The coupon system for compliance with safety regulations is in effect at the enterprises of the Belarusian power system
This is a good practice worth noting. These measures are certainly justified, as the daily work of energy sector employees is associated with danger, as in many other production areas. However, this is only the case if labor protection requirements are not observed. These are rules that make work safe and preserve life and health. The stakes are high, yet there are instances where employees ignore the regulations, stubbornly refusing to wear a hard hat or use a safety harness. Yes, there are moments when management falls short in organizing labor protection, and there is a lack of proper control by the employer. Nevertheless, in most cases of industrial injuries, the employees themselves are to blame. One can't help but wonder: why do they not value their own lives so little?
This and other issues were discussed at the seminar-meeting "Preventive work to reduce industrial injuries in agricultural organizations of the Ministry of Energy" held in Polotsk district. Representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the republican committee of the trade union of workers in the energy, gas, and fuel industry, as well as heads, chief engineers, and labor protection specialists from "Belenergo" enterprises took part in it.
In total, there are eight agro-branches in the system, two of which are in our region – the branches of RUP "Vitebskenergo" "Teplichny" in Orshansky district and "Vesna-energo" in Polotsky district, where the seminar participants familiarized themselves with the organization of work on safety compliance.
As noted by Valery Porshnev, Deputy Chief Engineer of the State Production Association "Belenergo," the meeting was prompted by an industrial injury incident that occurred a few months ago at the "Dubrava-agro" branch.
Of the Gomel region. An experienced machine operator began to eliminate a malfunction in the combine harvester's header with the engine running, ignoring elementary safety requirements. As a result, he lost a hand. Investigators have established the worker's 100% fault in the incident.
This year, the industry has seen an increase in the number of accidents, including fatal ones (6 in 11 months). Valery Nikolaevich is convinced that, given the resources and efforts invested in labor protection in the energy sector, such situations should not occur at all.
In the "Vesna-Energo" branch, there have been no such incidents this year. The issue of employees' compliance with safety regulations is given the utmost attention here. The participants of the meeting became convinced of this during their visit to the "Zaskorki" dairy complex. In general, the trend in animal husbandry is as follows: the more mechanized the milk production process, the less human involvement, and therefore, the lower the risks of injury. Mechanization helps to avoid personnel injuries, reduce sickness benefits, and improve production discipline.
As reported by **Andrey Nikiforov, Director of the "Vesna-Energo" branch**, "Zaskorki" was one of the first in the region to implement robotic milking systems, and it showcases the most modern technologies currently used in Belarus's animal husbandry. Labor protection is directly linked to technologies that minimize the human factor. Naturally, the highest requirements are applied to personnel.
– The entire complex is serviced by 28 people. Safety issues are constantly monitored, and once a year, we conduct a knowledge test for personnel on labor protection, for which we have a licensed program.
plus own tickets have been developed. Based on the results, work is permitted. And, of course, our employees are motivated by the coupon system; no one wants to lose their job with decent pay and working conditions," noted Andrey Anatolyevich.As for the greenhouse complex, a labor protection classroom has been equipped here, which impressed the guests. It houses special literature, information stands, basic protective equipment, and classes and briefings with staff are held in the classroom. In the administrative building, employees have access to a shower, locker room, and a dining room. The greenhouses are currently growing cucumbers, which will appear on store shelves by the New Year holidays, as well as packaging of greens.
By the way, if previously chemical agents were used to protect plants, now only biological ones are used, meaning staff do not come into contact with chemical preparations, and an environmentally friendly product is obtained at the end. Numerous stands remind of safety measures when working in greenhouses.
Perhaps, in matters of labor protection, the law applies – there is never too much information. The more you talk about it, the higher the probability that a person will listen.
– Safety regulations were written a long time ago, and yet we should constantly return to them, remind people of the need to comply with them. The labor protection service in the branches must identify shortcomings and violations. There are no trifles in this matter. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and they should be the main lesson for employees; one must learn from others' mistakes," emphasized Valery Porshnev.
And to adopt positive experience, is convinced the head of the department of labor protection and state expertise of working conditions of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Ivan Karchevsky, giving a high assessment of the organization of safety at the complex and in the greenhouse complex.
Olga MASLOVSKAYA, photos by the author. "Vitebskiye Vesti".