.
Sometimes common and poor people get stuck in the wrong
hand of irresponsible and unprofessional doctors which
becomes the reason of public violence and protests against
those doctors. This awareness campaign is the great way of
attracting all the doctors and physicians at one place to bring
them at one track of responsibility towards the life saving
medical profession.
National doctors day celebration has been marked as the day
of respect for entire professional doctors who have made their
great efforts in saving the life of patients. Doctors day means a
whole day which has been dedicated to the medical profession
especially for doctors and physicians to commemorate their
efforts and roles. It is a day to say them vote of thanks for
their love, affection and priceless care of their patients.
Source: https://www.indiacelebrating.com
World Population Day 11 July 2019
World Population Day, which seeks to focus attention on the
urgency and importance of population issues, was established
by the then-Governing Council of the United Nations
Development Program in 1989, an outgrowth of the interest
generated by the Day of Five Billion, which was observed on
11 July 1987.
This year's World Population Day calls for global attention to
the unfinished business of the 1994 International Conference
on Population and Development. Twenty-five years have
passed since that landmark conference, where 179
governments recognized that reproductive health and gender
equality are essential for achieving sustainable development.
In November, UNFPA, together with the governments of
Kenya and Denmark, will be convening a high-level conference
in Nairobi to accelerate efforts to achieve these unmet goals.
On World Population Day, advocates from around the world
are calling on leaders, policymakers, grassroots organizers,
institutions and others to help make reproductive health and
rights a reality for all.
Background
By resolution 45/216 of December 1990, the United Nations
General Assembly decided to continue observing World
Population Day to enhance awareness of population issues,
including their relations to the environment and development.
 Non-discrimination: Family planning information and
The Day was first marked on 11 July 1990 in more than 90
countries. Since then, a number of a number of UNFPA
country offices and other organizations and institutions
June/2019 ASSP - India
commemorate World Population Day, in partnership with
governments and civil society.
Population Trends
Current estimates indicate that roughly 83 million people are
being added to the world’s population every year. Even
assuming that fertility levels will continue to decline, the
global population is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8
billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100, according to the
medium-variant projection.
The UN and Population
The UN Population Division collaborates closely with the
agencies, funds, programs and bodies of the United Nations
system in the implementation of the work program on
population and in the follow-up to the International
Conference on Population and Development. United Nations
missions, national Government offices, United Nations offices,
researchers, media representatives and the public regularly
consult the Population Division regarding population
estimates and projections, and information and analyses on
population and development issues.
At its thirty-eighth session, the Statistical
Commission requested the United Nations Statistics Division
and other international agencies to increase their technical
assistance to national statistical offices in order to strengthen
national capacity for the implementation of the 2010 World
Program on Population and Housing Censuses. In addition, the
Commission requested countries to begin implementation of
the revised Principles and Recommendations for Population
and Housing Censuses.
UNFPA works with many partners, both within and outside the
United Nations system, including Governments, non-
governmental organizations, civil society, faith-based
organizations, religious leaders and others, to achieve its
mission. To better respond to local needs, UNFPA increasingly
devotes resources to country-led efforts, placing emphasis on
country-focused and country-led implementation to achieve
improved results, at the same time addressing mutual
accountability and strengthening harmonization and
alignment.
UNFPA works to support family planning by: ensuring a steady,
reliable supply of quality contraceptives; strengthening
national health systems; advocating for policies supportive of
family planning; and gathering data to support this work.
UNFPA also provides global leadership in increasing access to
family planning, by convening partners – including
governments – to develop evidence and policies, and by
offering programmatic, technical and financial assistance to
developing countries.
Nine standards to uphold the human right to
family planning
services cannot be restricted on the basis of race, sex,
language, religion, political affiliation, national origin, age,
Page 5 of 12
 economic status, place of residence, disability status,
marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
 Available: Countries must ensure that family planning
commodities and services are accessible to everyone.
 Accessible: Countries must ensure that family planning
