1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
Safety and welfare measures are inevitable to any organization where workers are involved. An organization’s responsibility to its employees extends beyond the payment of wages for their services. The employee’s safety and welfare on and off the job within the organization is a vital concern of the employer. Providing a safe and healthy environment is a pre-requisite for any productive effort. This research deals with the study on the safety and welfare measures provided to the employees at Cochin Port Trust.
1.1.1 Problem Identification
Unlike other industries, the employees of the Port are often exposed to different and new cargo which they may not have been familiar with earlier. The employees have to deal with huge machinery and handle heavy cargo and containers. The unfamiliarity in the nature of cargo they handle and the danger involved in handling them makes the employees prone to higher degree of risk.
2 Satisfying or fulfilling the safety and security needs of the workers, would give them a better motivation and more time to concentrate on job performance. A voluntary approach on the part of the management to offer welfare programmes which are over and above what is laid down by the law, would boost the morale of the employees and motivate them to perform better. A preliminary study conducted by the researcher with respect to safety and welfare showed that there was scope for improvement in certain areas. This formed the basis of the research problem.
1.1.2 Objectives of the study
Primary Objective : To study the level of satisfaction of employees regarding safety and welfare measures at Cochin Port Trust. Secondary Objectives : To study the perception of the employees regarding the safety and welfare measures provided to them. To analyze if the level of satisfaction is different among the various categories of employees and departments. To suggest provision of more safety and welfare measures to improve the performance of the employees.
1.1.3 Scope of the study
This study would give an overview of the safety and welfare measures existing at Cochin Port Trust. Since safety and welfare are two important elements essential for improving the productivity of an organization, a study on the existing safety and welfare measures would help the organization perform
3 better. This study would throw light on the perception of the employees regarding safety and welfare. Cochin Port Trust can identify the areas where it can improve so as to improve the performance of the employees. This study would also help to analyze if there is a dependence between departments and categories and the level of satisfaction of safety and welfare measures and suggest provisions of more safety and welfare measures.
1.1.4 Limitations of the study
The study was restricted to the class III and class IV non ministerial staff of Cochin Port Trust. Due to time constraints the sample size had to be confined to 150. The respondents have replied to the queries recalling from their memory. Therefore recall bias and personal bias are possible. Since the data was collected using a schedule, the interviewer’s inability to understand and record the responses correctly is possible. The respondents were unable or unwilling to give a complete and accurate response to certain questions.
4
1.2
COMPANY PROFILE
1.2.1 The profile of the company
Cochin has been an important gateway to India for centuries in the past for merchants and seafarers of the West and the Middle East. It enjoys a unique locational advantage lying on the direct sea route to Australia and the Far East from Europe. The cruising distance to Cochin from this main route is a mere 10 nautical miles, making Cochin nearer to the maritime highway than Colombo. The Port is the natural gateway to the vast potential industrial complex and growing produce markets of South West India. The Port of Cochin is located on the Willingdon Island at latitude 9 degree 58’ north and longitude 76 degree 14’ east on the South West coast of India about 930 km south of Bombay and 320 km north of Kanyakumari.
The architect of the modern port of Cochin was Sir Robert Bristow, the harbour engineer of Madras Government. It was due to his tireless efforts and unparalleled devotion that made the Cochin Port a reality. It became a Major Port in 1936. Cochin Port also boasts to be the first Indian port to receive container vessels in 1973. The Port provides round-the-clock pilotage to ships. There is an efficient network of railways, roads, waterways and airways connecting the Port with the different hinterland centers spread over the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
1.2.2 Organization structure
Cochin Port Trust is an autonomous body under Government of India and is managed by a Board of Trustees constituted by the Government of India.
5 This board is headed by the Chairman. The Government of India may from time to time nominate the trustees in the board representing various interests.
The Port Trust Board consists of The Chairman, the Dy. Chairman and members representing a) The India Navy b) Ministry of Surface Transport c) Government of Kerala d) Customs Department e) Indian Railways f) Sea Food Industries g) Cochin Refineries h) Ship Owner’s Association i) Chamber’s of Commerce and Industries j) Labour Representatives
The various departments at CoPT are Administrative dept, Central Accounts dept, Traffic dept, Mechanical Engineering dept, Civil Engineering dept, Marine dept and Medical dept.
1.2.3 Vallarpadam Container Transshipment Terminal
For the development of an International Container Transshipment Terminal, Cochin port has the geographical locational advantage of being very close to the trunk trade route between Europe / Arabian Gulf & Far east / USA. There is also a large area of vacant land in Vallarpadam Island, adjacent to
6 deeper channels for the development of the terminal. Dubai Ports International, one of the world’s leading port operators have signed an agreement with the CoPT to construct, develop and operate an ICTT at Vallarpadam. DPI has been granted a 38 year concession for the exclusive operation and management of the site and will share 33.33% of the revenue with CoPT. The container hub project at Vallarpadam is expected to be completed in four years ad commercial operations in another one year. Construction of a new four-lane bridge and highway access to the Golden Quadrilateral road network is already under way. IGTL has taken over container operations at the RGCT from April.
Vallarpadam is the largest single-operator container terminal currently planned in India and the first in the country to operate in a SEZ. The new terminal is expected to reduce India’s dependence on foreign ports to handle transshipment of cargo. Strategically located on the main east-west global shipping lanes, Cochin is destined to develop as the premier gateway to Southern India while offering an alternative to Sri Lanka and Singapore for container transshipment.
1.2.4 Safety and welfare measures at Cochin Port Trust
Safety and Welfare measures at Cochin Port Trust is as per the Factories Act, 1948 in the workshop and the Dock Workers (Safety, Health & Welfare) Regulations, 1990 in the wharf.
