Street Lighting

Road traffic crashes are a major cause of death and injury, especially in low and middle-
income countries. Worldwide, each year over a million people are killed and some ten
million people are permanently disabled in road traffic crashes. Furthermore, it is
estimated that road traffic injuries will have risen from ninth to third in world disease
burden rankings by 2020, and will account for 2.3 million deaths each year globally.

Street lighting has been suggested as a relatively low-cost intervention with the potential
to prevent traffic crashes. Street lighting may improve a driver's visual capabilities and
ability to detect roadway hazards. However, it is also argued that street lighting could
have an adverse effect on road safety; drivers may 'feel' safer because lighting gives them
improved visibility which could result in them increasing speed and reducing
concentration.

This systematic review was conducted to assess how street lighting affects the occurrence
of road traffic crashes and associated injuries. The authors searched for all controlled
trials comparing the effects of new street lighting with unlit roads, or improved street
lighting with the pre-existing lighting level. They found 17 controlled before-after studies,
all of which were conducted in high-income countries. Twelve studies investigated the
effects of newly installed street lighting, four the effects of improved lighting and one
investigated both new and improved lighting. Five of the studies compared the effects of
street lighting with a separate area control, while the remaining 12 used data from a day-
time control. The authors were able to pool crash or injury data from 15 of the studies. The
risk of bias in these studies was judged to be high.

The results indicate that street lighting can prevent road traffic crashes, injuries and
fatalities. This finding might be of particular interest to low and middle-income countries
where the policy on street lighting is less developed and the installation of suitable
lighting systems is less common than in high-income countries. However, further well
designed studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of street lighting in middle
and low-income countries.

Provisions for NMT Vehicles in India,

Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) includes mainly walking,

cycling and cycle rickshaws. All of them are green modes of
transport: their carbon footprint is low, energy consumption is
minimal and their local emissions are zero. In addition they are
not dependent on fossil fuels and therefore inexpensive com-
pared to motorised transport. Low-income households in India
largely depend on NMT in their daily life. Also, active transpor-
tation in the form of walking and cycling has immense health
benefits. Still, NMT is all too often neglected as a substantial
mobility option in favour of capital and infrastructure inten-
sive modes of transport.
(Source: NTDCP Final Report 2013)
Most Indian cities are still compact in their design with high
population densities and mixed land use — ideal preconditions
for NMT as a substantial form of mobility for shorter trips and
as a feeder to mass transportation services. Indian cities are
expected to exceed 800 million inhabitants by 2050. The grow-
ing demand for mobility and the increasing motorisation rates
are putting strain on the existing resources and are resulting in
highly polluted and congested cites. In addition, the Indian real
estate market is witnessing acceleration in many green field
housing development projects to cater for the growing upper
middle class which tends to follow the model of low density
development and suburban sprawl.
It has thus become imperative to address the growing chal-
lenges in urban transportation and to maintain and further
develop NMT as a key element in the transport system. This
document is intended to assess the current NMT policy situ-
ation in India and to outline a broad policy reform agenda to
support the development of NMT in India.
Recent trends in the modal share of NMT
The share of NMT (walking and cycling combined) in Indian
cities in the early 1980’s was in the range of 40–60% of the total
trips. A recent study for seven Indian cities has shown that
the share of NMT has been declining in recent years (with few
exceptions such as Chennai or Patna, see Figure 1).
Rickshaws — a unique type of NMT used for both passenger
and freight traffic — hold a substantial modal share in most
Indian cities. However, rickshaws are often blamed for creating
congestion and hampering the flow of traffic — an assumption
which was refuted by Tafari et al. (2007), stating that providing
segregated lanes for NMT in fact considerably increases road
capacity. Rickshaws are an important feeder service for public
transport. Advani (2010) highlighted that 24% of the Delhi
metro trips are dependent on Rickshaws as feeder mode
Safety Provisions for Pedestrians
though Pedestrian is the most important constituent of traffic, he belongs to high risk group on road. In
order to remain safe from perils of road, pedestrians should cultivate the habit of using road infrastructure
in proper manner. Subways, Zebra Crossings, foot over bridges should be used to cross the road. Short
cuts and easy options of crossing roads are dangerous and should not be resorted to.