commodities and services are accessible to everyone.
 Acceptable: Contraceptive services and information must
be provided in a dignified manner, respecting both modern
medical ethics and the cultures of those being
accommodated.
 Good quality: Family planning information must be clearly
communicated and scientifically accurate.
 Informed decision-making: Every person must be
empowered to make reproductive choices with full
autonomy, free of pressure, coercion or misrepresentation.
 Privacy and confidentiality: All individuals must enjoy the
right to privacy when seeking family planning information
and services.
 Participation: Countries have an obligation to ensure the
active and informed participation of individuals in decisions
that affect them, including health issues.
 Accountability: Health systems, education systems, leaders
and policymakers must be accountable to the people they
serve in all efforts to realize the human right to family
planning.
Source: https://www.un.org
World Youth Skill Day 15 July 2019
Today, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years,
accounting for 16 per cent of the global population. The active
engagement of youth in sustainable development efforts is
central to achieving sustainable, inclusive and stable societies
by the target date, and to averting the worst threats and
challenges to sustainable development, including the impacts
of climate change, unemployment, poverty, gender inequality,
conflict, and migration. However, young people are almost
three times more likely to be unemployed than adults and
continuously exposed to lower quality of jobs, greater labor
market inequalities, and longer and more insecure school-to-
work transitions. In addition, women are more likely to be
underemployed and under-paid, and to undertake part-time
jobs or work under temporary contracts.
This World Youth Skills Day, UNESCO-UNEVOC is emphasizing
the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and
Training (TVET) in providing youth with the opportunities to
develop their competencies and accelerate their transition to
work.
Why is World Youth Skills Day important?
Rising youth unemployment is one of the most significant
problems facing economies and societies in today’s world, for
developed and developing countries alike. At least 475 million
new jobs need to be created over the next decade to absorb
the 73 million youth currently unemployed and the 40 million
new annual entrants to the labour market. At the same time,
OECD surveys suggest that both employers and youth consider
that many graduates are ill-prepared for the world of work.
June/2019 ASSP - India
Attaining decent work is a significant challenge. In many
countries, the informal sector and traditional rural sector
remains a major source of employment. The number of
workers in vulnerable employment currently stands at 1.44
billion worldwide. Workers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South
Asia account for more than half this number, with three out of
four workers in these regions subject to vulnerable
employment conditions.
The international community has set an ambitious 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development. It calls for an integrated
approach to development which recognizes that eradicating
poverty in all its forms and dimensions; combating inequality
within and among countries; preserving the planet; creating
inclusive and sustainable economic growth; achieving full and
productive employment and decent work for all women and
men; and ensuring full gender equality and fostering social
inclusion, are interdependent.
What role does technical and vocational education and
training play?
Education and training are central to the achievement of
the 2030 Agenda. The vision of the Incheon Declaration:
Education 2030 is fully captured by Sustainable Development
Goal 4 “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and
promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Education
2030 devotes considerable attention to technical and
vocational skills development, specifically regarding access to
affordable quality Technical and Vocational Education and
Training (TVET); the acquisition of technical and vocational
skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship; the
elimination of gender disparity and ensuring access for the
vulnerable. In this context, TVET is expected to address the
multiple demands of an economic, social and environmental
nature by helping youth and adults develop the skills they
need for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship,
promoting equitable, inclusive and sustainable economic
growth, and supporting transitions to green economies and
environmental sustainability.
TVET can equip youth with the skills required to access the
world of work, including skills for self-employment. TVET can
also improve responsiveness to changing skill-demands by
companies and communities, increase productivity and
increase wage levels. TVET can reduce access barriers to the
world of work, for example through work-based learning, and
ensuring that skills gained are recognised and certified. TVET
can also offer skills development opportunities for low-skilled
people who are under- or unemployed, out of school youth
and individuals not in education, employment and training
(NEETs).
Page 6 of 12

