Literature, Business, and Social Change Paper Essay

Literature, Business, and Social Change Paper - Essay Example In contrast to the typical buyer whose main considerations are price and product quality, customers are now keen on the externalities which a manufacturer makes in a society where it operates. Social changes bring about this change in consumer attitude which companies take advantage by launching their own corporate social responsibility programs. For example, the giant retailer Target documents how it contributes 5% of its annual income to education, arts, and social services to specific localities (Target 2008). The company constantly supports projects which uplift the quality of living and improve the condition of the lower income strata. Literature plays a huge role in documenting these efforts made by business organizations in order to communicate these to the public and earn their support. It should be noted that most companies now distribute their annual corporate social responsibility report aside from their annual reports. The company also publicizes these programs through the use of leaflets, flyers, television advertisement, and even in its online website.

Evaluate WHS management systems Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Evaluate WHS management systems - Assignment Example The sampling at Wollongong store was successful hence the need to implement the program globally. Due to global proposed systems, Austrian Hardware aims at providing safe conditions for workers at work place and to comply legally across jurisdictions. There is need for corporate culture, operations and integration with management systems of Australian Hardware. Australian Hardware is committed to WHS in various ways like, first aid and treatment of injuries for the workers and customers among others as discussed in the report below. Looking at the data on First Aid Incidents, the workers are ill treated by those in management. First, for the first case on 1 July 2012 of a new worker who got an accident by lifting a lawn mower, the worker could not have been re-trained but be given first aid. The employee was new to the organization hence needed to be treated well. Second, on 10 Sep 2012, another new employee was cut but no first aid was given. Initiating safety action meeting by team leader could not help such a new employee at Wollongong. Third, on 24th Oct 2012, it is clear that the organization values customers’ life than those of workers since first aid was offered to the customer. The customer’s falling was accidental and there was no need for training of staff at Melbourne. Fourth, on 1 April 2013, a new staff fall down and treatment was administered thus indicating change in giving first aid to employees at Freemantle. Through safety and work health Act of 2011 which is supported by WHS, the sick workers do not need to be mistreated. Looking at medical treatment injury, a lot need to be done. First, on 1 July 2012, a new staff was injured and treated for a day at Sydney. The treatment was not enough for the worker as he or she missed work for 10 days. There was no need for the meeting as falling was

Critical Issues In Police Civil Liability Essay

Critical Issues In Police Civil Liability - Essay Example There are many instances in which the police fail to prevent harm. The movie starts by a man planting a bomb timed to explode at a certain time in a car. There after a man accompanied by a woman (Joi Lansing) enters the car and starts driving ending to American- Mexico border. On there away, drug enforcement officers from the government of Mexico passed the car on foot and they do not take any action. Joi realizes that there is a problem with the car but the drug enforcement officers did not take any action or search the car to notice the bomb. Immediately after crossing the border, the car exploded and killed the occupants. The explosion of a Mexican bomb in America drew attention of Harry Shannon who was the Police Chief, Mike who was interested in investigating the issue and latter Ray Collins (the district attorney) arrived at the scene. A one legged police officer known as Orson Welles also arrived at the scene together with the district attorney. The officers carried out investigation while suspecting Sanchez who happened to be the husband to the daughter of the victim (Joanna). Quinlan and Menzies carried on with the investigation in order to identify the cause of the tragedy. At the end of the movie, Quinlan admitted that he was not genuine but used to plant evidence on people. He admitted the Menzies that the most of the people were innocent but he planted evidence to have them convicted. Quinlan attempts to kill Menzies using the Vargas gun because they had recorded him testifying on the evils which he did instead of doing police work. He manages to shoot Menzies but Menzies shoots him dead be fore shooting Vargas. At the end of the movie it is noted that Quinlan was preventing investigation by protecting the suspects. Latter Quinlan says that Sanchez had accepted the crime. It is noted that Sanchez was the one who planted the bomb to the car but Quinlan being an investigator was protecting him by

