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string(68) upheavels prompted the ââ¬Å"era of stagnationâ⬠in the 1980s. Each general public on the planet with its embolic ...
Sunday, November 10, 2019
I, Being Born A Woman And Distressed Essay
This sonnet of Edna St. Vincent Millay is a literary piece shows many faces and expresses so many meanings.à But even if it has many meanings, the general message and meaning is about unrequited love.à It expresses overpowering feelings; longing and a desire for a lover.à The interesting factor of ââ¬Å"I, Being Born a Woman and Distressedâ⬠is the intriguing features of the sonnet conflicting message and desires expressed. Saying that she is ââ¬Å"born a woman and distressedâ⬠signifies that she surrenders to such fate that she is of the female gender with its consequent circumstance surrounding women.à Followed by the sultry acknowledgement of the ââ¬Å"propinquityâ⬠(nearness) of a lover, the sonnet defines what pleasure such nearness brings.à The sonnet yearns that the two bodies of the lover be near to each other.à It is because such nearness enables the ââ¬Å"fume to clarify the pulse and cloud the mindâ⬠, meaning such nearness allows the savoring of their mutual scents.à Wherein, it is further expressed that such nearness and feeling of ââ¬Å"undone, possessedâ⬠brings them to higher levels of joy. However, the sonnet defends that such extreme happiness of being together does not necessarily mean that it deters rightful reason or thinking as ââ¬Å"stout bloodâ⬠is ââ¬Å"against my staggering brainâ⬠.à It is just that such nearness alwaysà invoke joyful sojourn and leaves fond memories.à Furthermore, such nearness reaffirms the commitment and conviction of love shared and cherished.à Nevertheless, amidst all the ââ¬Å"frenzyâ⬠, the confusion, the sonnet evoke the inability to truly express in words that could make a reasonable conversation ââ¬Å"when we meet againâ⬠. The entire sonnet is a slow mode of rising feelings from the beginning until the conclusion that apparently can leave one expressionless, wordless.à à There is a possible paradox wherein the sonnet embody humongous run of feelings and yet could not find the words to say them.à à There is also the possible inconsistency that inasmuch as the rise of feelings is joyous, yet, they may not be wanted.à Maybe it is because it is so difficult to contain enormous feelings of love and joy, that it might be better not to have the feelings anymore than not being able to contain them.à It is like as if the sonnet portrays a loverââ¬â¢s dual role of being ââ¬Å"both [a] winner and [a] loser.à It is because there is ââ¬Å"zestâ⬠, frenzyâ⬠, ââ¬Å"seductionâ⬠, ââ¬Å"staggeringâ⬠.à (Hubbard, 1995) The sonnet somehow refers to such incongruent thoughts and paradox to the fact that the feelings and emotions come from a woman ââ¬â who is not capable of such enormity of feelings.à This sonnet explains that ââ¬Å"being born a womanâ⬠is not the fault of anyone ââ¬â thus, it is not anyoneââ¬â¢s fault that the subsequent experience and nurturing such passion and joy could not be contained. The ultimate interesting part is that despite all the paradox, the sonnet is convinced that there is complete reason and awareness as to what pleasure such passion and joy beings.à The sonnet finally intends to illustrate that even if there is confusion in such situation and such enormity of feelings, it is still right to nurture such feelings.à The sonnet confirms that love and passion is a right and it is logical. Reference: Hubbard, Stacy Carson.à ââ¬Å"On ââ¬ËI Being Born a Woman and Distressedâ⬠.à 1995 à à à à à à à à à à à Millay at 100:à A Critical Reappraisal à à à à à à à à à à à Modern American Poetry à à à à à à à à à à à http://www.english.illinois.edu/MAPS/poets/m_r/millay/born.html
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Thesis Writing Tips
Thesis Writing Tips Thesis Writing Tips Thesis Writing Tips: Yours Personal Guide. Before you start writing your thesis you should read some tips and some information about thesis. What is thesis? A thesis or dissertation is a document performed by students for a degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and discoveries. In some universities, the word thesis is used as part of a bachelor's or master's course. Thesis is an academic standard procedure. Thesis Writing Tips: Thesis Importance. If you are a student, thesis writing is a very important sphere in your learning life because your passing the course depends on it. Therefore, you should be concentrated during the work on your thesis. You can write a thesis for a couple reasons: if you need to write it to get a degree, if you need extra credit to enter a higher educational institution, because you want to become familiar with serious scientific researches, or if you are really into these researches. It is does not matter what the rea son, is the start point for your long, difficult but exciting work! Thesis Writing Tips: The Basic Steps in Researching and Writing. Before you start writing a thesis, you should read this small but very useful paragraph. It contains all necessary statements that you need to write a good quality thesis. Do not ignore it! First of all you need to have full understanding of the thesis and its challenges. Choose a thesis topic that is focused. This is