Source: https://www.un.org
World Hepatitis Day 28 July 2019
Hepatitis is a most serious health disorder of an important
body organ called liver. Without liver or liver with any chronic
disease, one cannot imagine his/her healthy life. So, it is very
necessary to eradicate the problems of liver and other body
organs to live healthy live as well as making world, a disease
free world. This article is a small and great message to
everyone to be aware about the hepatitis.
WORLD HEPATITIS DAY HISTORY
World Hepatitis Day is being celebrated every year on 28th of
July aiming to make aware the common people globally about
hepatitis. It is the world level awareness program launched as
a global public health campaign by the World Health
Organization to make the world a hepatitis free world.
Earlier it was being celebrated as an international Hepatitis C
Awareness day by the patient groups of European and Middle
Eastern regions on 1st of October in 2004 however in some
regions it was mark as a hepatitis day on different dates. In
order to make this a best awareness campaign in 2008, the
World Hepatitis Alliance has declared 19th of May as the first
World Hepatitis Day in association with the patient groups.
However, the date was changed to 28th of July after the
adoption of earlier declaration in the 63rd World Health
Assembly in the month of May 2010. It was titled as the World
Hepatitis Day focusing to raise the awareness on national and
international level through great efforts. 28th of July was
declared as the final date for the celebration of World
Hepatitis Day globally to honor the “Nobel Laureate Baruch
June/2019 ASSP - India
Samuel Blumberg” on his birthday anniversary (28thof July) as
he discovered the hepatitis B virus.
World Hepatitis Day was established to be celebrated on
28th of July in order to expand the educational areas as well as
provide opportunities to new generations to get better
understandings about viral hepatitis to enhance global public
health by solving problems. It is being celebrating very actively
in more than 100 countries worldwide by organizing lots of
effective activities.
WHAT IS HEPATITIS
Hepatitis is the liver infection and inflammation caused by the
virus. Five types of the hepatitis have been detected caused by
different viruses and named as hepatitis A, B, C, D, E. A and E
type are short term infection and known as acute infection
however B, C and D type are long-term infection and called as
chronic hepatitis. Second one may lead to some life
threatening complications including cirrhosis means liver
scarring, liver cancer, liver failure and so many. More than 1.5
million people are getting die every year because of this
dangerous disease whereas 4.4 million Americans are living
with the infection of this chronic hepatitis.
People may be infected with the hepatitis A due to the food
and water contamination with fecal matter. Hepatitis B is most
common problem caused in many regions of the world
especially in the Asian and African countries. Vaccines are
available for both type hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis C can be
caused by the sharing of needles, equipment injecting
cosmetic substances, steroids or drugs.
WHY WORLD HEPATITIS DAY IS CELEBRATED
World hepatitis day is celebrated annually to encourage the
common public for the early diagnosis, prevention and
treatment from the hepatitis. Millions of people have been
affected worldwide with the acute and chronic hepatitis and
getting die in large number every year. People get stimulated
through the celebration activities and know in detail about all
the preventive and control measures of the hepatitis. It needs
a broad level of awareness worldwide which is possible by
getting participated in the events and activities in the nearest
areas with the help of WHD toolkit. Some of the objectives of
celebrating world hepatitis day are mentioned below:
 To provides an opportunity to all focusing together on this
issue.
 To raise common public awareness about various forms of
the hepatitis including means of transmission.
 To strengthen people by letting them know about
different measures like prevention, early diagnosis,
screening, control and etc.
 To increase the awareness about hepatitis A and B
vaccines.
 To get global response of the people in order to
implement some solid steps towards the hepatitis.
 To expand the educational areas for immunization,
prevention, diagnosis and control.
 To enhance the awareness about comprehensive care and
treatment of people suffering from hepatitis.
Page 7 of 12
 To increase public awareness about the risk factors,
remove social stigma and promote for early testing.
 To implement new training methods and number of
skilled medical professionals in order to enhance the
quality care.
 To promote various health and governments
organizations worldwide for their active involvement in
the event to create new strategies against hepatitis.
 To promote professional staff members to actively
participate in the event.
Worldwide, 300 million people are living with viral hepatitis
unaware. Without finding the undiagnosed and linking them
to care, millions will continue to suffer, and lives will be lost.
On World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, we call on people from