7 Safety measures provided to the employees at Cochin Port Trust
Cochin Port Trust keeps up a safety day or safety week every year as per the instructions from the National Safety Council. This is in view to give awareness to workmen about the necessity of safety in the workplace and the duty of the workers to follow safety. Notices are displayed about the programmes that are to be held. The safety flag is hoisted and a safety pledge is taken.
At Cochin Port Trust a safety committee has been formed comprising of equal representations from the workers and the management. The safety committee meets once in six months and makes a study on the safety precautions and measures, hears any defects reported by the workers and immediate actions are taken to rectify them. Various safety measures are provided for the employees of Cochin Port Trust. Uniforms are provided for all the employees. Safety helmets according to ISI standards are provided. Non-skid safety shoes with metal covering in the front to protect the foot are provided. Aprons, goggles, gloves, gum boots, safety belts and ear pads are provided to the employees. Monthly safety training programmes are conducted wherein two employees from each of the two wharfs are chosen to attend the training at the Cochin Port Training Institute.
Some of the safety training programmes attended by the employees are: STCW 95
: Standard Training Certificate of Watch Keeping
EFA
: Elementary First Aid
PSSR
: Personal Safety Social Response
FPFF
: Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
8 To monitor the safety provisions of the Port, there are two safety Inspectors appointed by the Government – The Inspector of Factories and Boilers for the workshop and the Dock Safety Inspector for the wharfs. The Safety Inspectors conduct inspections once in three months and record their observations.
Safety, Health and Environment Policy
Cochin Port Trust is committed to ensuring safety and health of its employees who shall adhere to the safe working practices and safety policy and to adherences to statutory safety regulations applicable to port besides protection of environment in all port operations.
Welfare measures provided to the employees at Cochin Port Trust
Cochin Port Trust provides various amenities to the employees in addition to the primary facilities like drinking water, latrines and washing facilities.
Medical facilities : A general hospital with 150 beds has been provided with analytical laboratory, X-ray facilities, ultraviolet rays, E.C.G facilities, infra red rays, air-conditioned operation theatre, labour room etc,. Various specialists also visit the Port Hospital weekly for special treatment. A well equipped dispensary functions in the workshop. The Port Hospital renders its services to all employees their dependents, retired employees and their spouses.
9 Canteens : There are 12 canteens functioning in Cochin Port Trust and all of them are run by welfare clubs :
Workshop Canteen, Container Terminal Canteen, Ernakulam Wharf Canteen, Hospital Canteen, Sanitary Canteen, Civil Section Canteen, E.D.C Canteen, Marine Canteen, C.A.D Canteen, Port works Canteen, Mattanchery Wharf Canteen, Officers Canteen.
They have been given utensils, rent free accommodation, furniture, water and electricity. Out of these 12 canteens, a sum of Rs. 1.1 lakh per month is given to the Welfare Club for running the Workshop Canteen as subsidy, which is a canteen under the Factories Act.
Rest rooms, Shelters and Lunch rooms are provided in all work sites/sections.
Recreational and cultural facilities Reading rooms, libraries, clubs and sports and games have been provided for the employees of CoPT.
Family Planning Programmes : Family Planning Operations and follow up attention is undertaken at the Port hospital freely. In addition to the above, special casual leave, sach awards etc., are given to Port employees/ their spouses who undergo family planning operations according to the Government of India rules from time to time.
10 Educational facilities : Children Educational Allowance and reimbursement of tuition fees are granted upto Higher Secondary classes according to Government rules. Various schools that are functioning in the Port Trust are Sisu Vihar (Nursery school), Sir Robert Bristow Primary and Secondary School and Kendriya Vidyalaya. Scholarships are awarded to the deserving children of Port employees.
Transport Facilities : Except in the case of crew of floating crafts, no free transport is provided. But the Port provides loans for employees for purchasing two wheelers or four wheelers.
Co-operative Establishments : Cochin Port Employees’ Co-operative Society runs a bank providing loan facilities and financial assistance to the Port employees. The Society runs a Death-Cum-Retirement benefit scheme by which the employees are benefited.
Housing Facilities : A total of 944 residential quarters are being provided by the Port Trust for their employees.
Shopping Facilities : Shop rooms have been given on nominal rents to the Civil Supplies Corporation and Ernakulam Department Store for running grocery shop. A branch of Kendriya Bhandar, three kiosks and a shopping center are also functioning in the Willington Island.
11 First – Aid Facilities : First aides have been posted at the following places with necessary first aid boxes at Dry Dock, South Coal Berth, North Coal Berth, Mattanchery Wharf and Ernakulam Wharf. Ambulance vans are also provided at the Port Hospital.
Ex-gratia payments : Ex-gratia payments are usually made when a worker or his family member is directed by the Port Hospital for specialist treatment to other hospitals, when the treatment involves a sizeable expenditure which is not reimbursable, when the workman is on EOL for a long time on account of illness, for funeral expenses of employees in respect of whom requests are received, to give relief to those who suffer from natural calamities like storm , fire etc.
Compassionate appointments : In the event of employees dying in harness or medically invalidated, their next of kins are registered fro employment assistance and provided employment depending upon their qualification and availability of vacancies.
1.3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
In 1998 a study was conducted on the welfare measures provided to the employees of CoPT by Ms. N Sangeetha of Bharathiyar University. This study was based on the Class I and Class II employees contrary to my project work which focuses only on the Class III, Class IV non-ministerial staff. This was helpful to me with regard to the selection of samples and using statistical tools. I have done my research work independently and both the studies are independent.
12 Definitions of safety
The condition of being safe; freedom from danger, risk, or injury.
the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions
Occupational safety is concerned with risks in areas where people work: offices, manufacturing plants, farms, construction sites, and commercial and retail facilities. Public safety is concerned with hazards in the home, in travel and recreation, and in other situations that do not fall within the scope of occupational safety.
Definitions of welfare
Anything done for the intellectual, physical, moral and economic betterment of the workers, whether by employers, by government or by other agencies, over and above what is laid down by law or what is normally expected of the contractual benefits for which workers may have bargained.
