Month: January 2024

January 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Four civilians died and 30 were injured Jan. 8 after Russia’s fatal missile attack on Ukraine. The latest barrage, which struck several regions across the country, marks a grim new chapter in a 22-month long war. Daily airstrikes are hitting civilian areas, including housing and shopping malls.

A previous massive attack was less than two weeks earlier on Dec. 29, when Russia launched more than 120 missiles, killing 30 civilians, injuring 130, and leaving many more beneath rubble. Many families were completely cut off from water, heating, and electricity.

Since the start of the conflict in February 2022, 3.6 million Ukrainians have been displaced inside the country and 6.3 million people globally. Casualties continue to rise, with estimates surpassing 10,000. In the coming year, 14.6 million Ukrainians will be in desperate need of humanitarian aid, and worldwide the war may lead to market instability, higher food prices, and an escalation of global hunger.

The recent attacks are a direct violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits any attacks that destroy critical resources and threaten civilian survival. The impacted communities, which had been already struggling with widespread poverty, are now seeing large-scale destruction of critical infrastructure, such water, electricity and gas systems, as well as schools and health facilities.

As Ukrainians struggle in winter weather and subzero temperatures, civilians urgently need heat, electricity, and water to survive. Vulnerable families across the country bear the brunt of the conflict. In the first year of the war, more than 40% of the country saw their energy networks impacted. As the conflict continues, and more infrastructure is destroyed, millions more may be forced to flee or require urgent need in 2024.

When the conflict began, Action Against Hunger launched our emergency response immediately. Coordinated from Kyiv, our teams support displaced people and host communities in hard-hit areas around Chernivtsi in the West and Dnipro, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Sumy in the East. In the coming year, Action Against Hunger plans to extend our emergency work to the South, focusing on Odessa and Mykolaiv, where we will distribute food and basic supplies.

Every day that conflict rages on puts more civilian lives at risk. Continued and indiscriminate attacks also deteriorate living conditions and make distribution of basic supplies challenging, particularly in areas close to the front lines.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 28 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

In Ukraine, Action Against Hunger teams are setting up mental health services, providing people with cash and necessities, and supporting mobile health clinics.

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Photos by Arthur De Poortere

Safety in Design, though not a new concept, is gaining momentum in the US to improve safety for employees and reduce costly and sometimes ineffective workarounds to control risks in the workplace.

Safety in Design is a proactive and holistic approach to project development that integrates environmental, health, and safety (EHS) considerations into the engineering design and construction phases. This methodology involves the inclusion of professionals with both engineering and EHS expertise throughout the project’s life cycle. By incorporating safety measures from the project’s inception, Safety in Design aims to identify and mitigate potential hazards at their source, fostering a safer working environment and reducing risks for workers and the surrounding community.

This approach goes beyond compliance with regulations by actively seeking opportunities to eliminate or substitute hazards through changes in design, layout, or materials. Notably, it emphasizes foresight in anticipating maintenance and operational challenges, ensuring that safety considerations persist throughout the facility’s lifespan.

Safety in Design interventions encompass a range of strategies, from the installation of physical safeguards like roof parapets and guardrails to the strategic relocation of equipment for easier access and maintenance. Additionally, it involves thoughtful decisions in process design, such as opting for less hazardous chemicals or planning for efficient vehicle movement within the site.

By addressing safety concerns at the genesis of a project, Safety in Design empowers EHS professionals to make impactful changes, influencing the layout of facilities, incorporating engineering controls, and optimizing infrastructure elements. The ultimate goal is to create a safety-conscious culture that not only safeguards workers during construction but also ensures the long-term safety and ease of maintenance during the operational phase of the project.

Practical Examples 

Roof Parapets or Guardrails: By incorporating features like parapets or guardrails during the design phase, the need for active fall protection is reduced. This not only enhances worker safety but also simplifies ongoing maintenance activities.Relocation of Rooftop Equipment: Moving equipment from rooftops to the ground eliminates the need for rooftop access, minimizing the risk associated with working at heights. This decision can have long-term benefits for maintenance and repair activities.Chemical Substitution in Water Treatment: Choosing less hazardous chemicals in the design of water treatment processes is an excellent example of substitution from the hierarchy of controls. This reduces the potential risks associated with handling and storing hazardous substances.Site Layout Changes for Vehicle Safety: Planning for safe and efficient vehicle movement between buildings, such as forklifts and Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), promotes a safer working environment and reduces the likelihood of accidents.Generator Enclosure Design for Maintenance: Considering how generators can be safely removed from enclosures when they fail is a foresighted approach. This kind of planning ensures that maintenance activities are not only effective but also carried out with minimal risk.Safety Equipment Appropriately Placed: Many times, electric forklift charging areas don’t have room for safety equipment like an emergency eyewash/shower or spill kit. Reviewing the plans and making room for required safety equipment ensures that work areas are well thought out and safe.