across the world to take action and raise awareness to find
the “missing millions”.
Join the quest:
Find the missing million
Source: https://www.who.int; www.india.incelebratingt;
International Day of Friendship 30 July 2019
The International Day of Friendship is an initiative that follows
on the proposal made by UNESCO and taken up by the UN
General Assembly in 1997 (A/RES/52/13), which defined the
Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviours
that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by
addressing their root causes with a view to solving problems.
In its resolution of 1998, proclaiming the International Decade
for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of
the World (2001–2010) (A/RES/53/25), the General Assembly
recognized that enormous harm and suffering are caused to
children through different forms of violence. It emphasized
that the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence
should be instilled in children through education. If children
learn to live together in peace and harmony that will
contribute to the strengthening of international peace and
cooperation.
The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of
Peace (A/RES/53/243) adopted in 1999 set 8 areas of action
for nations, organizations and individuals to undertake in
order for a culture of peace to prevail:
 foster a culture of peace through education;
 promote sustainable economic and social development;
 promote respect for all human rights;
 ensure equality between women and men;
 foster democratic participation;
 advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity;
 support participatory communication and the free flow of
information and knowledge;
 promote international peace and security.
The International Day of Friendship is also based on the
recognition of the relevance and importance of friendship as a
noble and valuable sentiment in the lives of human beings
around the world.
June/2019 ASSP - India
The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by
the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship
between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can
inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
The resolution (A/RES/65/275) places particular emphasis on
involving young people, as future leaders, in community
activities that include different cultures and promote
international understanding and respect for diversity.
The Day is also intended to support the goals and objectives of
the Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of
Peace and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and
Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).
To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN
encourages governments, international organizations and civil
society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that
contribute to the efforts of the international community
towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity,
mutual understanding and reconciliation.
Source: https://www.un.org
Health Tips
Tips to Prevent Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease. More than 1
billion doses of the hepatitis B vaccine have been given
worldwide, and it is considered to be a very safe and effective
vaccine to protect infants, children and adults from hepatitis
B.
All sexual partners, family and close household members living
with a chronically infected person should be tested and
vaccinated. It is important to remember that hepatitis B is not
spread casually! It is not spread by coughing, sneezing,
hugging, cooking and sharing food. It is spread through direct
contact with infected blood and bodily fluids.
Additional Prevention Measures
In addition to vaccination, there are other simple ways to help
stop the spread of hepatitis B:
 Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after
any potential exposure to blood
 Use condoms with sexual partners
 Avoid direct contact with blood and bodily fluids
 Clean up blood spills with a fresh diluted bleach solution
(mix 1 part bleach with 9 parts water)
 Cover all cuts carefully
 Avoid sharing sharp items such as razors, nail clippers,
toothbrushes, and earrings or body rings
 Discard sanitary napkins and tampons into plastic bags
 Avoid illegal street drugs (injecting, inhaling, snorting, or
popping pills)
 Make sure new, sterile needles are used for ear or body
piercing, tattoos, and acupuncture
Source: https://www.hepb.org
Page 8 of 12
Chapter News and member's Activities
Report from National Conference on Occupational
Health and Safety
Recently Mr. K N Sen (President, ASSP India Chapter)
attended The National Conference on Occupational Health
and Safety as guest speaker. The conference was organized by
Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) at Kolkata. State Power
and Non-conventional Energy Sources Minister of Govt. of
West Bengal Mr. Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay was the chief
guest of this national seminar on OSH towards a healthy &
safe workplace. Senior Management Representatives from
leading industries participated in this national level seminar.
The seminar had received extensive media coverage.
Glimpses from the seminar -