Well-doing or well-being in any respect; the enjoyment of health and the common blessings of life; exemption from any evil or calamity; prosperity; happiness.
13
CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
2.1
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is a way of systematically solving the research problem. Research methodology deals with the research design used and methods used to present the study.
2.1.1
Research Design
A research design is a detailed blue print used to guide a research study toward its objective. The process of designing a research study involves many interrelated decisions. The most significant decision is the choice of research approach, because it determines how the information will be obtained. The choice of the research approach depends on the nature of the research that one wants to do.
The research design adopted for this study is Descriptive Research. Descriptive method was adopted because it deals with description of the state of affairs as it exist at present
14 2.1.2 Sampling Techniques The next step in research study after collecting data is the sampling process. When a decision is made to use the sample, a number of factors must be taken into consideration. The various steps involved in the sampling process are: Identifying target population. Determining sample frame. Selecting sampling procedure. Determine sample size. Execute sampling Obtaining information from respondents. Generating information for decision making. The target population in this study was the class III and class IV non ministerial staff of CoPT. The sampling technique had to be selected. There are two types of sampling techniques: Probability sampling Non-probability sampling
Among the probability sampling, the sampling used in this study was Stratified sampling. Stratified Sampling If the population from which a sample is to be drawn does not constitute a homogenous group, then stratified sampling technique is applied so as to obtain a representative sample. In this technique, the population is stratified
15 into number of non-overlapping sub populations or strata and sample items are selected from each stratum. If the items selected from each stratum is based on simple random sampling, the entire procedure, first stratification and then simple random sampling is known as stratified sampling. The stratified sampling results in a more reliable and detailed information. The researcher uses simple random sampling for selection of items from each stratum. 2.1.3 Sample size
Among the 1397 class III and class IV non ministerial staff in the organization a sample of 150 employees were taken for the study. The whole of the population was divided into 6 strata: Container Terminal Wharf Dredging and Mooring Electrical Dry Dock Workshop Using the method of proportional allocation, the number of samples are selected from each stratum. Strata
No. of samples
Container Terminal
26
Wharf
40
Dredging and Mooring
20
Electrical
28
Dry Dock
27
Workshop
09
Total
150
16 2.1.4 Tools for Data collection
There are several ways of collecting the appropriate data. While deciding about the method of data collection to be used for the study, the researcher should keep in mind, that there are 2 types of data 1. Primary data 2. Secondary Data
Primary data are those which are collected a fresh and for the first time and thus happen to be original in character. Primary data can be collected either through experiment or through survey. The secondary data on the other hand are those which have already bean collected by some one else and which have already bean passed through the statistical process. In this study, the data was collected from the primary source through interview schedule.
2.1.5 Statistical Techniques
This phase consists of the data analysis of the data collected based on the stratified simple random probabilistic sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using the following methods.
17 Percentage Analysis
The number of responses of each category is summarized to percentage format for the convenience to use other statistical tools namely pie chart and bar diagrams.
Statistical tools Chi-Square Test
This test allows us to determine whether two attributes are independent of each other. In this study chi-square has been used to test if there is an association between various variables and the overall level of satisfaction of safety and welfare measures. χ2 = ∑ {(Oi – Ei)2 / Ei } Applying Yate’s correction : χ2 = ∑ {(|Oi – Ei|-0.5)2 / Ei }
Phi Coefficient
Chi-square tells us about the significance of relation between variables; it provides no answer regarding the magnitude of the relation between the two variables. This can be achieved by computing the Phi coefficient which is a non- parametric measure of coefficient of correlation. It gives the magnitude of the relation or the degree of association between the two variables. φ = √ [χ2 /n]
18
2.2
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
2.2.1 Percentage analysis Table 2.1 Are adequate safety training programmes conducted
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Yes
113
75
No
37
25
Total
150
100
Interpretation The above table shows that 75% of the respondents opined that adequate safety training programmes are conducted at Cochin Port Trust and 25% of them opined it is not.
Are adequate safety training programmes conducted
No 25% Yes No Yes 75%
Figure 2.1
19 Table 2.2 Attended Safety training programmes
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Yes
93
62
No
57
38
Total
150
100
Interpretation The above table shows that 62% of the respondents have attended safety training programmes and 38% of them have not.
Attended training programmes
No 38%
Yes Yes 62%
Figure 2.2
No
20 Table 2.3 Does the Management provide safety awareness
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Yes
137
91
No
13
9
Total
150
100
Interpretation The above table shows that 91% of the respondents opined that the management provides safety awareness and 9% opined that it does not.
Does the Management provide safety awareness
No 9% Yes No Yes 91%
Figure 2.3
21 Table 2.4 Safety measures provided Safety measures Safety helmets Safety outfits Safety goggles Gloves Safety shoes Safety boots Safety mask Safety belt Life saving appliances Cranes Forklift trucks Hatches and spreaders Hazardous cargo Interpretation
Adequate 111 23 64 108 145 16 75 32 22 38 27 13 14
Inadequate 19 4 54 34 5 13 32 32 5 51 20 12 37
No Opinion 20 123 32 8 0 121 43 86 123 61 103 125 99
The above table shows that 36% of the respondents feel that the safety goggles provided are inadequate and 34% feel that the safety measures provided while working on cranes are inadequate.
Adequate
Inadequate
No Opinion
Figure 2.4 Table 2.5 Usage of Safety measures provided
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Hazardous cargo
Hatches & spreaders
Forklift trucks
Cranes
Life saving appliances
Safety belt
Safety mask
Safety boots
Safety shoes
Gloves
Safety goggles
Safety outfits
160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Safety helmets
No. of respondents
Safety measures provided
22
Always
67
45
Sometimes
82
54
Never
1
1
No Opinion
0
0
Interpretation The above table shows that 45% of the respondents say that they always make use of the safety measures provided to them, 54% uses them sometimes and 1% never uses it.