Where do I Begin? 

While not a new concept, Safety in Design is starting to gain momentum in the US, following the United Kingdom, where is has been required in the construction industry since 1995. But how does one even begin incorporating the process into their work, or get their company involved? What sorts of skills does someone participating in the Safety in Design process need?

Collaborative, Multi-Disciplinary Team 

Implementing a comprehensive Safety in Design strategy is best achieved through the collaborative support of EHS professionals, operations personnel, and building design engineers. EHS professionals bring their regulatory expertise and risk assessment skills, ensuring that safety standards are met, and potential hazards are identified and addressed. Operations personnel contribute frontline insights into the practical aspects of day-to-day work, providing a nuanced understanding of operational intricacies. Building design engineers bring technical expertise to translate safety requirements into the physical design, incorporating protective measures seamlessly. This collaboration fosters an environment where safety is ingrained in every stage of the design process, from initial concept to execution. By combining regulatory compliance, operational practicality, and engineering precision, this holistic approach ensures that safety considerations are not only met but elevated to a core principle in the design ethos.

Review Each Phase of the Project 

An essential part of the process is review of the different phases of the design drawings by the safety professional, just as representatives of each of the other disciplines, such as the electrical engineer and mechanical engineers do. This process requires that the safety professional has the knowledge and skills to read engineering drawings and participate in design and engineering discussions.

Currently, these are not skills that are common for most safety professionals to have, nor are they commonly taught in occupational safety degree programs. Because of this, it may in many cases be best to recruit external help or expertise. Whether this is on the part of the design or construction company, or even on the part of the owner team requesting the design.

Is All the Effort Worth It? 

Applying Safety in Design principles makes business sense for several compelling reasons:

Cost Savings in the Long Run: While incorporating safety measures during the design phase may incur initial costs, it often leads to substantial long-term savings. By proactively addressing safety issues, businesses can reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and associated expenses. This includes costs related to workers’ compensation, medical care, legal fees, and potential regulatory fines. Additionally, a strong safety record and a commitment to safety practices can lead to lower insurance premiums. Insurers often reward companies with proactive safety measures in place, recognizing the reduced risk of accidents and claims.Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency: Safety in Design promotes a work environment where potential hazards are minimized or eliminated, creating a safer and more efficient workspace. When workers feel secure in their environment, productivity tends to increase, and the risk of work stoppages due to accidents or regulatory non-compliance decreases. This positive impact on productivity contributes to overall business success.Improved Reputation and Stakeholder Relations: Companies that prioritize safety by integrating it into their design processes demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of their employees, communities, and the environment. This commitment enhances the company’s reputation, fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and regulatory bodies. A strong safety record can be a valuable asset in competitive markets and should be highlighted in the company’s Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) reports/plans.Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Safety in Design ensures that a project or facility aligns with applicable safety regulations from the outset. This proactive approach reduces the risk of regulatory violations and associated penalties. Compliance with safety standards is not only a legal requirement but also contributes to a company’s overall risk management strategy.Long-Term Sustainability: Safety in Design supports the creation of facilities and processes that are sustainable and resilient. By considering safety throughout the entire life cycle of a project, businesses are better equipped to adapt to changing regulations, technological advancements, and societal expectations. This adaptability enhances the longevity and sustainability of the business.Employee Morale and Retention: Prioritizing safety sends a clear message to employees that their well-being is a top priority. This commitment to safety can boost morale, leading to higher job satisfaction and employee retention. A stable and experienced workforce contributes to overall operational efficiency and expertise.

Safety in Design is an investment that yields returns in terms of cost savings, operational efficiency, reputation, compliance, sustainability, and employee well-being. By integrating safety considerations into the design and construction phases, businesses set the foundation for a secure, productive, and resilient future.

Questions on how to implement Safety in Design in your workplace? We’re here to help!

Originally published by Minnesota Chamber of Commerce on mnchamber.com

Whitney Harvey: Shane, as the CDO for Baker Tilly, why did you embark on this effort and why was it important to have business leaders be the face of this next phase?

Shane Lloyd: We launched our first diversity, inclusion, belonging and societal impact (DIBS) strategy back in 2018 and it took us through to 2021 and we made notable progress in the number of people of color at our firm, the number of women at the senior manager and partner levels, and we also increased the number of opportunities our team members had to plug into DEI efforts. Additionally, we started receiving growing visibility for our efforts externally. It was amazing!

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Learn more about Shane Lloyd.