a crucial step. Try to develop understanding about the structural writing various phases of thesis. Receive all the necessary approvals for your thesis topic. Do not forget about planning. Good planning and project management make a significant difference in how difficult your thesis is to complete and how long it takes. Try to follow the thesis format. Check out hypothesis/ thesis statement/objectives. This is the basic element in the thesis. Try to write the thesis abstract with full of care, avoid hurry in everything. Maintain links between the chapters and logical relations between various sections Note all the literature you use. Build your bibliography. Try to think accurately before making outline for the thesis. Learn correct punctuation because incorrect/no punctuation can cause great difficulties in reading. Be correct with active or passive voices usage. Never ignore the value of diagrams, graphs, charts, tables. Check them. Find out and correct the errors of table of contents, bibliography, and index. The conclusions must provide solutions of the raised issue rather than an abrupt end; how to write a thesis is not difficult after knowing all these. Do not forget to edit your work. Thesis Writing Tips: Resume. Writing a thesis is a very responsible work. It affects your future and your career in a particular! So do not be in a hurry. We wish you luck in passing!
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Lessons I Learned from a Suicidal Arsonist
Lessons I Learned from a Suicidal Arsonist On Friday, September 26, I set out to travel from New York City back home to Madison. I dutifully arose at 4:00 a.m. to meet a car service, arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Boarding went smoothly and we left the gate. I looked forward to a 10:36 a.m. landing in my hometown after 3 days at a conference in Denver and a week with my family and friends. I had wonderful plans for Friday evening and Saturday. Then the announcement came: There has been a fire in the Chicago air traffic control tower. All flights in and out of Chicago have been delayed. The guy across the aisle from me began cursing and waving his fists around. I resolved to take the news better than he was taking it. After calling United twice and spending an hour on hold, I managed to get rebooked through Atlanta. But when I landed in Atlanta there were three voice mail messages advising me that my flight to Madison had been cancelled, and one informing me that I had been rebooked on a flight the next day through Washington D.C. I would, if all went as re-planned, arrive in Madison at 9:12 p.m. Saturday night. The punch line is, I made it home. But thereââ¬â¢s more. Throughout this adventure, I learned or was reminded of some valuable life lessons. Here are some of them: One person can truly make a difference. That guy Brian Howard who set a fire in the Chicago air traffic control tower was one single man who managed to paralyze air travel across the country for two days. Iââ¬â¢m guessing he also affected security measures at air traffic control towers throughout the world. Yet so many of us sit around thinking we canââ¬â¢t make a difference. What are the extreme positive acts you could take to change something you want to change? Surrender to whatââ¬â¢s so. When faced with the prospect of spending the night in Atlanta, I was not thrilled. But since all flights to Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago and pretty much all areas surrounding were cancelled, I decided the best plan was to surrender. I got on a line for customer service, hoping there might be a hotel voucher for me if Atlanta was my only overnight option. An hour later I was at the counter, having had some lovely conversations with other stranded travelers, and discovered that there were no more hotel vouchers remaining, and that my flight to D.C. was that very night. Suddenly I had a new reality before me, and I accepted that one too. Itââ¬â¢s amazing how much my stress level went down when I dealt with what was so instead of wishing it were another way! Itââ¬â¢s good to have friends everywhere. Through a combination of college connections and my dance community, as well as other life adventures, I have built a network of friends and family in almost every major U.S. city (and some overseas cities as well). Drop me in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Austin, Tucson or Tel Aviv, and I will have a friendly place to lay my head. When I discovered I would be in Washington, D.C. for a night, I started calling friends, one of whom, my college buddy Sara, was happy to put me up for the night. I had not seen her in about 10 years, so it was a great treat to spend unexpected time with her. Not only that, but she had kale in her fridge, a blender, and a free pass to her gym which we used to attend a class together Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon we swam together in an outdoor pool, well after any such pool in Madison would ever be open. I also saw a high school football game that was highlighted on Fox 5 Friday night! I was well taken care of. And I got on a deep l evel that I have led my life well to be able to call on so many people to help. Of course I would do the same for all of them. Talk to strangers. In the customer support line and on various airplanes