The Ministry of Workplace Relations, in conjunction with the National Occupational Health and Safety Service (NOHSS), has initiated important safety measures following an alarming incident at Rampur College. Recently, two students fell into a septic tank after using a forbidden shortcut between the washroom and canteen, stepping onto an unstable concrete cover that unexpectedly gave way.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh reported that the students were promptly rescued by a fellow student and fortunately did not sustain any injuries. However, the incident sparked significant concerns about the structural safety of the septic tank cover. In light of these findings, the NOHSS issued a Requisition Notice to Rampur College, requesting much-needed occupational health and safety documentation. This includes the school’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy, a detailed internal report of the incident, and an updated campus map marking restricted areas.
Furthermore, the NOHSS has served an Improvement Notice, requiring the immediate installation of proper barricades around the affected area and completion of necessary repairs to the septic tank by the following Friday. Singh stressed that these notices serve as a testament to the government’s dedication to enforcing safety standards in all workplaces, particularly educational settings.
To bolster safety further, the NOHSS has outlined several preventive measures. These recommendations include the installation of clearer warning signs in restricted zones, enhancing student awareness about designated pathways during breaks, and increasing staff supervision in less visible and potentially dangerous areas.
The Ministry of Workplace Relations is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Education and school Occupational Health and Safety Committees. Their goal is to promote compliance and ensure that learning environments across the country are safe for all students. These proactive measures not only address current safety issues but also foster a more secure and vigilant culture within schools, paving the way for a continuous improvement in student safety.