Evaluate WHS management systems Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Evaluate WHS management systems - Assignment Example The sampling at Wollongong store was successful hence the need to implement the program globally. Due to global proposed systems, Austrian Hardware aims at providing safe conditions for workers at work place and to comply legally across jurisdictions. There is need for corporate culture, operations and integration with management systems of Australian Hardware. Australian Hardware is committed to WHS in various ways like, first aid and treatment of injuries for the workers and customers among others as discussed in the report below. Looking at the data on First Aid Incidents, the workers are ill treated by those in management. First, for the first case on 1 July 2012 of a new worker who got an accident by lifting a lawn mower, the worker could not have been re-trained but be given first aid. The employee was new to the organization hence needed to be treated well. Second, on 10 Sep 2012, another new employee was cut but no first aid was given. Initiating safety action meeting by team leader could not help such a new employee at Wollongong. Third, on 24th Oct 2012, it is clear that the organization values customers’ life than those of workers since first aid was offered to the customer. The customer’s falling was accidental and there was no need for training of staff at Melbourne. Fourth, on 1 April 2013, a new staff fall down and treatment was administered thus indicating change in giving first aid to employees at Freemantle. Through safety and work health Act of 2011 which is supported by WHS, the sick workers do not need to be mistreated. Looking at medical treatment injury, a lot need to be done. First, on 1 July 2012, a new staff was injured and treated for a day at Sydney. The treatment was not enough for the worker as he or she missed work for 10 days. There was no need for the meeting as falling was

Competing Political Interests And Poverty Reduction Essay

Competing Political Interests And Poverty Reduction - Essay Example It can negatively affect the progress of the nation itself. â€Å"Poverty is produced by circumstances, not individuals,† (Fincher & Wulff, 1998). Economic crisis increases the so-called ‘poverty sector’, leading to joblessness and social unrest. A proper planning and a better utilization of the available resources of the nation will lessen the poverty level to a great extent (Narayan & Parker, 2000). Diverting the existing resource to the disadvantaged people is the need of the hour. Every nation needs a proper governing authority to plan, accomplish and accelerate its growth. In developing countries especially, governments and political parties lead the show and try to bring progress to the society and stability to the economy by eliminating the curses like poverty. The ruling party and other political parties try to uplift the general status of the society and go deep into the problems and grievances of the people to a certain extent. Even though they do have o pinion disputes and conflicts among them, they contribute a lot for the progress of the society and nation (especially rural areas where poverty is still a problem) (Pantazis, Gordon & Levitas, 2006). Political interests and competitions play a major role in eliminating poverty from the nations. In the third world countries especially, political parties contribute a lot to the development works. Political parties try to perform well during their ruling tenure and take various actions for the negatively privileged sections of the society. They try to look into the agonies of the people of ill-developed areas since such areas have the majority of the population in it. These less developed areas would be eagerly looking forward to a government which can help them to improve their total grade. No political party can ever think of getting the rule in their hand without the votes of these majority weaker sections.

