Global Insights: The Latest Safety News from Around the World (September Edition)

The high cost of overspeeding on Indian roads – and the peculiar silence on the issue

Overpeeding is a major cause of road accidents in India. The article highlights that punitive measures such as penalties and speed guns are not enough to tackle the issue. The article cites a 2021 report by the SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF) , which states that 55.9% of fatalities in road accidents in India are attributed to overspeeding. The report also highlights the disproportionate burden of road crashes on poor households. The article suggests that the issue of overspeeding is often absent from conversations around road safety in India, which are dominated by voices from the affluent class. The article concludes that overspeeding is a serious issue that needs to be addressed through a combination of measures, including drivers’ education, road design, and awareness campaigns.

Goa Activists Turn Potholes into Art to Spotlight Road Safety Concerns

Social activists in Panjim have transformed potholes near the Goa Dabolim Airport into vibrant Rangoli artworks to draw attention to the dangerous road conditions in the city. They are urging government officials to address the issue urgently to prevent accidents. The Rangoli installations serve as a visual representation of the need for road repairs and aim to prompt swift action from authorities to ensure safer roads for all.

Keep employee well-being at the core to thrive in the future of work

The article is an interview with Takehiko Mizutani , the Managing Director of Human Resources at AnyMind Group , a technology company that provides AI solutions for various industries. Mizutani shares his insights on how to keep employee well-being at the core of the future of work, especially in the post-pandemic era.

Rwanda Receives Kofi Annan Road Safety Award

Rwanda has received the Kofi Annan Road Safety Award for its commitment to road safety measures. The award, presented during a ceremony in Morocco, recognizes Rwanda's efforts in reducing fatalities and injuries from road crashes. The country has implemented initiatives such as road safety campaigns, investing in road construction and rehabilitation, and mandating speed governors in buses and trucks. Rwanda aims to continue developing innovative initiatives to save lives on its roads and calls for support from partners to improve sustainable transport systems.

Road safety advocate calls for drivers' education in schools

Road safety advocate Shane Sukhu is calling for drivers’ education to be included in the school curriculum in Trinidad and Tobago. Sukhu, the founder and director of Drive Wise TT, a non-profit organization that promotes safe driving practices and awareness, believes that drivers’ education can help reduce the high rate of road fatalities and improve road discipline among young drivers. He also suggests that driver’s education can empower students with life skills and create employment opportunities for driving instructors. Sukhu cites the examples of Canada and the US, where drivers’ education is part of the school system and has positive impacts on road safety.

Tyre Care Survey shows worrying lack of attention among Irish drivers, creating high road safety risk

A recent survey conducted by Continental Tyres in Ireland has revealed concerning the neglect of tire care among drivers. The survey found that one in three drivers checks their tires only every six months, indicating a lack of attention to this crucial safety aspect. Neglecting to monitor tire conditions, including tread depth and overall tire health, can significantly impact road safety. Continental Tyres emphasizes the importance of regular tire maintenance to ensure safe driving conditions on the road, particularly given the legal tread depth limit and potential penalties for non-compliance. This survey underscores the need for increased awareness and adherence to proper tire care practices among Irish drivers.

Elderly drivers can avoid road safety risks by pressing a little-known button

This article discusses a little-known button on rearview mirrors that is designed for night driving. The button activates an anti-glare mode, which reduces the brightness of car headlights flashing in the mirror. Many drivers, especially elderly ones, struggle with the glare from other vehicles' lights. TikTok users were surprised and impressed by this discovery. The article also mentions that a study found that 88% of drivers get dazzled by headlights, and some even avoid driving at night because of it. Some social media users were confused as to why this hack was not widely known.

‘Nearly always preventable’: Help workers avoid hearing loss

Noise can serve as a crucial warning system in various settings, but excessive or hazardous noise levels can lead to permanent hearing damage and other health issues. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) emphasizes that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, primarily by reducing workplace noise levels below 85 decibels (dBA). Employers can contribute to hearing protection by adopting initiatives like "Buy Quiet," encouraging the use of quieter machinery, and monitoring workers' hearing through annual audiometric testing. Creating noise maps of loud areas in the workplace and effectively communicating noise exposure risks to employees are also recommended strategies.

Indian Chamber of Commerce hosts its 5th National Occupational Health and Safety Conference

The Indian Chamber of Commerce recently held its 5th National Occupational Health and Safety Conference in Kolkata. The event brought together industry leaders, experts, and dignitaries to discuss the importance of occupational health and safety. Speakers emphasized the need to prioritize worker well-being and highlighted efforts to improve occupational health and safety. The government of West Bengal also discussed its commitment to worker welfare and safety. The conference concluded with a call for continuous improvement and a focus on creating safer workplaces.

OSHA Grants $12.7M to Boost Safety Training Across the Nation

The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has allocated approximately $12.7 million in grants to support education and training efforts by 100 non-profit organizations nationwide. These grants aim to enhance awareness and knowledge among workers and employers about recognizing workplace hazards, implementing injury prevention measures, and understanding their rights and responsibilities under federal law. The grants are distributed across three categories: Targeted Topic Training, Training and Educational Materials Development, and Capacity Building grants, all funded through the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program.

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