Disclaimer:

The names of companies and individuals mentioned in this case study are purely fictional and have been
created solely for academic purposes and to facilitate learning. Any resemblance to real companies,
organizations, or individuals is purely coincidental. The case study is intended to provide a simulated scenario
for educational discussions and does not represent any specific industry or entity. The information and details
presented in this case study are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as factual or
reflective of any actual events or circumstances.

CASE STUDY NUMER: CS017

LACK OF INDUCTION AT XYZ CORP LEADING TO A NEAR
MISS INCIDENT INVOLVING BORTIORKOR, A FORKLIFT
OPERATOR AT ABC LIMITED AT 11AM.

Introduction

The importance of safety in the workplace cannot be overstated, particularly in

industries where heavy machinery and equipment are commonplace. This case
study delves into a near-miss incident that occurred at XYZ Corp in the civil
construction industry on 13th July 2021 at 11 am. The incident highlights the critical
role of proper induction processes in ensuring the safety of workers and preventing
potentially life-threatening situations. By examining the lack of induction procedures
at XYZ Corp, we aim to shed light on the consequences of inadequate safety
measures and emphasize the need for comprehensive training and orientation
programs.

Description of the Industry

The civil construction industry plays a pivotal role in infrastructure development,

encompassing projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Given the nature of
the work involved, heavy machinery like forklifts are integral to daily operations.
Safety protocols are crucial in mitigating risks associated with these machines,
ensuring the well-being of workers and the overall success of projects. In this
dynamic and high-stakes environment, adherence to stringent safety standards is
paramount to prevent accidents and protect both human lives and assets.

Background

XYZ Corp, a prominent player in the civil construction industry, prides itself on its
commitment to quality and safety. However, the incident in question highlights a
critical gap in their safety protocols – the lack of a robust induction process for new
employees. This oversight has far-reaching implications, as demonstrated by the
near-miss incident involving Bortiorkor, a forklift operator. The background section
delves into the organizational culture, safety policies, and the circumstances that led
to the deficiency in the induction process, setting the stage for a comprehensive
analysis of the incident.

Incident Description

On the fateful day of 13th July 2021 at 11 am, Bortiorkor, a newly hired forklift
operator at XYZ Corp, found himself at the center of a near-miss incident. Lacking
proper induction, Bortiorkor was unfamiliar with the specific safety procedures,
equipment protocols, and hazard awareness crucial for his role.

As Bortiorkor maneuvered the forklift through the construction site, he inadvertently

approached a high-risk zone where construction activities were in progress. Due to
the lack of adequate induction, he was unaware of the established safety perimeters
and failed to recognize the potential danger. As a result, the forklift came
dangerously close to colliding with a group of construction workers who were
engaged in their tasks.
Fortunately, vigilant colleagues and on-site supervisors reacted swiftly, alerting
Bortiorkor to the imminent danger and instructing him to halt the forklift immediately.
The incident was narrowly avoided, and no injuries were sustained. However, this
near-miss serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inadequate induction
processes, highlighting the potential for severe accidents in the absence of proper
safety training.

This incident description sets the stage for a detailed analysis of the factors
contributing to the near-miss and underscores the critical importance of robust
induction processes in ensuring the safety of workers in the civil construction
industry.

CRITICAL THINKING AND KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT OF THE

CASE STUDY

Essay Questions and Mark Allocation:

1. Importance of Workplace Safety (5 marks):

Evaluate the significance of workplace safety in industries involving heavy machinery

and equipment, with reference to the near-miss incident at XYZ Corp.

2. Role of Heavy Machinery in Civil Construction (5 marks):

Discuss the integral role of heavy machinery, such as forklifts, in the civil
construction industry and the associated safety challenges.

3. Importance of Safety Protocols (5 marks):

Analyze the critical role of safety protocols in mitigating risks associated with heavy
machinery, emphasizing their importance in preventing accidents.

4. The Need for Comprehensive Training Programs (10 marks):

Explore the necessity for comprehensive training and orientation programs in the
workplace, using XYZ Corp's incident as a case study.

5. Challenges in the Civil Construction Industry (5 marks):

Identify and discuss the challenges faced by the civil construction industry in
maintaining safety standards, considering the dynamic and high-stakes nature of the
environment.

6. Organizational Culture and Safety (8 marks):

Evaluate the influence of organizational culture on safety policies, drawing insights

from XYZ Corp's commitment to quality and safety.

7. Safety Policies and Their Implementation (7 marks):

Examine the impact of safety policies on preventing incidents and ensuring the well-
being of workers, considering XYZ Corp's safety protocols.

8. Induction Processes in the Workplace (8 marks):

Discuss the importance of robust induction processes for new employees and the
potential consequences of overlooking such processes, referencing the incident
involving Bortiorkor.

9. Analysis of Near-Miss Incident (15 marks):

Conduct a detailed analysis of the near-miss incident at XYZ Corp, exploring the
factors that contributed to the incident and the lessons learned.

10. Hazard Awareness in the Workplace (8 marks):

Assess the significance of hazard awareness in preventing workplace incidents,

using the incident involving Bortiorkor as a case study.

11. Swift Response to Near-Miss Incidents (7 marks):

Explore the importance of a swift response to near-miss incidents in preventing

accidents and minimizing the impact on the well-being of workers.
12. Worker Well-being and Asset Protection (6 marks):

Examine the dual responsibility of ensuring worker well-being and protecting assets
in the civil construction industry, considering the potential consequences of
neglecting either aspect.

13. Lessons Learned and Continuous Improvement (10 marks):

Discuss the lessons learned from the near-miss incident at XYZ Corp and the
importance of continuous improvement in safety protocols.

14. Inadequate Safety Measures and Legal Implications (7 marks):

Explore the potential legal implications of inadequate safety measures in the

workplace, with a focus on XYZ Corp's situation.

15. Recommendations for Enhancing Workplace Safety (7 marks):

Propose recommendations for XYZ Corp to enhance its workplace safety,

considering the deficiencies in their induction process revealed by the incident.