Friday and Saturday, I met some other waylaid travelers. It was good to connect with humanity. They put my situation in perspective, and helped me out by watching my bag while I went to plug in my phone, whose battery was on its last legs. One woman guided me where I needed to go in D.C. to get to the suburban Metro stop where I met my college friend Sara. I noticed I felt fairly upbeat given the monkey wrench that had been thrown into my life, and on one of my plane rides I identified why: I was talking to strangers! In an article I read on the plane in Success (which is quickly becoming my favorite magazine), I discovered that a social science study by researcher and professor at Harvard Business School, Michael Norton, Ph.D., showed that ââ¬Å"talking with strangers can be at least as important to our daily happiness as talking to our close friends and family.â⬠Norton confirmed this to be true regardless of personality type. I know it is true for me! I always feel more energized when I connect with the people around me than when I retreat into my shell. On Saturday night my flight departed from D.C. on time and landed in Madison 30 minutes early. My housesitter Mariah picked me up and drove me home, where I arrived fairly exhausted yet grateful. I slept well that night, knowing that I am well-loved, resourceful, connected, and able to handle the challenges that one suicidal arsonistà threw in my direction. ðŸâ¢â This is a good reminder to travel a couple of days early for any important event. 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Sunday, November 3, 2019
Was the Falklands a vital factor in Thatcher's political survival Essay
Was the Falklands a vital factor in Thatcher's political survival - Essay Example Britain in reaction to this, established a navy task force to attack the Argentine navy and the air force. Their main aim was to put in place an amphibious operation which would assist them to win back the Islands. On June 1982 Argentina surrendered leaving the Islands under the control of the British. This brought the conflict to an end. A total number of 907 people perish during the attack; among these were 255 British and 652 Argentine most of who were soldiers, sailors, and airmen. In addition, several people got injured and three islanders also perished. The two countries had a strong case which was inconclusive. Even though the British argued that they had put the international law into consideration it was not well-founded. According to Gamba (1987) an analysis made with the involvement of the Government, the Royal Navy and Parliament It showed that several impertinent factors and pressures majorly determined the decision of the task force being sent to south Atlantic. The gov ernment survival threat due to the argentine invasion factor greatly determined how the conflict was conducted. This situation had a great impact on Thatcher survival in office hence; all the actions put in place was mainly to favour her. Despite the various achievement of the British military the Falklandââ¬â¢s crisis was not solved appropriately The main focus in this paper is the impact of international war participation on political leaderââ¬â¢s survival in office. The relationship that exists between the performance in war and the fate of political leaders afterwards is of great significance. In most cases leaders who involve their nation in war are more likely to be faced with domestic political hazard which may interfere with their retention of political power. As compared to the democratic leaders, the authoritarian leaders incline to war for a longer durations when they successfully come to power. In addition, democratic leaders are involved in wars which have lower c hances of defeat than the authoritarian leaders. In this case, Margaret Thatcher is central to all the events that took place in the Falklands conflict. The British Prime Minister was criticized by the British press after she invaded the Argentine Falkland Islands. She was perceived as having been slow in reacting to the situation. This greatly affected her political fortunes. Prior to the war, it was uncertain that Thatcher and her party would be re-elected. However, a year later after she managed to repel the argentine forces successfully, Thatcher together with her party was returned to by a large majority to the parliamentary power in the general election that took place in 1983. The Falkland conflict had political impacts that were strong in the two countries. In Britain, Margaret Thatcher was under pressure from the parliament and she had to utilize this opportunity in order to ensure she survived in office. On the other hand, in Argentina Galtieri's Junta opted to invade the Falklandââ¬â¢s for political survival while considering the domestic situation in his country. The intention In most cases armed conflict is pursued with specific intentions which include; obtaining the just causes objects, to correct the impact of aggression and injustice, to pursue peace and reconciliation in the presence of conflicts, and to immediately bring hostilities to an end. The British government Margaret Thatcher being
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Universal Healthcare in the United States Essay
