HSE
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
On Nov.3, we celebrated the UAE Flag Day. As part of the events of the flag campaign “Raise it high… Raise it proud” we were hoisting the flag in front of the mall where our office is situated. All management and staff were present representing a high multi-national blend joining together to show our solidarity to the country and its leaders’ vision.
The UAE national anthem was played at the end and we were just dispersing when I suddenly noticed our vice-president Sultan Al Hajji rushing to the middle of the pathway separating the main road from the mall.
I saw a group of school children running between the vehicles to a school bus which had stopped wrongly on the middle of the road for them to alight.
I was shocked and my reaction was also as impulsive as my vice president. I too rushed to the bus, stopped the children and went and requested the driver to move the bus to a safe place for children to get in. All these happened in a flash and we were able to control the children quickly.
We sent a request to the mall authorities and through them to the government departments to have appropriate fencing immediately so that this easy path that tempts drivers to stop midway ends.
We also came out with a plan to reroute the direction for larger groups, especially children to board the bus in safety. End of the day, it became a productive effort with excellent coordination from all concerned.
This spur of the moment action made our UAE Flag Day memorable. We felt happy that we value safety.
Safety aspects cannot be given rest. Safety is everybody’s business.
That is the culture we wish to bring on in everyone’s mind.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today Online
For all my readers:
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Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicksand Writes
School buses must be tamed – Letters to the Editor – The National Dt 04 November 2014
School buses must be tamed
I am relieved to know that road accident rates in Abu Dhabi have fallen (Deaths on roads decline by 17 per cent, November 2).
However, when I look at the way some drivers behave, I cannot believe that we have made any significant achievement in terms of road safety awareness.
For example, I regularly see school buses speeding through Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street, Corniche Road and through the narrow lanes of Madinat Zayed. I see them being driven recklessly almost everywhere in the city.
Are these drivers not bothered about the safety of children, that of their own and other road users? Are they not even afraid of punishment?
More importantly, there is no way to alert the bus owners about such dangerous behaviour as none of them carries the “Am I driving safely?” sticker. This issue needs to be addressed urgently.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit The National online
Safety First – Wear your seat belts
For all my readers:
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Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicksand Writes
Importance of breakfast
Do you have breakfast in the morning?
If not, start it as a habit. Health is one of Your Wealth.
Also, whenever you get an opportunity, feed animals.
It gives an immense feeling of joy, compassion and many more expression of known and unknown kind.
#PassionatePhotographers
#ClicksandWrites
#RameshMenonAbuDhabi
#InAbuDhabi
#HSE
For all my readers:
If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post.
You may also read similar articles at: Safety First
I would love to read your comments.
Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicksand Writes
Drive Safe – Gulf Today – Short Take Dt 25 October 2014
Drive safe
I am always worried when I get to see people driving dangerously. It has been a routine to talk and promote about safety on the road and elsewhere. From experience, I have felt people have to be consistently reminded of safe driving habits.
A moment of lapse in attention is enough to result in a major road disaster.
This is again and again proved when I drive on the Abu Dhabi – Dubai highway.
I was driving back from Dubai a few days ago and found the car in front of me not in control and wavering from one line to another. Feeling something dangerous going to happen as I watched a few distance from behind, I flashed and honked the driver to stop.
I went to him and talked to him whether he was ok. I found him exhausted and sleepy. It took some time for me to convince him to stop for some time, take enough rest and re-start his journey.
Many times, we may not get to be in that situation. I realised that it is not enough to drive carefully. But, we also need to watch out for others’ mistakes.
Beware of others’ mistakes. True to its word, at times we are really helpless.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online
For all my readers:
If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post.
You may also read similar articles at: Safety First
I would love to read your comments.
Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicksand Writes
Key words: Road Safety, Safety First
Jaywalking on the increase
Jaywalking on the increase
I would like to bring readers’ attention to the fact that jaywalking has increased on the streets of Abu Dhabi – especially along Sheikh Zayed the First Street (formerly Electra Road).
I find driving in the evening quite dangerous, because people of all ages cross the road at will.
I don’t know why they do this without any consideration for their own lives, but I do know that a lack of fencing is allowing them to do it.
I believe the distance between the pedestrian crossings is too far, so people take the easy option. I also think that some people avoid using the underpass because they feel unsafe doing so.
There should be an official campaign to fine people who jaywalk, and this fine should be increased if the person is talking on a mobile phone or listening to music through earphones.
I would like to see fencing along the median strip and signage to indicate the location of the underpass.
