A newly developed Height Rig was inaugurated at the Safety Engineering Department of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) by Mr. Biswaranjan Palai, ED (Works), on 19th June 2025. The facility is designed to serve as a practical assessment platform for evaluating workers before height passes are issued, ensuring that only trained individuals are permitted to undertake height-related jobs.
Mr. R N Rajendran, CGM In-charge (Mechanical & Shops); Mr. R K Bisare, CGM (New Plate Mill & Special Plate Plant); Ms. Asha S Kartha, CGM (Safety & Fire Services); Mr. Abakash Behera, GM (Safety), many senior officers, Area Safety Officers (ASOs), Departmental Safety Officers (DSOs), agency safety personnel, and a large number of contractual employees were present on the occasion.
In his address, Mr. Palai emphasized the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols while working at height in an industrial environment like RSP. He noted that such initiatives play a key role in preventing incidents and safeguarding lives.
Mr. R K Bisare spoke on the hazards associated with height-related jobs and the need for rigorous safety training. Ms. Asha S Kartha highlighted that the new Height Rig will significantly reinforce RSP’s safety framework by ensuring that only evaluated personnel are allowed to carry out tasks at height.
Mr. Abakash Behera, GM (Safety), encouraged all safety officers to actively utilize the facility. He explained the utility of the Height Rig in practical safety assessments and awareness-building.
To further enhance awareness, a live demonstration was conducted by M/s L&T on the proper method of maintaining three-point contact while working at height, using a full-body harness. Also, SED personnel conducted a stability and stamina test to assess fitness for height-related tasks.
The programme was coordinated by Mr. B K Padhy, AGM (Safety), Mr. C Sabat, Deputy Manager (Safety), and Mr. C K Sasmal, Deputy Manager (Safety).