Universal Healthcare in the United States - Essay Example This paper argues that the universal health care system would be beneficial for the United States. The statement passed by Institute of Medicine is the US is the only developed nation that does not provide universal health care system. In United States, around 84% of citizens have some form of health insurance, either through their employers, purchased individually or provided by government programs. Some publicly funded health care programs are provided for the elderly, disable, children and poor and federal law mandates public access to emergency services1. The US government schemes reported for over 45% health care expenses. This makes US government the largest insurer in the nation. Based on health care expenditure, The US government has been placed in the top ten highest spenders among the United Nations member countries in 2004. Still more than 16% of population in America is without health insurance2. The health insurance costs are increasing faster than wages and medical bills, leading to personal bankruptcy in the United States. The lack of health care for all America is fundamental moral issue. In order to understand universal health care we need to understand its concept. It is a broad concept that can be applied in many ways. Universal health care is the form of health care benefit that is provided by the government. The government introduces varieties of programs aimed at promoting the right of admittance to the public to health care as much as possible. Many countries apply universal health care through lawmaking, regulatio n and through taxes. Some of the costs are paid by the patients but later they are reduced in taxation and paid to the patient. There is a need of universal health care system in United States of America. A single paying system operated by the government will help save on bureaucracy and investor profits. In this way
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Design in Modern Art (painting from Paula and Leonard Granoff Gallerie Essay - 15
Design in Modern Art (painting from Paula and Leonard Granoff Galleries) - Essay Example The sculpture painting is placed in [Please provide the room that you obtained it from]. There are other fashion sculptures placed around it such as shoes. There is also a glass cupboard with other ornaments in it. There is a wooden table made of a board that holds them (Rosenfeld, & Daniel, 54). It has been displayed upright with human portrait used to depict how it appears when it has been used. The room which it has been placed is well lit with ceiling lights illuminating enough light to the objects. The display is very appropriate since it gives the viewer the direct message of what it is and has the theme of modernism in it. The display is very good since the portrait that has been used also suggest the gender type that the artwork is made for. The time period of this object is of the twentieth century since most of the clothing displayed is widely used in the present. The artist has used modern techniques in bringing out the sculpture; the artist has presented the fashionable trends in the twentieth century and displayed contemporary artwork. The artist is a modernist; everything that has been used in the sculpture is modern. The artwork symbolizes modern fashion styles that are widely used in the twentieth century. The artwork also symbolizes change that has seen old fashion dressed being wiped out with trendy ones like the one portrayed. The artwork has a theme of religious meaning; in this context, it has touched on fashion styles that are widely used by Christians. One traditional aspect that has been considered is the color black; meanwhile, the patterns and the materials used are both modern. The fashion can be used in both social and official ceremonial events. The artist inspires and it brings a feeling that success comes through hard work and determination. The choice about this object reveals that art has been given the first priority and understanding how to succeed is may be learnt from past
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Welfare Facilities During Construction Work
Welfare Facilities During Construction Work Hughes and Ferrett, 2008 have defined that health is the protection of people from illness due to the materials, processes of procedures used in the workplace while safety defined as the protection of people from physical injury or in the absence of the danger in simple way. Health and safety often closely related with the physical and material and mental well-being of the individual at the place of work (Hughes and Ferrett, 2008). By referring to Oxford Dictionary, welfare is defined as the health, happiness and fortunes of a person or group. For the purpose of this research, the provision of welfare facilities consist of washing and sanitation arrangements, provision of drinking water, heating, lighting, accommodation for clothing, seating, eating and rest rooms as well as first aid arrangement for the well-being of the employees (Hughes and Ferrett, 2006). CONSTRUCTION HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES Construction health and safety should be of primary concern to employers, employees, government and project participants (Kheni, 2008). Therefore, the client, main contractor, regulatory agencies and employees are the main parties who responsible for