Let’s work together to make safety a priority.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read this in original, please visit The National Online
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi launches Dugong Education and Awareness Campaign
Awareness campaign sponsored by Total and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh (ABK)-
Abu Dhabi, October 20, 2014: The Environment Agency –Abu Dhabi (EAD), in partnership with Total and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh (ABK), launched the dugong education and awareness campaign today at Al Mamoura Auditorium, at EAD’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The campaigns aims to raise awareness on the current threats that affect the dugong population found in Abu Dhabi, and how to provide the dugongs with a safe haven to live and breed.
During the kick-off of the campaign, Ahmed Baharoon, EAD’s Executive Director, Environmental Information, Science & Outreach Management spoke on behalf of H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General of EAD, and Mr. Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Total E&P UAE, emphasised the importance of their continuous joint efforts in conserving the dugong population, protecting its habitat, and monitoring and studying their biological and geographical distribution in the UAE’s waters.
Commenting on the launch of the campaign, H.E. Al Mubarak, Secretary General of EAD, said: “Through this campaign, we aim to raise environmental awareness and educate the community on the importance of protecting the dugongs, as the UAE waters are home to the second-largest population of this species in the world. Through the support of Total and Total ABK, EAD is successfully implementing its Dugong Conservation Programme, enabling the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to provide a safe haven for this migrating species and making the UAE for a leader in global dugong conservational efforts.”
Throughout the coming months, EAD, Total, and Total ABK, will organise interactive educational workshops and information campaigns to educate middle-school and high-school students, the fishing community and boat owners in Abu Dhabi and the Western Region, shoreline industries and the general public. The campaign will also include a public outreach programme through EAD’s social media platforms, along with a number of family-oriented entertaining and educational activities in November 2014, to be held at Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity at EAD, commented: “Since 1999, EAD, Total, and Total ABK, have collaborated in conducting detailed studies on the local dugong population. These studies have provided our teams with the data that helps us better understand the behaviour and threats against the dugong population. Dugongs are an endangered species and could be threatened with extinction unless we conserve their habitat and prevent human interference.”
“One of the most important elements of our conservation efforts is to inform and educate the public about marine life found in Abu Dhabi. Through this campaign, we work together in order to protect the dugong population,” Dr. Al Dhaheri added.
Mr. Hatem Nuseibeh, President Total E&P UAE and Group Representative in the UAE, commented, “Total UAE and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh are proud to be an ardent supporter in EAD’s dugong conservation program by exclusively sponsoring since its launch in 1999. Thanks to EAD’s efforts, today Abu Dhabi is a leader of international repute hosting the Dugong Secretariat of Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) under United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Since 1939, Total has established a solid partnership with the authorities and people of the UAE by sharing technology and innovation, environment protection, capacity building of Emiratis and aligning with the vision of the wise leadership of the UAE. We have an unwavering commitment for the benefit of the UAE.”
Mr. Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Total E&P UAE, said, “Both Total and Total ABK as responsible energy companies, contribute to the welfare of the host country in all aspects including environment conservation. Under the wise leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and the guidance of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Total UAE and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh demonstrate their solidarity by partnering with EAD in the noble cause of preserving the delicate biodiversity of the Emirates. This is one of the ways of expressing our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the UAE.”
Significant effort has been made by the UAE and EAD in the conservation of the dugong population. In 2002, EAD banned drift net fishing practices in shallow waters to prevent dugongs and turtles from becoming entangled in the nets. On a national front, the UAE issued Federal Law No. 23 and 24 in 1999 to protect dugongs from exploitation. In support of international efforts, the UAE was one of the first Middle Eastern countries to sign the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) agreement in 2007 on the conservation and management of dugongs and their habitat. The Dugong Memorandum of Understanding, which falls under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), is implemented through the CMS Secretariat office hosted by EAD since 2009 on behalf of the UAE’s Government.
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Overflowing toilets – a serious hygiene issue at Kadugodi Bus Station.
Overflowing toilets – a serious hygiene issue at Kadugodi Bus Station.
On Saturday, 4th October 2014, a few of us came out with a plan to clean up the Kadugodi Pedestrian Over Bridge. It is almost a year since this structure became a reality. As regular users and also concerned community members, we were worried by the amount of waste materials being dumped on it. Added to it, the roof of the connecting side of the bridge to the railway station was heavily dumped with falling leaves, thrown away food and plastic materials.
It was an effort carried out by only few of us but we made sure the objective was well achieved.
A huge support was extended from the Whitefield Railway Station Manager, Mr. Anand Sivaram and his staff.
However, carrying out the cleaning campaign, we were shocked to observe an extremely serious hygiene issue.
At the side of the bridge connecting the BMTC station, we found, heavy leakage and clogging from the toilets of the bus station. As you may see from the photo attached, it was extremely disturbing site to see.
Checking with the Railway Station Manager, we found that, repeated plea from Railways to cement the leakage has been ignored and have seen no favorable action from BMTC side till now.