Safety Management Plan For Night Time Work Construction Essay

Safety Management Plan For Night Time Work Construction Essay In the previous in Chapter 1, the overview of this study was explained about and the problem was identified. Then from the overview, the aims of the study are to explore the challenges faced in construction site during night time, to identify the different factors associated with safety during night-time construction. Through the chapter, the elaborations of the topic are clearly described. The clarification of the sub-topic will studies about the night time construction, planning aspect, and the impact of night-time construction operations on safety, quality, environmental factors, and productivity. 2.2 Overview of Night work 2.2.1 Definition of Night work According to Derek Simpson (2005), night work is defined as a 7 hour period which includes that between midnight and 5am, usually 11pm to 6am. Anyone who normally works at least 3 hours of their working day during this night period is classed as a night worker. Night workers should not work more than an average of 8 hours in every 24. Where such work involves any special hazards or heavy physical or mental strain the 8 hours limit applies to each 24 hour period, not an average 8 hours over the reference period. According to the North Region Construction Night Work Guide (2007), night work is the most difficult and challenging time for the contractor to work to meet his contractual obligations and therefore the most difficult time for the inspector to ensure the work meets the standards and levels of quality while also ensuring that everything is done safely. 2.2.2 Safety Management Plan for Night time Work A management plan should be well documented and structured so that both employers and employees can benefits from its use. The following are recommended components of a safety management plan for night time works(: Site personnel responsibility It should be determined and stated clearly in the safety management plan the responsibility of each individual at construction site for night time works. Project Manager, Engineers, Designers, Safety Officer and Site Supervisors as well as workers each have their specific responsibility to make sure the highest level of priority are given towards safety and health issues. Permission to work at night Permission to work at night should be obtained from the relevant authority before construction works at night is carried out. Employers should submit their application for work permit to Local Government Authority and it is advisable to follow all requirements enforced by the authority prior to executing night time construction works. It is also recommended to notify the nearest police station, BOMBA, hospitals or clinics so that they can prepare accordingly in case of an emergency. It is also recommended that night work approved by the local authorities be informed to the residents/occupants of the surrounding neighbourhood. Inventory preparation for safety equipments Before night works are carried out, check the inventory of safety equipment to make sure they are sufficiently available, appropriate, and in good working condition. Purchase sufficient new safety equipment for a new construction project or to add existing inventory. Equipments such as retro-reflective signage, barriers, retro reflective tapes and lighting equipment are some example of safety equipment that should be provided for night time construction works. Material and Machine movement / coordination Employers should be aware that material and machine movement that is not well supervised could potentially cause serious injury and harm to workers and properties. Housekeeping Accidents can occur as a result of poor housekeeping. Hazards at construction site are the same for both day and night shift while the risks of injury are much higher during night works because of the inherent poor illumination. It is essential that the workplace is kept clean and tidy to ensure safety and prevent accidents. Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) One of the most important elements to consider before work at night is carried out is the EPR specifically for night time environment. A well established EPR can help both employer and employees to prepare; response and recover should a disaster occurs. Public safety When construction works involves public area, it is important to make sure the safety of the public. Consider the following when planning for night time work; identify the hazards for example construction vehicle movement or too much glare from lighting equipment and plan for vehicular movement to not interrupt peak hours and make sure adequate supervision is provided for such movement. Provide sufficient signage to warn the public and put barriers at a safe distance to keep the public away. Set up a safe walk ways where it is unavoidable to work near or in public vicinity. Arrange noisy equipments or machinery at farthest point from the public or adopt an engineering control to reduce the noise. When overhead crane is operating near the public, clear off the area and make sure adequate supervision is in place. Schedule for daily cleaning of the adjacent public road and filling up holes as well as uneven surfaces. Working hours manpower arrangement Employers should identify at which construction phase the need for night time work is required. Consider the following when planning for night time work; arrange a special team to work at night and allow for shift rotation and inform workers of the special hazards and risks at night to allow effective adaptation with the work environment. It is also recommended to send workers for health screening to make sure the workers are fit to work at night. Allowing an unfit worker to work at night will endanger the worker and other worker in the same work area. 2.3 Overview of Night-time construction According to the Guidelines for Construction Activities at Night (1999), there is an increasing demand for performing construction of highways and buildings at night, especially in the urban areas to reduce conflict between the public and the stakeholders of the projects. This approach can be beneficial in particular, for reducing traffic disruptions and meeting the completion deadlines. However, contractors should consider the increased safety risk at the workplace when conducting any construction activities at night. 2.3.1 Planning of construction work at night Working during night time by its very nature is dangerous. Workers are exposed to many high risk unsafe working conditions at construction site. Common problems that might occur are poor visibility in the working environment, working in a drowsy condition, and communication problems with the day shift. This could contribute to other work related safety and health problems for example drug and alcohol abuse, psychological problems, and physiological problems. (Shane J.S., 2012). Therefore, it is very important to plan any works for night time is engaged. Employers need to plan before hand the workforce required, special arrangement for safety provision such as sufficient work area lighting, retro-reflective clothing, flashing lights on equipments or structures and retro-reflective tape at work area surroundings. 2.3.2 Factors affecting night time work In order to decide when to conduct night time work, factors (parameters) affecting night time work must be identified. The following factors were identified: (Douglas K.D., 2003) Risk Illumination Nuisances Productivity Cost Safety Risk Night time construction introduces numerous risks to a construction project. One clear set of examples is driver and worker fatigue and reduced visibility, which are factors that could increase safety risks. Other major factors contributing to the risks of night time work are human factors such as sleep, stress, work, social or domestic issues, and psychological characteristics, such as appetite and safety. Additional factors associated with the risks of night time construction work zones are reduced work space for machinery and equipment movement, inadequate lighting, high speed of traffic during the night, and long working hours (12 to 14 hours). (Shane J.S., 2012). Risk management process The best way to address night time construction work-zone risks and hazards is through risk management programs. It is suggested that agencies and contractors begin their risk management processes early and review the risk management program carefully prior to beginning night time work. Risk management is the term used to describe a sequence of analysis and management activities focused on identifying and creating a response to risks and, in the case of night time construction, to project-specific risks (Shane J.S., 2012). Various organizations use very similar steps, but slightly different terms, to describe their risk management approach. These are the important risk management steps: 1. Risk identification. 