Community Service
Driving training schools in the cities are the perfect location
for spreading road safety awareness message among the
trainees those are going to be a new driver on the road. As a
part of voluntary community service Mr. Sandip Mukherjee
(Chair Newsletter, ASSP India Chapter) has taken the initiative
of providing defensive driving training to the learner drivers at
one of the driving training school in Kolkata.

June/2019 ASSP - India Page 9 of 12

 ASSP – India Chapter: Executive Committee Members (Governing Body)
July 2019 to June 2020
Sl Position Name & Qualification
Krishna Nirmalya Sen (Chartered Engineer, FIE, DIS,
DIPC, AIDOSH (Sweden), PG Program in Safety
1 President
Promotion (KI Sweden), PhD Scholar)
E-mail: krishnanirmalya@gmail.com;

Vice President, Chair

H. R. Rangaswamy (CSP, BE-Chemical, DIS (RLI))
2
student affairs
E-mail: Rangaswamy_HR@Praxair.com;

Secretary, Chair
V Janardhanam (BE-Civil, ME-Env., MSc-Civil (NUS -
3 Singapore)
Meetings & webinars
E-mail: vjana05@gmail.com;

V.Purushothaman (AMIE, M.Sc, MBA, DIS-RLI, IGBC-

4 Treasurer AP, CSP)
E-mail: venupurush@gmail.com;

Indranil Chakraborty (M. Tech in Occupational

Health & Safety, PDIS, NEBOSH INC, Lead Auditor ISO
5 Chair membership
45001:2018)
E-mail: cindranil1@rediffmail.com;

Chair Awards &

R Bharadwaj(BE Mech, I Dip, ADIS, PGDEM, NEBOSH
6 IGC)
Honor
E-mail: rbharadwaj@lntecc.com;

Sandip Mukherjee (DIS, NEBOSH IGC, OHST)

7 Chair Newsletter
E-mail: smukherjee1971@yahoo.co.in;

Chair public Relations Amitava Lahiri (BSc, DIS, NEBOSH IGC)

8 / community
relationships E-mail: alahiri@lntecc.com;
Sl Position Name & Qualification

Rashmi Mishra(BE (Fire & Safety), NEBOSH IGC, IMS-

9 Chair WISE Internal Audit, OHSAS-18001- Lead Auditor)
E-mail: Rashmi.Mishra@larsentoubro.com;

Suraj Verma
10 Chair Web Affairs
E-mail:surajverma.ips@gmail.com;

Yusuf J Gundagi (Dip. Chemical Engineering, ADIS)

11 Chair Student Affairs
E-mail: yusuf.gundagi@oilstates.com;

Cheekurthi Prajapati (DME, DIS, NEBOSH IGC,

12 EC Member IOSH, IMS Internal Auditor)
E-mail: prasad643@gmail.com;

Kailash S.(CSP, CIH)

13 EC Member
E-mail: kailashram2001@yahoo.com;

Digantika Ghosh (M. Tech, NEBOSH IGC, CSAP)

14 EC Member
E-mail: digantikaghosh@gmail.com;

June/2019 ASSP - India Page 11 of 12

HSE Quiz

1. Any of the factors that accelerate the rate of aging through wear and tear of daily life is called:
A Stress B Aging
C Calcium deficit D Workplace impact

2. While donning SCBA for use in a confined space with an IDLH atmosphere, the individual must:
A Not enter in the area B Don a safety harness / lifeline
C Have a standby worker with another SCBA D Have a escape pack

3. Common health effects of mold contamination include -

A Asthma B Hypersensitive Pneumonia
C Cough, Sneezing, Nasal congestion D All of the above

4. Slips, trips and falls contribute to 50% of all accidents. What measures can be taken to reduce the risk of injury ?
A Keeping all equipment well maintained B Ensuring walkways remain unobstructed
C Reporting any slip, trip or fall hazard D All of the above

5. Which three major factors cause food contamination?

A Physical, Biological and Chemical B Physical, Psychological and Health
C Physical, Biological and Radiological D Physical, Chemical and Psychological

Watch out the next issue for correct answer

Answers from last issue’s (May / 2019) Quiz: 1 (C); 2 (D); 3 (C); 4 (D); 5 (A)

You are welcome to send your inputs to: Sandip Mukherjee; e-mail:
newsletter@india.asse.org; Phone: +91 9829600067
Selected articles shall be published in next publication

Become an ASSP member today &avail a world of professional opportunities….

ASSP offers its members many opportunities for networking, professional development, global
media outreach, government affairs programs, standards development, publications and other
resources. For further details, please contact:

Mr. K. N Sen, President; email: krishnanirmalya@gmail.com; Phone - +91 9444399208

Mr. V Janardhanam, Secretary; email: vjana05@gmail.com ; Phone: +91 9500079757

For more information please visit our website- http://india.assp.org

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this newsletter. Still in case of any
unintentional errors, ASSP- India Chapter or any members of the Chapter accepts no responsibility. The details given here are just
for information and the reader should check its correctness from his/her resources and should not action the basis of the
information provided herein.

June/2019 ASSP - India Page 12 of 12