construction health and safety (Laryea S. and Mensah S., 2010). There is several government agencies involved in construction safety and health. Each has the same mission towards the safety and health in construction industry as to reduce the accidents or fatalities and the compensation cost as well as to ensure that the risks to health and safety of workers are properly controlled. The contractors role has been mainly focused by the research and publications on construction worker safety due to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) places the responsibility for safety on the employers shoulders (J. Gambatese, J. Hinze, 1998). The table below explained on the main duties of construction parties. PLANNING OF WELFARE FACILITIES Good health and safety planning helps to ensure that a project is well managed and that unexpected costs and problems are minimised (Laryea S. and Mensah S., 2010). Consideration should be made during planning stage prior to constructing any facilities. Issues here include consideration of a safe and healthy location, application of appropriate construction standards, provision of adequate and sanitary living conditions as well as appropriate leisure and health facilities (IFC and the EBR, 2009). Firstly, it is important to make sure welfare arrangements are clearly addressed in the health and safety plan where the Laws and Legislations apply (HSE, 1998). Make sure the facilities reflect the site size, nature of the work, and numbers of people who will use them. An example of nature of work, where consider the provision of showers if the project involves hazardous substances or very dirty work such as sewer maintenance, dusty demolition activities as well as works with contaminated land or concrete pouring (HSE, 1998). The distance of workers will have to travel to the welfare facilities might have to consider as well. The exact nature of the facilities also depends on the intended duration of work and number of different locations. Lastly, consideration on whether the welfare facilities need to be relocated during the construction phase. MINIMUM STANDARD OF WELFARE FACILITIES Minimum standard of welfare facilities should be provided at construction site complying with the regulation for the particular project. The satisfaction of the safety and health act and regulation can be achieved by providing the optimum facilities through the assessing the maximum and minimum of construction workers (Tan, 2010). The person in charge of the construction site must always make sure that the legal requirements of workers welfare are met (HSE, 2004). However, simply providing and enforcing prescriptive rules and procedures are not sufficient to foster safe behavior in the workplace (Reason, 1998). Most construction employers now have safety policies in place, but they need to be kept up to date. The objective is to reflect what actually happens, and to make sure the policy does not contain a hopeful list of wishes that are never likely to be fulfilled (Hotl, A.S.J, 2001) The provision of welfare facilities at transient construction sites and the provision of welfare facilities at fixed construction sites that supplied by Health and Safety Executive often used as guidance in United Kingdom. It gives guidance on the minimum welfare facilities that must be provided or made available to workers on construction sites. The nature and scale of facilities required will depend on the size, location and type of project. Suitable welfare facilities must be available for all workers during all working hours. As a minimum, these will be access to toilet and washing facilities, a supply of clean drinking water, a place to take a breaks and meals and store clothing, shelter in bad weather, and first aid facilities. Most, if not all of these will be covered by local or national regulatory requirements. TYPES OF WELFARE FACILITIES Good welfare facilities not only improve workers welfare but also enhance efficiency. The facilities may be provided and maintained by one contractor or by individual contractors for all workers (ILO, 1995). General welfare facilities that provided on site include: Living Accommodations Sanitary and toilet facilities Washing facilities Drinking water Changing rooms and lockers Rest Facilities Canteen WELFARE FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS The main health and safety requirements in construction relate to tidy sites and decent welfare, falls from height, manual handling, and transport on site (Laryea S. and Mensah S. ,2010) In Malaysia, the welfare provision refer to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514), Factory and Machineries Act 1967 (Act 139) and Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994 (Act 520). Whereas In United Kingdom, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulation 2007 covers a wide range of basic health, safety and welfare and applies to the workplaces involving construction on sites. By referring to Health, Safety and Executive, (1997), adequate and appropriate welfare facilities must be provided for employees so far as is reasonably practicable while them are at work even though in short period. This means that facilities must be provided unless it is clearly unreasonable in terms of time, trouble, cost and physical difficulty. There is an important