2. Risk assessment/analysis. 3. Risk mitigation and planning. 4. Risk allocation. 5. Risk monitoring and control. Risk identification is the process of determining which risks might affect the project and documenting their characteristics using tools such as brainstorming and checklists. Risk assessment/analysis involves the quantitative or qualitative analysis that assesses impact and probability of risk. Risk mitigation and planning involves analyzing risk response options (acceptance, avoidance, mitigation, or transference) and deciding how to approach and plan risk management activities. Risk allocation involves placing responsibility for a risk on a specific party or parties typically through a contract. The fundamental tenets of risk allocation include allocating risks to the party that is best able to manage them, allocating risks in alignment with project goals, and allocating risks to promote team alignment with customer-oriented performance goals. Risk monitoring and control is the capture, analysis, and reporting of project performance, usually as compared to the risk management plan. Risk monitoring and control assists in tracking and resolution. Types of Risk The first step in an effective risk management program is to identify possible risks. Specific concerns related to night time work zones include poor visibility and work quality, staffing issues, unwanted noise and glare, decreased worker and driver alertness, impaired drivers, higher vehicle speeds, increased labour costs, materials and traffic control, and problems in logistics and supervision. These risks are categorized broadly as safety, cost/production and schedule, quality, organizational relationships, technical, construction, economic, and environmental. Illumination Night time construction lighting arrangements have an impact on project safety, quality, cost, and productivity. One of the main reasons illumination levels have a strong impact on the other aspects of night time construction is the fact that light influences human performance and alertness. Recommended lighting level A major problem with night time work-zone lighting arrangements is the insufficiency of the lighting provided to perform the construction or maintenance task. The level of lighting needed for specific construction activities depends on factors related to the humans performing the activities, as well as factors relating to the task at hand and the environment in which it takes place. For example, visual ability is a human factor that is known to vary among workers. Therefore, lighting standards assume reasonable visual abilities that are considered to be normal, while giving some allowance for variations among individuals. This assumption allows for visual standards to be based mainly on the visual requirements of the specific tasks construction activities required (Shane J.S., 2012). Task Dependency Visual Standard Required Accuracy The higher the precision required in a task, the higher the level of illumination needed. Background Reflection The ability to visualize an object or a target depends on the contrast between that object and the background. Highly reflective backgrounds decrease the visibility of the target or object. Relative Speed The relative speed of the object/target or its observer is another factor directly affecting the level of lighting needed for the construction task. Faster moving objects or targets necessitate higher levels of illumination. Objective Speed The size of the target observed in construction tasks has an impact on the needed level of illumination for the task. The smaller the object, the higher the level of lighting needed. Seeing distance The distance between the observer and the target in each task is another determining factor in setting illumination levels. Larger distances necessitate higher levels of illumination. Table 2.1: Task-dependent visual standards Sources: A Guidebook for Nighttime Construction: Impacts on Safety, Quality, and Productivity. Nuisances Sound Sound is energy in motion as a pressure wave through the air produced by a vibrating body. A decibel (dB) is the basic sound level unit; it denotes a ratio of intensity to a reference sound. Most sounds that humans are capable of hearing have a decibel range of 0 to 140. Zero dB, by international agreement, corresponds to an air pressure level of 20 micro-Pascals (in other words, the agreed-upon threshold of hearing). A whisper is about 30 dB, conversational speech is about 60 dB, and 130 dB is the threshold of physical pain. Humans sense the intensity difference of one sound from another. A three-decibel change in noise level is a barely noticeable difference, while a 10-dB change is perceived subjectively as a doubling/halving in loudness (Shane J.S., 2012). Noise Noise can seriously harm human health and interfere with peoples daily activities at school, at work, at home and during leisure time. According to World Health Organization (WHO) (2004), the main health risks of noise identified are: Pain and hearing fatigue Hearing impairment including tinnitus Annoyance Interferences with social behaviour (aggressiveness, protest and helplessness) Interference with speech communication Sleep disturbance and all its consequences on a long and short term basis Cardiovascular effects Hormonal responses (stress hormones) and their possible consequences on human metabolism (nutrition) and immune system Performance at work and school Environment Critical health effect Sound level dB(A)* Time hours Outdoor living areas Annoyance 50-55 16 Indoor dwellings Speech intelligibility 35 16 Bedrooms Sleep disturbance 30 8 School classrooms Disturbance of communication 35 During class Industrial, commercial and traffic areas Hearing impairment 70 24 Music through earphones Hearing impairment 85 1 Ceremonies and entertainment Hearing impairment 100 4 Table 2.2: WHO Community Noise Guidance Sources: Occupational Noise-World Health Organization Vibration According to Shreve (1994), vibration can be defined as simply the cyclic or oscillating motion of a machine or machine component from its position of rest. Many types of construction activities cause vibrations that spread through the ground (ground-borne), most notably pile driving, hoe ram demolition, blasting, and vibratory compacting. Though the vibrations diminish in strength with distance from the source, they can produce annoying or objectionable audible and feel able levels in buildings very close to construction sites. Rarely do vibrations reach levels that cause structural damage to buildings. However, minor cosmetic damages can occur at lower vibration levels and, in the case of old, fragile, or historical buildings, a danger of significant structural damage always exists. Dust During the night, many households leave their windows open to take advantage of the cool night air. With urban night time construction projects being very close to peoples living space, dust can be a problem. Night time construction dust problems are accentuated by the lighting, which makes the particulate matter very visible. Fugitive dust may be generated by construction operations, and the contract specifications should require that the contractor prepare a dust control plan. In many cases, dust control is not a problem that is limited to night time activities; therefore, air quality or dust control plans should be for all hours of the day or night (Shane J.S., 2012).

