Strengthen safety protocols, inspections & operator training

Effective emergency plan required

The recent incident at Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station, where a hydraulic crane tipped over during construction activities, raises significant concerns about the adherence to safety standards in such high-risk operations. Pre-deployment precautions must include ensuring that the crane operator is fully trained and certified to operate hydraulic cranes safely. The importance of verifying the operator’s competence cannot be overstated, as human error is often a contributing factor in accidents. It is equally crucial that the crane and all associated equipment are in optimal working condition before deployment. Thorough inspections should be conducted to ensure the crane is mechanically sound, and proper attention should be given to its hydraulic and structural components. Additionally, accurate measurements of the loads being lifted, taking into account factors like wind resistance and load stability, are vital to avoid exceeding the crane’s capacity. During the deployment, a comprehensive site assessment should be carried out to identify and mitigate any hazards such as uneven terrain, overhead obstacles, or the presence of nearby structures or vehicles. It is essential that clear communication protocols are established among the crane operator, the signal person, and all personnel involved. Exclusion zones or safety barriers should be implemented to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the lifting area, and loads must be properly secured before any lifting activity. Another important aspect of crane operations is the monitoring of weather conditions. Crane operations should be suspended during adverse weather conditions like strong winds or heavy rain to reduce the risk of accidents. Regular maintenance and servicing of equipment are also necessary to prevent mechanical failures. Authorities must take proactive measures to monitor operator fatigue, ensuring that they take necessary breaks to maintain focus and reduce human error. Finally, an effective emergency response plan must be in place to facilitate quick action in case of an incident. These measures will help ensure that incidents like the one at Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station do not occur in the future.

Dr Kulwant Singh Phull

Zero tolerance for safety deviations

The tipping of a hydraulic crane at Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station during construction was an unfortunate incident, but the fact that no casualties occurred is a relief. The contractor, however, must be held accountable for this major mishap, and a thorough investigation should follow. It is crucial that the contractor be punished for the negligence that led to this incident.The damage caused to nearby vehicles and assets must be compensated to their owners without delay. Furthermore, the government must ensure that construction activities in public spaces are conducted in strict compliance with safety norms that align with international standards. Safety deviations should be met with zero tolerance, and contracting companies found at fault should be delisted.Government agencies responsible for safety audits and inspections must perform their duties with integrity and diligence. Those responsible for statutory audits or periodic inspections should face criminal proceedings if any mishap occurs due to safety violations or the compromise of defined procedures. This will help ensure that such negligence does not go unpunished, setting a precedent for future construction projects.

Jagdish Chander

Conduct regular inspections

The tipping over of a hydraulic crane, which resulted in the damage of nearby vehicles, raises serious concerns about the safety protocols followed during construction. This incident points to possible negligence in load assessment, equipment inspections, or ground stability checks. It underscores the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in construction sites, especially in high-traffic public spaces like railway stations. It is essential that safety audits are performed more frequently and rigorously. Construction companies and contractors must be required to submit to regular audits to ensure compliance with safety standards. Operator training and adherence to standard operating procedures must be strictly enforced. Furthermore, safety perimeters should be established during heavy lifting operations to prevent collateral damage. Without greater oversight and accountability, such preventable accidents will continue to endanger public safety and property. This incident highlights the pressing need for more stringent safety protocols in construction operations, especially in public spaces frequented by large numbers of people.

Aarti Rana Chauhan

No parking near construction areas

A devastating accident occurred on Saturday at Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station, where a hydraulic crane tipped over and damaged several nearby vehicles. The incident revealed significant negligence on the part of the government, which failed to implement adequate safety measures around the construction site. First and foremost, vehicles should never be allowed to park near crane operation areas. The proximity of parked vehicles to the construction zone contributed to the damage caused when the crane tipped over. The administration must immediately implement clearer parking guidelines and ensure that areas near construction sites are clearly marked and safe. In addition to controlling vehicle access, construction equipment must undergo thorough durability tests before being deployed. While equipment is often checked during its creation, tools tend to rust and degrade over time. Regular testing should ensure the machinery’s reliability and prevent failure during operation. Moreover, a healthcare team should be on standby to handle any emergency situations that arise from accidents at the site. Having trained medical staff ready to respond quickly can reduce the severity of injuries and provide immediate assistance. Lastly, worker safety is another area requiring attention. Many workers are hired without proper training or awareness of the risks involved in construction work. To prevent further accidents, workers must be employed on formal contracts and trained to handle the risks associated with construction work. Proper training, alongside an informed workforce, can greatly reduce the likelihood of such incidents.

Lakshit Jindal

Wake-up call for railway authorities

A major incident was narrowly avoided at Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station on Saturday when a hydraulic crane malfunctioned during its operation, causing its heavy head to come down on nearby vehicles and a toilet shed. Thankfully, no human casualties were reported, marking a miraculous escape. However, the event raises serious concerns regarding the safety protocols in place at the site. The presence of heavy machinery in such a high-traffic public space is inherently risky, and the lack of proper safety measures exacerbates this danger. The construction zone was not adequately secured, allowing vehicles to park dangerously close to the crane’s operation area. The absence of exclusion zones or designated safety barriers is alarming, especially in a busy railway station where numerous passengers and vehicles are in constant motion. Although initial reports suggest a technical glitch with the crane, human error or violations of safety guidelines cannot be ruled out. It is puzzling why vehicles were allowed to park so close to the construction site, and why there were no clear and safe routes for passengers accessing the platforms. The absence of proper planning and safety measures by both the contractor and the authorities is evident. Had the crane tipped over closer to the train platforms, the incident could have resulted in a far more catastrophic outcome. This incident should serve as a wake-up call to railway authorities to enforce stricter safety protocols, conduct regular safety audits, and ensure that construsction activities in public spaces do not compromise public safety in any way.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Equipment must be checked thoroughly

Recently, while at the station, I was reminded of a frightening incident that was reported everywhere involving the tipping over of a hydraulic crane near the parking area. The thought just scared me. Although the crane’s fall only resulted in damage to nearby vehicles, one couldn’t help but think—what if someone had been standing there? The consequences could have been tragic. Incidents like this raise serious concerns about public safety, especially in crowded places like railway stations. It should be among the most strictly monitored public spaces. Equipment like cranes and construction machinery must be checked thoroughly and regularly to avoid such dangerous mishaps. Given the constant flow of people in and out of stations, even a minor failure in equipment or a slight mistake can lead to catastrophic results. It is the responsibility of the concerned authorities to ensure that safety standards are maintained at all times. Routine safety inspections, proper maintenance, and adherence to international safety norms should be the norm, especially when it comes to machinery operating in such high-risk environments. Such negligence not only endangers lives but also erodes public trust in the systems. Safety cannot be an afterthought; it must always be a priority, especially in public spaces that are frequently visited by thousands of individuals daily.

Aarti Verma

Consistent oversight to ensure safety

Construction work at the station has been ongoing for quite some time now. While development is crucial, safety must never be compromised. Heavy machinery and equipment used in such projects should undergo thorough inspection before being put into operation. Recently, an incident occurred that could have turned disastrous. Thankfully, no casualties were reported, but this close call highlights significant gaps in safety protocols. It’s critical that all equipment used in public construction zones—especially in busy areas like railway stations—undergo regular safety checks and maintenance to prevent potential accidents. Authorities must take full responsibility for ensuring construction work doesn’t endanger lives. Strict protocols must be implemented, and adherence to safety standards must be non-negotiable. Preventive measures and consistent oversight are essential to ensure the safety of the public and the workers involved.

Anmol Sharma

Jalandhar