additional duty in this Regulation. The one in control of a site has to ensure that there are reasonable welfare facilities available at readily accessible places. HSE, 2010 has provided the information sheet for those in control of construction sites which describes minimum welfare facilities that should be provided or made available on fixed construction sites. In addition, the guidance note is based on a review of these instruments and legislation, as well as guidelines and best practices produced by a range of different private and public sector actions at national and international level. (IFC and EBRD, 2009). The regulation 22 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulation 2007 has stated few requirements for welfare facilities provided for construction industry. These include provide sanitary and washing facilities and an adequate supply of drinking water; rest facilities; facilities to change and store clothing. Good facilities can positively benefit health and well-being and can help to prevent dermatitis. The requirements of welfare facilities are as below: Living Accommodations The provision of workers accommodation is often related with the importation of an external workforce into an area (IFC and EBRD, 2009). There are several reasons that lead to this occurrence such as the local labour supply or skills base is inadequate, the workers are simply not available due to the remote location of the worksite or the particular skills required. Also it may happen as the labour requirements can only be fulfilled by migrant workers due to the nature of the work or the working conditions (IFC and EBRD, 2009). The accommodation provided either in building type or conventional container for the sleeping and resting purpose. The workers accommodation for construction more relate to a temporary phase of a project (IFC and EBRD, 2009). The accommodation provided shall be appropriate for its location and be clean, safe and at minimum, meet the basic needs of workers because the location of the facilities is important to prevent exposure to wind, fire, flood and other natural hazards (IFC and EBRD, 2009). Therefore, living accommodations are located within a reasonable distance from worksite as possible. The building of living accommodation requires sufficient materials, appreciate maintenance as well as acceptable cleanliness free from nuisance of rubbish and other waste. It shall not be used for the storage of building materials purpose. (ILO, 1992) The conventional container is generally used in Malaysia construction site because it is easily moved to new project (Tan, 2010). It is important to ensure good standards in living facilities. It helps to avoid safety hazards and to protect workers from diseases and illness resulting from humidity, spread of fungus, proliferation of insects or rodents, as well as to maintain a good level of morale (IFC and EBRD, 2009). Sanitary and Toilet Facilities Sanitary and toilet facilities include water closets, portable chemical toilets and urinals. Toilet facilities needed include the flushing toilets and running water which connected to mains water and drainage system if possible. The alternative way is to provide facilities with a built-in water supply and drainage tank (HSE, 2010). An adequate number of toilets should be available at all times for construction workers. Adequate facilities mean by make sure that there are enough toilets for those expected to use, so that the people should not have to queue for long periods to go to the toilet. Toilet arrangements are essential to avoid any contamination and prevent the spread of infectious disease. The following tables show the minimum number of toilets and urinals that should be provided. The number of toilets needed will be depends on the number of construction workers on site. The number of people at work (left column) refers to the maximum number likely to be in the workplace at any one time. Portable chemical toilets are only acceptable instead of making other adequate provision which is not reasonably practicable and it should be maintained and emptied regularly. The number of persons and the frequency of emptying are used to determine the number of portable toilets needed on site by using the ratio 1 toilet to 7 persons where portable toilets are emptied once a week (HSE, 2010). Beside, toilet facilities are conveniently located and easily accessible. Shorter distance for travelling to toilet from worksite means that unnecessary and non-productive times are minimized (Tan, 2010). Standards range from 30 to 60 meters from rooms. Sanitary and toilet facilities are never shared between male and female resident. Otherwise provide lockable doors instead of failing to provide separate facilities for different gender. Moreover, adequate supplies of toilet paper should be always be available. Specific additional sanitary facilities are provided for women where necessary. It is essential for workers to maintain a good standard of personal hygiene but also to prevent contamination and the spread of diseases which result from inadequate sanitary facilities (IFC and EBRD, 2009). Always make sure that the facilities provided are well-lit, have good ventilation, cleaned frequently and kept in fully working condition (HSE, 2010). The number of utilization determines