Usage of safety measures
Never 1% Always 45% Sometimes 54%
Always Sometimes Never
Figure 2.5
Table 2.6 Condition of machines, equipments and tools
23 Yes No. of respondents
Particulars
%
No No. of respondents
%
Well designed
83
55
67
45
Well maintained
87
58
63
42
Well guarded
85
57
65
43
Interpretation The above table shows that 55% of the respondents opined that the machines, equipments and tools are well designed, 58% opined that they are well maintained and 57% opined that they are well guarded.
Condition of machines 70%
Percentage
60% 50%
58%
55% 45%
57% 42%
43%
40%
Yes
30%
No
20% 10% 0% Well designed
Well maintained
Well guarded
Figure 2.6
Table 2.7 Layout designed to avoid accidents
24
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Yes
53
35
No
31
21
To an extent
66
44
No Opinion
0
0
Interpretation The above table shows that 35% of the respondents believe that the layout of the workplace is designed to avoid accidents, 21% says it is not so and 44% believe that to an extent the workplace is designed to avoid accidents.
Layout designed to avoid accidents
Yes 35%
To an extent 44%
Yes No To an extent
No 21%
Figure 2.7
Table 2.8 Safety measures help reduce severity of accidents
25
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Yes
69
46
No
13
9
To an extent
54
36
No Opinion
14
9
Interpretation The above table shows that 46% of the respondents believe that the safety measures provided at Cochin Port Trust help reduce the severity of accidents, 9% believes otherwise and 36% believe that to an extent the safety measures help in reducing the severity of accidents.
Safety measures help reduce severity of accidents
No Opinion 9% Yes 46%
To an extent 36%
Yes No To an extent No Opinion
No 9%
Figure 2.8
Table 2.9 Immediate actions taken to investigate accidents
26
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Always
122
81
Sometimes
21
14
Never
7
5
No Opinion
0
0
Interpretation The above table shows that 81% of the respondents feel that always immediate actions are taken to investigate accidents, 14% feel that it is so sometimes and 5% feels that immediate actions are never taken to investigate accidents.
Immediate actions taken to investigate accidents
Sometimes 14%
Never 5% Always Sometimes Never Always 81%
Figure 2.9
Table 2.10 Risk factor perceived while working at Cochin Port Trust
27
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Yes
84
56
No
49
33
To an extent
17
11
No Opinion
0
0
Interpretation The above table shows that 56% of the respondents opined that they perceive a risk factor wile working at Cochin Port Trust, 33% opined that they do not perceive any risk factor and 11% opined that to an extent they perceive a risk factor.
Risk factor perceived at CoPT
To an extent 11% Yes No 33%
Yes 56%
No To an extent
Figure 2.10
Table 2.11 Tend to avoid work due to risk involved in it
28
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Always
1
1
Sometimes
13
9
Never
136
90
No Opinion
0
0
Interpretation The above table shows that 90% of the respondents say that the never avoid work due to the risk involved in it. 9% sometimes avoids work and 1% always avoids work.
Tend to avoid work due to risk
Always Sometimes 1% 9% Always Sometimes Never Never 90%
Figure 2.11
Table 2.12 In case of accidents, the management takes good care of the employees
29
No. of
Particulars
Percentage
Respondents
Strongly Agree
31
21
Agree
85
56
No Opinion
6
4
Disagree
28
19
Strongly disagree
0
0
Interpretation The above table shows that 21% of the respondents strongly agree that in case of accidents, the management would take good care of them, 56% agree and 19% disagree to this. 4% of the respondents had no opinion on the matter.
Taken good care of by the management 56%
60%
Percentage
50% 40% 30%
21%
19%
20% 10%
4%
0%
0% Strongly Agree
Agree
No Opinion
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Figure 2.12
Table 2.13 Safety measures make you feel secure
30
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Yes
127
85
No
23
15
Total
150
100
Interpretation The above table shows that 85% of the respondents feel that the safety measures make them feel more secure while working at Cochin Port Trust and 15% of them feel otherwise.
Safety measures make you feel secure
No 15% Yes No Yes 85%
Figure 2.13
Table 2.14 Level of satisfaction of existing Safety Measures
31
No. of Respondents
Percentage
3
2
122
81
Neutral
1
1
Dissatisfactory
24
16
Highly Dissatisfactory
0
0
Particulars Highly Satisfactory Satisfactory
Interpretation The above table shows that 2% of the respondents are highly satisfied with the safety measures at Cochin Port, 81% are satisfied, 1% are neutral in their opinion and 16% are dissatisfied with the safety measures.
Percentage
Level of satisfaction of existing safety measures 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
81%
16% 2% Highly Satisfactory
1% Satisfactory
Neutral
0% Dissatisfactory
Figure 2.14
Table 2.15 Should more safety measures be introduced
Highly Dissatisfactory
32
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Yes
97
65
No
53
35
Total
150
100
Interpretation The above table shows that 65% of the respondents feel that more safety measures are to be introduced and 53% feel that it need not be introduced.
Should more safety measures be introduced
No 35% Yes No Yes 65%
Figure 2.15
Table 2.16 Safety measures to be introduced Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
33 Proper training for all
66
68
Increase awareness
57
59
Improve quality of shoes/mask
57
59
Pollution control
42
43
Improve condition of equipments
39
40
Improve condition of workplace
21
22
Training to be made practical
18
19
Others
51
53
Interpretation The above table shows that among the 97 respondents who feel that safety measures are to be introduced, 44% feels proper training should be provided for all workers, 38% feels the need to increase awareness about safety, 38% feels that the quality of shoes/mask should be improved, 28% feels that pollution should be controlled, 26% feels the condition of equipments should be improved, 14% feels the condition of workplace should be improved and 12% feels the training should be made practical.