The Chrysalids: The Importance of Telepathy :: The Chrysalids

The Chrysalids:   The Importance of Telepathy    Some people dream about having an ability to communicate through mental telepathy.   Some even claimed to have this ability but it played an important role in the novel The Chrysalids.   The author created an interesting environment.   There was no communication and the only people who could communicate between each other were the ones that had the power of telepathy.   Because in some areas the land was so dangerous because of the radiation that people were cut of from another and left on a small piece of land.   They could not communicate.   Though-shapes not only developed the plot of the story but greatly affected the lives of some characters and might affect Waknuk.   Ã‚  Ã‚   We all know that people in Waknuk were very superstitious but did it actually help the plot to develop?  Ã‚   On page 91 through 103 finally and idea gets out about some people being able to communicate through thought-shapes.   When Katherine and Sally got caught and tortured they finally tell some of the names to the inspector.   This forces David, Rosalind and Petra to runaway to the fringes, and they established some kind of contact with a woman from Sealant (Zealand, On page 134).   The help that the sealant woman promised is on their way to the fringes.   The plot is greatly influenced, David learns more things as the time goes on.   He discovers who is the Spiderman(Gordon) and where is Sophie.   He meets them and learn what it is like to live in the fringes.   When the sealant woman rescues David, Rosalind and Petra they are brought to a big, developed city like the one in David's dreams. Because of the telepathy David discovers that such a city really exists but most of all through Petra they establish contact with a more civilized people than they are.   Because of the conflicts in the story it leads the main characters to discover the sealant city.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Telepathy not only affects the plot of the story but also the main characters in the novel.   The most obvious thing is that David, Rosalind and Petra are saved.   They have a chance to learn, experience new things they never saw or heard before.