The Ministry of Workplace Relations, through the National Occupational Health and Safety Service (NOHSS), has taken decisive action in response to an incident at Rampur College involving two students who fell into a septic tank. This unfortunate event transpired last Friday during a school recess when the students used a restricted shortcut from the washroom to the canteen, stepping onto a septic tank cover that unexpectedly gave way.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh confirmed that while both students were swiftly rescued by a fellow classmate and escaped without injuries, the incident raised significant concerns about the structural integrity of the septic tank cover. In light of the investigation, NOHSS has issued both a Requisition Notice and an Improvement Notice to the college to address these serious safety issues.
The Requisition Notice mandates Rampur College to submit essential occupational health and safety documentation, including an Occupational Health and Safety Policy, an internal investigation report on the incident, and a revised layout map highlighting restricted areas on campus. This step is crucial to ensure the school aligns with safety regulations and protocols.
Furthermore, the Improvement Notice requires immediate action from the college, specifically the installation of barricading around the affected area and necessary repairs to the septic tank, to be completed by next Friday. Singh emphasized that these actions underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring all educational institutions adhere to occupational health and safety standards.
Additionally, the NOHSS has advised the college to enhance preventive measures, such as placing clearer warning signs in restricted zones, increasing student awareness of approved pathways during recess, and improving staff supervision in areas that may pose risks.
The Ministry of Workplace Relations has reiterated its dedication to collaborating with the Ministry of Education and school OHS Committees to foster compliance and ensure the safety of learning environments across the nation. This proactive approach aims to prevent similar incidents in the future, ultimately fostering a safer educational experience for all students.
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