59%
53%
Figure 2.16 Table 2.17 Welfare measures help to
22%
19%
Others
40%
Improve condition of equipments
Pollution control
Improve quality of shoes/mask
43%
Training not practical
59%
Improve condition of workplace
68%
Increase awareness
80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
Training
Percentage
Safety measures to be introduced
34
Welfare measures help :
Strongly Agree
No Opinion
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
To create better industrial relations
10
7
107
71
22
15
11
7
0
To create greater loyalty
30
20
112
75
8
5
0
0
0
To foster team spirit
25
17
119
79
2
1
4
3
0
Interpretation The above table shows that 7% of the respondents strongly agree to the fact that welfare measures help in creating better industrial relations, 71% agree, 7% disagree and 15% didn’t have an opinion on this. 20% of the respondents strongly agree that welfare measures help in creating greater loyalty, 75% agree and 5% did not have an opinion. 17% of the respondents strongly agree that welfare measures help to foster team spirit, 79% agree, 3% disagree and 1% did not have an opinion.
Percentage
Welfare measures help to : 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
71%
79%
75%
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion 7%
15% 7%
20%
17% 5%
0
To create better To create greater industrial loyalty relations
Disagree 1% 3%
To foster team spirit
Figure 2.17 Table 2.18 Level of Satisfaction of Welfare measures
35
Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Neutral
Dissatisfa ctory
Medical facilities
14
109
3
24
Highly Dissatisfa ctory 0
Canteens
0
107
1
5
7
Rest rooms
0
89
0
52
9
Recreational facilities
1
70
24
55
0
Cultural facilities Family planning programmes Educational facilities
1
68
52
29
0
1
52
92
5
0
4
112
19
15
0
Transport facilities Co-operative establishments Housing facilities
0
54
8
75
13
40
100
10
0
0
6
101
43
0
0
Shopping facilities
0
74
27
49
0
First-Aid facilities
1
118
2
27
2
Ex-gratia payments Compassionate appointments
0
63
65
22
0
2
80
7
61
0
Welfare measures
Interpretation The above table shows that the responses of the employees are clustered in the satisfactory region. This shows that a majority of the respondents are satisfied with the welfare measures at CoPT. The welfare measure that most of the employees are dissatisfied with is transport facilities.
36
Medical facilities
Percentage
80
73
60 40 20 0
16
9 Highly Satisfactory
2 Satisfactory
Neutral
Dissatisfactory
0 Highly Dissatisfactory
Canteens
Percentage
80
71
60 40
23
20 0
0 Highly Satisfactory
5
1 Satisfactory
Neutral
Dissatisfactory
Highly Dissatisfactory
Rest rooms
Percentage
80 60
59
40
35
20 0
0 Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
0 Neutral
6 Dissatisfactory
Highly Dissatisfactory
Percentage
Recreational facilities 50 40 30 20 10 0
47 36 16 1 Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Neutral
Dissatisfactory
0 Highly Dissatisfactory
37
Percentage
Cultural facilities 50 40 30 20 10 0
45 35 19 1 Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Neutral
Dissatisfactory
0 Highly Dissatisfactory
Family planning prog
Percentage
80 61
60 40
35
20 0
3
1 Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Neutral
Dissatisfactory
0 Highly Dissatisfactory
Educational facilities
Percentage
80
75
60 40 20 0
12
3 Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Neutral
10 Dissatisfactory
0 Highly Dissatisfactory
Transport facilities
Percentage
60
50
40
36
20 0
0 Highly Satisfactory
9
5 Satisfactory
Neutral
Dissatisfactory
Highly Dissatisfactory
38
Co-operative establishments
Percentage
80
67
60 40 20
27 6
0 Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Neutral
0 Dissatisfactory
0 Highly Dissatisfactory
0 Dissatisfactory
0 Highly Dissatisfactory
Housing facilities
Percentage
80
67
60 40
29
20 0
4 Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Neutral
Shopping facilities
Percentage
60 49
40
33
20 0
18 0 Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Neutral
Dissatisfactory
0 Highly Dissatisfactory
Percentage
First-Aid facilities 100 80 60 40 20 0
79
1 Highly Satisfactory
1 Satisfactory
Neutral
18 Dissatisfactory
1 Highly Dissatisfactory
39
Percentage
Ex-gratia payments 50 40 30 20 10 0
43
42
15 0 Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Neutral
Dissatisfactory
0 Highly Dissatisfactory
Compassionate appointments
Percentage
60
53 41
40 20 0
5
1 Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Neutral
Dissatisfactory
Figure 2.18
Table 2.19 Welfare measures satisfy needs
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Always
28
19
Sometimes
120
80
0 Highly Dissatisfactory
40
Never
2
1
No Opinion
0
0
Interpretation The above table shows that 19% of the respondents feel that the welfare measures always help to satisfy their needs, 80% feels that it helps sometimes and 1% believe that it never helps.
welfare measures satisfy needs
Never 1%
Always 19% Always Sometimes Never
Sometimes 80%
Figure 2.19
Table 2.20 Level of Satisfaction of welfare measures
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
41
Highly Satisfied
0
0
138
92
Neutral
2
1
Dissatisfied
10
7
Highly Dissatisfied
0
0
Satisfied
Interpretation The above table shows that 92% of the respondents opined that they are satisfied with the existing welfare measures, 7% are dissatisfied and 1% was neutral in their opinion.
Level of satisfaction of existing welfare measures 92%
Percentage
100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%
Highly Satisfied
7%
1%
0% Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
0% Highly Dissatisfied
Level of satisfaction
Figure 2.20
Table 2.21 Disappointed by any welfare measure
Particulars
No. of Respondents
Percentage
42
Yes
29
19
No
121
81
Total
150
100
Interpretation The above table shows that 19% of the respondents say that they are disappointed by certain welfare measure but 81% of them say that they are not.