With frequent rain and with the waste accumulate increasing by each passing day; the situation is turning to a serious hygiene issue for public. There are many cases of dengue and other diseases getting reported and this will be another reason for spreading such cases.
It has to be noted that more than 10,000 people use the sky bridge for reaching the bus or railway station every day.
Thinking more about it, I now find the reason why I get to see BMTC drivers and conductors relieving themselves on the road. The male staff can get away like that. But, what about the female staff? Where do they go, if the facilities are not properly maintained and managed?!
Organisations like BMTC should act proactively for the welfare of the public and their staff.
I humbly request BMTC Management through the office of BMTC MD, Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, to consider urgent repair of the toilets at Kadugodi BMTC station and plug the leaks and work hand in hand with Railway authorities to avoid any hygiene issues.
Sincere regards,
Ramesh Menon
Additional reading:
Thank you – Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Need for increased "speed control measures" by BTP in Kadugodi area
The connecting road from Hoskote to Hope Farm area of Whitefield Bangalore has been relayed beautifully by the authorities.
The work has been done in such a way that the road till the Kadugodi Over Bridge is smooth and in a drivable condition.
There is a danger awaiting here at all times.
With the completion of the road work, the traffic has gained momentum in terms of speed. This includes the buses and heavy trucks.
A U-turn exists near the bridge making it easy for residents of nearby communities to cross over to the other side of the road.
However, the removal of a speed breaker that existed is now causing lot of inconvenience and near miss situations for the drivers to turn and proceed.
The bikes, trucks and buses are all in a hurry and neither stops nor reduce the speed!
Another serious danger of children from an apartment complex nearby crossing over the road to take their school bus. On either side, these vehicles never reduce the speed. Coming down the narrow bridge, the vehicles tend to speed and proceed. Going towards the bridge, the vehicles compete with each other to reach the bridge first!
It doesn’t end there. Many vehicles coming from the Hoskote side, take advantage of the U-turn and cut across wrongly and proceed towards the market side or residential communities located there. This is extremely dangerous and has to be immediately controlled.
I humbly request BTP on this serious safety issue and resolve it by:
– Having appropriate reduce speed signage kept in this area.
– Having BTP patrol presence in the morning, especially when children go to school.
– Having increased BTP patrol presence, on first Sunday of the month where a regular function is held at Sai Vrindavan Ashram and heavy traffic and people movement happens.
– Kindly reroute the heavy trucks from this road and using the bridge, which causes regular traffic blocks.
Accidents have to be averted by taking necessary safety measures before and not after they have happened and valuable life lost.
Ramesh Menon
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Thank you – Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign
Thank you – Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign
Dear all,
Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign – Saturday, 4th October 2014
We Did It! Thanks to the support of all those who volunteered, we did a campaign to clean the pedestrian overbridge at Kadugodi, Whitefield Bangalore. Starting at 09:30, it took us 3:30 hours to complete the job. Sincere thanks to Amit Das, Jayanth Bhat, Deepika Jayanth Bhat, Rajashree Menon and Suraj Menon. Of course, a respectable mention and thanks to Sri Anand Sivaram, Manager, Whitefield Railway Station and staff of Kadugodi Police Station.
It was an experience of a special kind. We received “Thank you”, “Good Job” and also Thumbs up sign from many who used the bridge during the time we were cleaning. It was nice to see some unknown people, readily volunteering and took the broom from our side and did cleaning for some time and then continuing to their work. As a coin has two sides, there were those who passing negative comments!.
It is just a beginning only.
Now, we need a few things in place:
1. BBMP support to keep the area neat and clean and fine those who post notices or flex boards on it.
2. If BBMP cannot maintain the bridge, a provision to handover it to the Railways, who are willing to keep the area safe and clean. (item 1 and 2 are my next objective).
3. About 20 dust bins to be kept on each corners of it (if anyone interested to volunteer and provide – welcome – need your help – any volunteers!).
4. During the campaign, I happened to discover a bigger issue issue that is happening in the area, which is not known to many. The toilets of the BMTC bus station are overflowing. BMTC are not listening to Railways requests to plug this problem. It will be an additional item in my agenda to get this hygiene issue resolved.
Temporary arrangement has been done to keep the area neat and clean for the time being on a daily basis. But permanent solution is what I am searching for with the co-operation of BBMP, Railways and BMTC.
Once again, thanks to all of you who supported, blessed us to take up this initiative.
Now, not as a challenge – but as an initiative – Are you interested to take up a similar campaign in your neighbourhood? If so, kindly share this and spread the word around. If a small team comprising few of us could try and do it, I am sure; you can definitely do it in a better way.
Sincere thanks,
Ramesh Menon
Saturday, 4th October 2014, Kadugodi, Whitefield, Bangalore
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