the frequency of cleaning. Basically, daily cleaning may not always be sufficient. Washing Facilities Work in the construction industry is often dusty and dirty as well as involving handling chemicals and other dangerous substances. Therefore, washing facilities provided as a basic hygiene measure, preventing chemical contaminating foods and so being eaten during snacks or meals, being absorbed through the skin or being carried home. Apart from that, it also functions to remove dirt and grime, which also can be ingested and cause sickness and disease. Washing facilities include basins or sinks that allow people to wash their hands, face and forearms (HSE, 2007). Also, it consists of a supply of hot and cold, or warm, water which should be running water and soup or other washing agents for cleaning purpose that are enough for the workers. Washing or shower facilities is provided for particular dirty work or work exposing workers to hazardous substance such as concrete pouring (HSE,2007). An adequate number of washing facilities should be provided to construction workers. Washing facilities should be provided in conjunction with toilets and changing areas. It should be located within reasonable distance from other facilities and from sleeping facilities in particular (HSE, 2010). A clean supply from a tank should be provided instead of main water supply when it is not available (HSE, 2007). Men and women can share basin used for washing hands, face and arms. Provided that a basin large enough to wash face, hands and forearms if necessary and also a means for drying hands such as paper towels or a hot air dryer (HSE, 1998). Unisex shower facilities is available for both gender, provided that is stands alone, is lockable room and can only be used by one person at a time (HSE,2007). These facilities must be kept in good working condition, cleaned frequently, and always ensure that there is sufficient ventilation and lighting (HSE, 2010). Drinking Water Drinking water is essential for workers in the construction industry, irrespective of the type of work they do. To prevent dehydration, workers should always have easy access to a source of clean water. Therefore, a special attention to water quality and quantity is absolutely essential. A supply of wholesome drinking water should be readily available, preferably from the mains. If this is not possible then bottles or tank should be provided for storing water, protected it from possible contamination as well as changeover sufficiently and regularly to prevent it from becoming stale or contaminated (HSE, 2007). Mark clearly on the drinking water supply to distinguish between drinkable and non-drinkable water such as hazardous liquids or water which is not fit to drink. The supplying of drinking water requires cups or other drinking vessels at the outlet, unless the water is supplied in an upward jet, which can be drunk easily such as drinking fountain (HSE, 2007). Drinking-water should not be placed in sanitary facilities, or in places where it can be contaminated by dust, chemicals or other substances. Whatever the source of water supply for drinking, whether at the mess accommodation or elsewhere on the site, it should be clearly marked as drinking-water in words or with a suitable sign. Changing Rooms and Lockers Changing rooms or lockers are particularly important for workers storing personal clothing that not worn on site such as jackets and training shoes and protective clothing that needed for site work such as high visibility jackets and safety boots (HSE, 2007). Changing rooms should be provided with drying and clothes hanging which are easily accessible. Thus, they can separate their wet and dry clothing by hanging on the cupboard. This is essential to where some working clothes are likely to be contaminated by dangerous substances, atmospheric conditions or workplace conditions. Therefore, facilities should be provided to keep working cloths apart from personal clothing (Fon, 2006). For smaller site, the site office may sufficient be a storage area but the separate lockers might be needed too. This is because there is a risk of protective site clothing contaminating everyday clothing, items should be stored separately (HSE, 1998). If electrical heaters are used, ensure the room has well ventilation and fitted with a high temperature cut-out device where possible. Many fires have been caused by placing too much clothing to dry on electrical heaters, making the heater overheat. Rest Facilities Construction workers begin work early. They start their day alert and productive but their activity level decreases as the day passed. Therefore, short breaks taken frequently are much better than infrequent long breaks. Recovery is much faster as having rest before show signs of being really tired (ILO,1995). Rest areas are not to be used to store plant, equipment or materials. It provides shelter from wind and rain. The rest facilities should have an adequate number of tables and chairs, a kettle or urn for boiling water and a means for warming up food such as a gas or electrical heating ring or microwave oven and be adequately heated. Suitable and sufficient, readily accessible rest facilities should be provided. Work areas can be counted as rest areas and as eating facilities, provided they are adequately clean and there