Disappointed by any welfare measure
Yes 19% Yes No No 81%
Figure 2.21
Table 2.22 Disappointed by welfare measure Particulars Medical facilities
No. of Respondents 4
Percentage 14
43 Canteen food
4
14
Rest room facilities
3
10
Educational facilities
2
7
Transport facilities Compassionate appointment Others
6
21
4
14
6
20
Interpretation The above table shows that among the 29 respondents who were disappointed by certain welfare measures, 14% were disappointed by medical facilities, 21% by the canteen food, 10% by the rest room facilities, 7% by the educational facilities, 14% by the transport facilities, and 14% by the compassionate appointments.
Dissapointed by welfare measures Medical facilities 14%
Others 20%
Canteen food 14%
Compassionate appointment 14%
Rest room facilities 10%
Transport facilities 21%
Educational facilities 7%
Figure 2.22 Table 2.23 Welfare measures to be improved Particulars Medical facilities Canteens Rest rooms
No. of Respondents 19 32 29
Percentage 13 21 19
44 Educational facilities Transport facilities First-Aid facilities Compassionate appointments Others
16 38 15 37 21
11 25 10 25 14
Interpretation The above table shows that 25% of the respondents feel that transport facilities should be improved, 25% feels that compassionate appointments be improved, 21% feel canteen facilities be improved, 19% feel rest room facilities be improved, 11% feel that educational facilities be improved, 13% feel medical facilities be improved, 10% feel that first aid facilities be improved.
25%
19%
14%
10%
Transport facilities
Educational facilities
Rest rooms
11%
Compassionate appointments
13%
Others
25%
First-Aid facilities
21%
Canteens
30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%
Medical facilities
Percentage
Welfare measures to be improved
Figure 2.23 2.2.2 Statistical Analysis 2.2.2.1 Category of workers and level of satisfaction of existing safety measures H0:
There is no significant association between the category of employees and their level of satisfaction regarding the existing safety measures.
H1:
There is a significant association between the category of employees and their level of satisfaction regarding the existing safety measures.
45
Table 2.24 Highly Skilled Satisfactory Observed 15 Expected 16.8 Dissatisfactory Observed 5 Expected 3.2
Skilled 53 50.3 7 9.7
Unskilled 57 57.9 12 11.1
Level of significance = 0.05 Degrees of freedom = 2 Calculated χ2 value, = 2.18888 Table value χ2 @ 0.05, df: 2 = 5.991
Figure 2.24 Interpretation Since the calculated value 2.188 falls in the acceptance region we accept the null hypothesis against the alternate hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance and 2 degrees of freedom.
46 We may conclude that there is no significant difference in the level of satisfaction of existing safety measures among the different category of workers.
2.2.2.2 Departments and level of satisfaction of existing safety measures H0:
There is no dependence between the departments and the level of satisfaction of existing safety measures.
H1:
There is a dependence between the departments and the level of satisfaction of existing safety measures. Table 2.25 Mechanical Satisfactory Observed 78 Expected 74.7 Dissatisfactory Observed 12 Expected 15.3
Level of significance = 0.05 Degrees of freedom = 1 Calculated χ2 value, = 2.8202 Table value χ2 @ 0.05, df: 1 = 3.841
Traffic 29 32.3 10 6.7
47 Interpretation Since the calculated value 2.8202 falls in the acceptance region we accept the null hypothesis against the alternate hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance and 1 degree of freedom. We may conclude that there is no dependence between the departments and the level of satisfaction of existing safety measures. In the Marine department a majority of 90% are satisfied with the safety measures and 10% are dissatisfied.
2.2.2.3Attended safety training programmes and level of satisfaction of safety measures H0:
There is no significant association between the fact that the employees have attended safety training programmes and their level of satisfaction regarding the existing safety measures.
H1:
There is a significant association between the fact that the employees have attended safety training programmes and their level of satisfaction regarding the existing safety measures. Table 2.26
Level of satisfaction Satisfactory Dissatisfactory
Frequency Observed Expected Observed Expected
Level of significance = 0.05 Degrees of freedom = 1 Calculated χ2 value, = 15.8427
Attended safety training programmes Yes No 68 57 77.18 47.82 24 0 14.82 9.18
48 Table value χ2 @ 0.05, df: 1 = 3.841
Figure 2.25 Interpretation Since the calculated value 15.8427 falls in the rejection region we reject the null hypothesis against the alternate hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance and 1 degree of freedom. Thus we accept the alternate hypothesis. Therefore we conclude that there is a significant association between the fact that the employees have attended safety training programmes and their level of satisfaction regarding the existing safety measures. Phi Coefficient φ = √ [χ2 /n] = √ [15.8427 / 149] = 0.326 Since the φ value is positive, there exists a direct association between the level of satisfaction of the employees and the fact that they have attended
49 safety training programmes. But since the value 0.326 is very close to zero it is a weak association. 2.2.2.4Perception of risk and level of satisfaction of existing safety measures H0:
There is no significant association between the perception of risk factor and the level of satisfaction of employees regarding the existing safety measures.
H1:
There is a significant association between the perception of risk factor and the level of satisfaction of employees regarding the existing safety measures. Table 2.27
Level of satisfaction Satisfactory Dissatisfactory
Frequency Observed Expected Observed Expected
Perception of risk Yes No 62 63 69.6 55.4 21 3 13.4 10.6
Level of significance = 0.05 Degrees of freedom = 1 Calculated χ2 value, = 10.1518 Table value χ2 @ 0.05, df: 1 = 3.841 Interpretation Since the calculated value 10.1518 is greater than the table value and falls in the rejection region we reject the null hypothesis against the alternate hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance and 1 degree of freedom. Thus we accept the alternate hypothesis. Therefore we conclude that there is a is a significant association between the perception of risk factor and the level of satisfaction of employees regarding the existing safety measures. Phi Coefficient φ = 0.261
50 There exists a weak positive association between the perception of risk factor and the level of satisfaction of employees regarding the existing safety measures. 2.2.2.5 Category of workers and level of satisfaction of welfare measures H0:
There is no significant association between the category of employees and their level of satisfaction regarding welfare measures.