Simple actions on road will keep you safe:

• Walk with care and with all sense.

• Look towards oncoming traffic.
• Never assume driver has seen you when you are about to cross the road, its your
responsibility to save yourself.
• Avoid crossing road where drivers may not be able to see you.
• Wait for suitable gap in the traffic flow before crossing the road.
• Never jump over the divider railings. You may tumble on to the traffic.

• Always hold hands of children while crossing the road.

• Avoid using roads for morning walks and jogging.
• Take extra care if you have to cross the road on or near a crest or curve.
• Avoid crossing road between parked cars.
• Crossing road by the shortest and most direct route reduces your time on road.

Children are more susceptible to the dangers of road. It is not solely the drivers of the vehicles who cause
accidents but carelessness of children and lack of awareness which add up the cause of accidents on road.
Teach your child to walk on footpath, encourage him/her to use subways, zebra crossing etc. If you will
do the right thing on road, your child will a follow you and will remain safe in traffic.

To cross the road children should learn following:

• Stop at the kerb

• Look at your right, left and right again.
• Ensure that no vehicle is approaching Then walk across the road.

Cyclists
As bicycle is the most popular and widely used non-motorized vehicle, a cyclist should know the traffic
rules. Almost 40 percent of injuries & fatalities of cyclists happen to children below 16 years. Never learn
cycling on public roads. Learn it in safer places like parks or play grounds in the presence of an adult. Your
knowledge of cycling is incomplete, if you do not know the preliminaries of road safety

Always:

• Keep cycle in working condition. Check brakes, tyre, air pressure, bell light and chain before
you ride it.
• Obey traffic signals. While taking turns watch out for traffic and give signal by hand.

• Do not overload. Cycle is for one and maximum for two.

• Move on the left side of the road.
• Avoid overtaking. Be in single file if the road is narrow.
• No acrobatics on road, keep both hands on the handle bar.
• If available use only cycle tracks.
• Remain constantly alert on the roads.
• Wear bright clothes and have bright light at night.
• Use reflective tape on cycle.
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Safety at Construction Site:
Construction sites, without a tinge of doubt, are dangerous places to work.
It goes without saying that proper safety measures at the site are of utmost
significance. So, every construction company should be well versed in the
construction safety rules and regulations. Now, let’s check out some of the
most essential safety practices a contractor should be following.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Follow Environmental Guidelines
• Keep the Work Area Clean
• Ladder Safety
• No Crowding inside the Site Perimeter
• Lifting Precautions
• Proper Site Training
• Safety Programs and Culture
• Risk Management System
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The Construction Industry is notorious for its safety hazard occurrences.
Needless to say, the construction workers are the ones who are most
prone to a construction accident. These hazards include injury to the eyes,
limbs, and other body parts, mechanical and electrical hazards, and even
worker fatalities. So, it is super important for every worker to wear
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
To minimize injuries from such accidents, the workers are required to wear
gloves, safety goggles (aka safety glass), knee pads, hard hats, earmuffs,
respirators, and vests whenever needed.
The protective gears must fit the workers and should be kept clean. The
workers are also required to be aware of when and where the safety
equipment is used. It might seem basic to wear the proper safety gear. But
it is crucial nevertheless.
Simple preventative measures like these can eliminate many injuries
related to electrical, mechanical, chemical, physical, and radiological
mishaps.
Follow Environmental Guidelines
Another super important one among the construction safety tips is to
follow the environmental guidelines.
Environmental hazards are more common in the winter and rainy seasons.
The blistering sun towering over the site also causes hazards to the
workers.
Hence, it is mandatory to be aware and take necessary measures to avert
injuries caused by nature’s ill moods.
The construction manager should take responsibility in such scenarios and
be ready even to halt the work if required.
Finally, in the case of Force majeure events, the onsite construction is best
left entirely suspended.
Keep the Work Area Clean
Gandhi once said,
“Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
It is totally valid in the case of construction sites too. A clean site is a safe
site. It’s that simple.
In general, construction sites are known for every hazardous material and
rubble they produce. The dust and debris can be highly toxic and cause
serious respiratory illnesses. So, it is advisable to wear a respirator while
using dusty equipment.
Not just the respiratory problems but the layers of dust can also cause
more imminent troubles. Grazing the skin by hidden construction
equipment, injuries due to trips and stumbles, hidden iron and steel rods
causing unnecessary injuries, just to name a few.
Ladder Safety
Ladder safety is another major safety issue concerning a construction
manager. But really, it needn’t have to be!
Minimal attention on the part of workers and contractors can avoid major
disasters.
Anyway, by following the worker safety tips, you can ensure the worker's
maximum safety from ladder accidents, decreasing fall hazards.
The ladder must be strong, tight, dry, and free from corrosion and other
damages
The ladder must always be taller than the destination of the climber
Always keep the ladder clean
Give proper training to the unskilled workers.
Fall protection must be there for every climb.
Using fall hazard signs

