A healthy workforce is the secret to a safe & healthy project

The project team with their well-deserved Sword of Honour

Gujarat’s Kutch region is famous for its geography, history, culture, and wildlife; it is also known for its harsh climatic conditions where temperatures soar in summer and plummet in winter, where water resources are limited, and the terrains are extremely challenging especially for constructing infrastructure. Covering some 45,674 sq. km of area, Kutch is India’s largest district having a meagrely segregated and distributed population with mixed land use for agriculture and industries.

In such a situation, a hardy team from WET IC is busy building a lift irrigation scheme, the Northern Link Project, in one of the remotest corners of Kutch, that aims to replenish 36,392 Ha of cultivable land in 12 villages to bring water and the promise of a better livelihood to the farmers of the region and the local population. Despite the enormous challenges of terrain, conditions, and labour, the team has kept their safety record spotless, which has won them L&T Construction’s Safety Award for 2024.

Keeping the workforce healthy and engaged

One of Project Manager Vipin Kumar Tyagi’s biggest challenges has been to induct, train, and retain manpower over an extended period at his remote site.

“To address this challenge, we decided from the word go to create state-of-the-art facilities for our workers at site,” he states meaningfully. The habitat, which they call ‘Narmada Vihar’, is set up close to the main pumping station MPS 02 at Rapar Khokhra village, Anjar, affording easy access for the workers to the site and avoiding time for conveyance. Spread over an area of 2,300 sq. m, the habitat accommodates 224 workers in 32 rooms occupying an area of 800 sq. m, with the other 1,500 sq. m dedicated for a park, playing area, recreation room, crèche, and kitchen.

IP-65 board

Having taken care of the living facilities, the team turned to improving the wellbeing of their workers by prioritizing their health and wellness. “Focusing on the physical and mental well-being of the workers, we conduct risk assessments that cover physical, mental, social, and financial factors, especially in high-stress activities,” elaborates Planning In-charge, Rehan Ahmed. “Their monthly calendars include yoga, healthy eating, and mental health programmes, and participation is mandatory.” Regularly monitored through surveys and inspections, the data is revealing encouraging results in terms of improved productivity, job satisfaction, and long-term sustainability. By offering rewards to workers who stay committed for sustained periods, WET IC is building a more loyal and motivated labour force.

Ensuring safety at every step

To start with, a detailed geological study of the conditions was essential as the chances of encountering various strata of earth during trench excavation in the 150 km pipeline was high, hence a priority for Rehan was to select subcontractors with strong EHS practices.

From the installation of large-diameter MS pipelines to the construction of pumping stations, careful planning and a thorough commitment to EHS were imperatives. The 2.4 m dia. pipes are laid through agricultural lands, involving the excavation of deep trenches into which the pipes are lowered, followed by welding of joints, backfilling, and the disposal of excess earth. “Each work front is equipped with full-body harnesses, lifelines, and welding-based PPEs that are checked daily through mobile-based Safe Execution Cards on the ViewEHS App,” informs EHS Incharge Quamrul Huda.

For the construction of the three pumping stations, the workers involved had to pass through a skill assessment followed by an induction programme. “Best-in-class engineering controls and equipment have been installed to minimize manual handling of materials and minimize strain on the workforce,” Quamrul adds. The project has a dedicated tower crane for operations at MPS-02 to not only speed up lifting operations but also ensure safe and easy operations. Regular training and skill assessment programmes keep the workforce nimble & efficient and help build a strong EHS culture.

“We are keen to embed our EHS culture in the minds of our entire project team, staff and workers alike,” reaffirms Vipin, “which is why all new staff and trainees mandatorily undergo an onthe-job training in the EHS department for a month.”

Access to tower crane

Due recognition for their efforts

Receiving a 5‑Star rating from the British Safety Council (BSC) and winning a Sword of Honour award have been extremely satisfying for Vipin, Quamrul, and team. In addition, they have won the BSC International Safety Award in December 2023, the World Safety Organization (India) Award and the 6th ICC National Health and Safety Award, both in 2024. “This is a result of our programmes that focus on wellbeing and quality living conditions that have significantly impacted our work culture,” points out Vipin.

Main pump house MPS‑2

Sustainable pipeline construction goes beyond just completing the project on time. It is also about minimizing the negative impact on the environment, protecting natural resources, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the workforce and surrounding communities, which the team is committed to.

Apart from executing a much-needed lift irrigation scheme, the Northern Link Pipeline project team is building a model of ensuring long-term health and satisfaction of workers that other projects can follow.