H1:
There is a significant association between the category of employees and their level of satisfaction regarding welfare measures. Table 2.28
Satisfactory
Observed Expected Dissatisfactory Observed Expected
Skilled 79 74.59 1 5.41
Unskilled 59 63.41 9 4.59
Level of significance = 0.05 Degrees of freedom = 1 Calculated χ2 value, = 6.6027 Table value χ2 @ 0.05, df: 1 = 3.841 Interpretation Since the calculated value 6.6027 falls in the rejection region we reject the null hypothesis against the alternate hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance and 1 degree of freedom. Thus we accept the alternate hypothesis. Therefore we conclude that there is a significant association between the level of satisfaction of welfare measures among the various category of employees. Phi Coefficient
51 φ = 0.211 There exists a weak positive association between overall level of satisfaction of welfare measures among the various categories. 2.2.2.6 Departments and level of satisfaction of welfare measures H0:
There is no dependence between the departments and the level of satisfaction of welfare measures.
H1:
There is a dependence between the departments and the level of satisfaction of welfare measures. Table 2.29 Mechanical Satisfactory Observed 85 Expected 83 Dissatisfactory Observed 5 Expected 7
Traffic 33 35 5 3
Level of significance = 0.05 Degrees of freedom = 1 Calculated χ2 value, = 1.1628 Table value χ2 @ 0.05, df: 1 = 3.841 Interpretation Since the calculated value 1.1628 falls in the acceptance region we accept the null hypothesis against the alternate hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance and 1 degree of freedom. We may conclude that there is no dependence between the Mechanical and Traffic departments and the level of satisfaction of welfare measures. All the 20 respondents in the Marine department are satisfied with the welfare measures.
52
2.2.2.7Level of satisfaction of Transport facilities and overall level of satisfaction of welfare measures H0:
There is no significant association between the level of satisfaction of transport facilities and the overall level of satisfaction of welfare measures.
H1:
There is a significant association between the level of satisfaction of transport facilities and the overall level of satisfaction of welfare measures. Table 2.30
Level of satisfaction Satisfactory Dissatisfactory
Frequency Observed Expected Observed Expected
Transport facilities Satisfactory Dissatisfactory 62 78 57.87 82.13 0 10 4.13 5.87
Level of significance = 0.05 Degrees of freedom = 1 Calculated χ2 value, = 5.8234 Table value χ2 @ 0.05, df: 1 = 3.841 Interpretation Since the calculated value 5.8234 falls in the rejection region we reject the null hypothesis against the alternate hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance and 1 degree of freedom. Thus we accept the alternate hypothesis. Therefore we conclude that there is a significant association between the level of satisfaction of transport facilities and the overall level of satisfaction of welfare measures. Phi Coefficient φ = 0.197
53 There exists a weak positive association between the level of satisfaction of transport facilities and the overall level of satisfaction of welfare measures.
CHAPTER 3
FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION
3.1
FINDINGS
3.1.1 Based on Percentage Analysis
1.
The study shows that 75% of the respondents opined adequate safety training programmes are conducted at Cochin Port Trust and 25% of them opined it is not.
2.
The study shows that 62% of the respondents have attended safety training programmes and 38% of them have not.
3.
The study shows that 10% of the respondents have rated the training programmes as highly effective, 84% have rated it as effective, 5% have no opinion and 1% says it is ineffective.
4.
The study shows that 91% of the respondents opined that the management provides safety awareness and 9% opined that it does not.
5.
The study shows that a majority of 84% employees feel that CoPT mostly creates safety awareness through bulletin boards and the
54 least through safety competitions as only 14% believes that safety awareness is created through safety competitions. 6.
The study shows that 36% of the respondents feel that the safety goggles provided are inadequate and 34% feel that the safety measures provided while working on cranes are inadequate.
7.
The study shows that 45% of the respondents say that they always make use of the safety measures provided to them, 54% uses them sometimes and 1% never uses it.
8.
The study shows that 55% of the respondents opined that the machines, equipments and tools are well designed, 58% opined that they are well maintained and 57% opined that they are well guarded.
9.
The study shows that 35% of the respondents believe that the layout of the workplace is designed to avoid accidents, 21% says it is not so and 44% believe that to an extent the workplace is designed to avoid accidents.
10.
The study shows that 46% of the respondents believe that the safety measures provided at Cochin Port Trust help reduce the severity of accidents, 9% believes otherwise and 36% believe that to an extent the safety measures help in reducing the severity of accidents.
11.
The study shows that 81% of the respondents feel that always immediate actions are taken to investigate accidents, 14% feel that it is so sometimes and 5% feels that immediate actions are never taken to investigate accidents.
12.
The study shows that 56% of the respondents opined that they perceive a risk factor wile working at Cochin Port Trust, 33% opined
55 that they do not perceive any risk factor and 11% opined that to an extent they perceive a risk factor. 13.
The study shows that 90% of the respondents say that the never avoid work due to the risk involved in it. 9% sometimes avoids work and 1% always avoids work.
14.
The study shows that 21% of the respondents strongly agree that in case of accidents, the management would take good care of them, 56% agree and 19% disagree to this. 4% of the respondents had no opinion on the matter.
15.
The study shows that 85% of the respondents feel that the safety measures make them feel more secure while working at Cochin Port Trust and 15% of them feel otherwise.
16.
The study shows that 2% of the respondents are highly satisfied with the safety measures at Cochin Port, 81% are satisfied, 1% are neutral in their opinion and 16% are dissatisfied with the safety measures.
17.