These measures are also applicable on scaffolding or a staircase.

No Crowding inside the Site Perimeter
Construction is not easy, let's face it. A construction worker needs to give
excessive physical effort and care to the project. Naturally, cooling sessions
are extremely important in the business.
However, these sessions shouldn’t mingle with their work. In other words,
the workers shouldn’t take their job lightly.\
Although it is usual for the workers to crowd around new equipment and
machinery, the construction manager should make sure that this doesn’t
become a habit.
To put it simply, crowds are noisy, and the subtleties of the work will get
overlooked easily. To prevent this, follow the easiest of the construction
site safety measures - NO CROWDING.
Lifting Precautions
Lifting heavy equipment is a major part of the construction job. The
construction workers are hence ready for the duty calls. However, lifting is
a laborious task. No matter how careful the workers are, there can still be
room for improvement.
Lifting hazards can be paralyzing and even fatal. So, the construction
workers should report as soon as they feel something is amiss.

The workers can follow these tips to diminish such casualties arising from
Lifting heavy machinery.
Following proper lifting techniques
Understanding one’s own limitations and asking for help
Making use of Innovations in Construction Technology like Exosuits and
Construction Wearables.
Proper Site Training
Every construction worker should get proper safety training before the
construction project. This eliminates all rookie mistakes and makes the
workers confident and comfortable around the site.
The safety procedures and protocols are to be followed strictly. Every
Safety officer has to ensure that every worker understands the significance
of the methods. They should also make sure that the workers are aware of
every potential danger and are ready for it.
Also, these days, construction site safety training is even available online.
So cool, right? Make use of it!
Safety Programs and Culture
While a training program can educate the workers about safety, it is simply
not enough in a long-term contract. Why? Because workers, like any other
person, they too are human beings! And are susceptible to errors.

So, a training program at the beginning of the project is not adequate.

On the other hand, nurturing a safety-culture enables the community of
workers to learn from each other.
The safety standards will be met with ease as the workers fully absorb the
ideals and values of the company. The morale of the work zone can be
cheered up greatly by a society that cares about others’ well-being.
Creating a feedback system and encouraging the workers to speak up
about their troubles will go a long way. Think about it!
Risk Management System
Building guard rails and routinely checking the stability of every scaffolding,
providing eye protection, protective gear, and other safety equipment, and
hanging safety nets are some of the ways to prevent workplace accidents.
The potential risks can also be reduced by having the following institutions
:
Proper analysis of previous accidents
Having an emergency response system
Having a personal fall arrest system for every mounter
Even if everything goes according to the plan, there is still room for
disasters. For example, workplace safety can be challenged by force
majeure events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and landslides.
The construction companies should be ready to deal with such unfortunate
incidents. And for that, every construction company should have a risk
management system to minimize losses.
Wrapping Up
Occupational safety is paramount, especially in construction work. So,
every potential hazard should be analyzed and for errorless construction.
But of course, it is not realistic to attain such perfection as the safety risk
is always gonna present itself before us.
The construction manager should take the initiative to ensure a safe work
environment. The managers should assert their ideals and values before
the workers early on and promote a safety-culture. So, the workers must
adhere to every general safety precaution and guideline.

Construction Zone markings, signs.