is a suitable surface on which to place food. On smaller sites, the site office or hut may suffice as rest area. Canteen Canteen is adequately furnished and protected from the weather, where one can eat in comfort food brought from home or brought from vendors. Canteen may be used as rest facilities provided there is no obligation to purchase food. If canteen is provided, it does not only save the time for construction workers not going out for eating (Tan, 2010). Standards range from providing tables, benches, individual drinking cups and plates to provide special drinking fountains. It should be situated away from workstations to minimize contact with dirt, dust or dangerous substances. Good standards of hygiene in canteen are crucial. Facilities must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition as well as conform to hygiene and safety requirement. EXAMPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE WELFARE FACILITIES ISSUES A company was found not to have provided welfare facilities at a construction site and was served with an improvement notice during an inspection section. The company was prosecuted as failed to provide the facilities within the timescale. The company received a à £2000 fine for not complying with the notice, a à £5000 fine for not providing the welfare facilities, and had to pay prosecution costs of à £1272. A construction company in Devon is caught by surprise for not having hot water and accessible toilet facilities on site and was fined 2,500 by HSE. Rod Hepper concluded: Installing proper facilities on site costs far less than the fines that the HSE will impose if inspectors find the law being flouted. (Pickles, 2001). The Elliott Workspace Marketing Manager, Rod Hepper commented that there are still companies across UK that ignores the necessity of providing appropriate welfare facilities on construction sites in line with regulation in force even after warning from Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In reality, it is a legal requirement for the companies to provide proper toilet facilities and warm running water available at all times (How, 2006). News from workplacelaw on date 13 Dec 2010, a builder whose employees had to work in unsanitary conditions, with no toilet or washing facilities, has appeared in court in Rochdale. Michael Connolly, 46, was prosecuted by the HSE after he repeatedly ignored calls to improve conditions at the site in Littleborough where he had employed contractors to convert a house into flats and shops. HSE inspectors who visited the site found that there were no toilets or washing facilities. ( http://www.workplacelaw.net/news/display/id/31712, 2010). CONCLUSION Work in the construction industry is hazardous and dirty; it involves much manual or physical activity. Welfare facilities such as the provision of drinking water, washing, sanitary and changing accommodation, rest rooms and shelter, facilities for preparing and eating meals, temporary housing, all help to reduce fatigue and improve workers health. The facilities may be provided and maintained by one contractor for all workers or by individual contractors. Good facilities can positively benefit health and well-being and can help to prevent dermatitis. Good welfare facilities not only improve workers welfare but also enhance efficiency. References Welfare at work Guidance for employers on welfare provisions IFC and the EBRD , 2009. Workers accommodation: processes and standards.A guidance note by IFC and the EBRD (ILO, 1992). Thesis ILO, 1995 Safety, health and welfare on construction sites: A training manual ILO. 2003. Safety in numbers. Rep. No. 061, International Laborà Organization, Geneva. J. Gambatese, J. Hinze, 1998. Addressing construction worker safety in the design phase Designing for construction worker safety. Automation in Construction 8 (1999): 643-649. (Laryea S. and Mensah S. ,2010) The Construction, Building and Real Estate Research Conference ofà the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Held at Dauphine Università ©, Paris, 2-3 September 2010 Kheni, Nongiba Alkanam (2008) Impact of health and safety management on safety performance of small and medium-sized construction businesses in Ghana, Unpublished PhD thesis, Department of Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, UK Phil Hughes, Ed Ferrett,2008. Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction: The Handbook for Construction Professionals and Students on NEBOSH and Other Construction Courses Phil Hughes, Ed Ferrett, 2006. Introduction to health and safety in construction HSE, September 2007 CONSTRUCTION HEALTH SAFETY STANDARD No. 20 ,Principle sources of information HSE Construction Information Sheets 18 and 46, HSE, 2010 provision of welfare facilities during construction work. construction information sheet no 59 HSE, 1998 Provision of welfare facilities at fixed construction sites, Construction Information Sheet No 18(rev1) HSE, 2007 workplace health, safety and welfare. A short guide for managers.leafetlet INDG244(rev2) According to the International Labor Organization 1992, the general provisions of welfare are stated under clause 19.there should be adequate supply of wholesome drinking water provided at reasonable access of construction site.
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