The study shows that 65% of the respondents feel that more safety measures are to be introduced and 53% feel that it need not be introduced.
18.
The study shows that among the 97 respondents who feel that safety measures are to be introduced, 44% feels proper training should be provided for all workers, 38% feels the need to increase awareness about safety, 38% feels that the quality of shoes/mask should be improved, 28% feels that pollution should be controlled, 26% feels the condition of equipments should be improved, 14% feels the condition of workplace should be improved and 12% feels the training should be made practical.
56 19.
The study shows that 95% of the respondents opined that they are happy with the welfare measures at Cochin Port Trust and 5% opined they are not.
20.
The study shows that 7% of the respondents strongly agree to the fact that welfare measures help in creating better industrial relations, 71% agree, 7% disagree and 15% didn’t have an opinion on this. 20% of the respondents strongly agree that welfare measures help in creating greater loyalty, 75% agree and 5% did not have an opinion. 17% of the respondents strongly agree that welfare measures help to foster team spirit, 79% agree, 3% disagree and 1% did not have an opinion.
21.
The study shows that the responses of the employees are clustered in the satisfactory region. This shows that a majority of the respondents are satisfied with the welfare measures at CoPT. The welfare measure that most of the employees are dissatisfied with is transport facilities.
22.
The study shows that 19% of the respondents feel that the welfare measures always help to satisfy their needs, 80% feels that it helps sometimes and 1% believe that it never helps.
23.
The study shows that 19% of the respondents feel that welfare measures always help in solving their problems, 73% feels it helps sometimes, 7% feels it never helps and 1% has no opinion on this matter.
24.
The study shows that 92% of the respondents opined that they are satisfied with the existing welfare measures, 7% are dissatisfied and 1% was neutral in their opinion.
57 25.
The study shows that 19% of the respondents say that they are disappointed by certain welfare measure but 81% of them say that they are not.
26.
The study shows that among the 29 respondents who were disappointed by certain welfare measures, 14% were disappointed by medical facilities, 21% by the canteen food, 10% by the rest room facilities, 7% by the educational facilities, 14% by the transport facilities, and 14% by the compassionate appointments.
27.
The study shows that 25% of the respondents feel that transport facilities should be improved, 25% feels that compassionate appointments be improved, 21% feel canteen facilities be improved, 19% feel rest room facilities be improved, 11% feel that educational facilities be improved, 13% feel medical facilities be improved, 10% feel that first aid facilities be improved.
3.1.2 Based on Statistical Analysis
1.
There is no significant difference in the level of satisfaction of existing safety measures among the different category of workers.
2.
There is no dependence between the Mechanical and Traffic departments and the level of satisfaction of existing safety measures. In the Marine department 90% of the respondents are satisfied with the safety measures and 10% are not.
58 3.
There is a significant association between the fact that the employees have attended safety training programmes and their level of satisfaction regarding the existing safety measures.
4.
There is a significant association between the perception of risk factor and the level of satisfaction of employees regarding the existing safety measures.
5.
There is a significant association between the level of satisfaction of welfare measures among the various category of employees.
6.
There is no dependence between the Mechanical and Traffic departments and the level of satisfaction of welfare measures. All the 20 respondents in the Marine department are satisfied with the welfare measures.
7.
There is a significant association between the level of satisfaction of transport facilities and the overall level of satisfaction of welfare measures.
8.
There is no significant association between the level of satisfaction of rest room facilities and the overall level of satisfaction of welfare measures.
3.2
SUGGESTIONS
3.1
The port can ensure that safety training programmes are conducted for all the employees, since 38% of them opined that they have not undergone any safety training and the statistical analysis show that there is an association between the overall level of satisfaction and the fact that the employees have attended training programmes.
59 Also 19% of the employees feel that the training that is being provided is not practical. So steps may be adopted to ensure that training is more practical in nature. 3.2
The researcher feels that the awareness for the safety is quite low among the employees. Steps may be undertaken to increase the awareness and need for safety.
3.3
The quality of shoes and mask provided may be improved as 59% of the respondents have thus opined.
3.4
The management needs to pay attention to the fact that 45% of the respondents feel that the machines, equipments and tools are not well designed, 42% feel it is not well maintained, 43% feels it is not well guarded and ding out reasons for the same.
3.5
The responses of the employees regarding the level of satisfaction of welfare measures are clustered in the satisfactory region. The management may take steps to convert these into highly satisfactory.
3.6
Since 59% of the employees are not satisfied with the transport facilities provided by the port, steps may be taken to provide facilities especially fro employees who have to work during night shifts.
3.7
The conditions of the rest rooms and shelters may be improved especially in the wharf and electrical sections. They may be provided with adequate fans and facilities to rest.
3.8
Canteen facilities may be provided by the port at both wharfs and the electrical sections.
60 3.9
The port may ensure that medical personnel are always available at the first aid facilities.
3.10
The port may make sure that there is no time lapse in providing the employees jobs on compassionate grounds.
3.3
CONCLUSION
A study was conducted on the safety and welfare measures provided to the employees of Cochin Port Trust.
A majority of 81% of the respondents were found to be satisfied with the safety measures at Cochin Port, 2% were highly satisfied, 1% was neutral in their opinion and only 16% were dissatisfied with the safety measures.
A majority of the respondents feel secure while working at CoPT and feel that the safety measures help to reduce the severity of accidents. Even though 56% of them perceive a risk factor while working at CoPT, a majority of 90% never avoid work due to this risk factor.
The study again shows that there is a clustering of respondents opinion in the satisfactory region regarding the level of satisfaction of welfare measures. This reveals that a majority of respondents are satisfied with the existing welfare measures. The management may take up steps to convert these into highly satisfactory.
61 The few welfare measures which were dissatisfactory were transport facilities, rest room facilities and the time lapse in compassionate appointments. The management may concentrate on these areas to increase the satisfaction level of employees towards the welfare measures.
