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Executive Brief On Strategic Planning For A Military Base For Homeland Security Class
Executive Brief On Strategic Planning For A Military Base For Homeland Security Class
Contents
TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc377471055” Background PAGEREF _Toc377471055 h 1
HYPERLINK l “_Toc377471056” Statement of the Problem PAGEREF _Toc377471056 h 2
HYPERLINK l “_Toc377471057” Operational Definitions PAGEREF _Toc377471057 h 3
HYPERLINK l “_Toc377471058” Significance of the Strategic Plan for Future of Homeland Security PAGEREF _Toc377471058 h 3
HYPERLINK l “_Toc377471059” Summary PAGEREF _Toc377471059 h 4
Background
Homeland security system improvement has attracted programs aimed at ensuring the improvement sustained is responsive to the current range of threats to national security and disaster preparedness (Office of Homeland Security, 2002). Homeland security stakeholders in Carroll County have a daunting task of ensuring that the Fire and EMS departments are integrated and better coordinated in order to take care of the homeland security needs that they are assigned (NFPA, 2009). Over the years, the departments have relied on volunteer programs to staff the various areas of human resource needs in the system. In view of the improvement mandate that the authorities have, this system not only better coordination but also requires a professional staffing dimension that will enhance performance.
In the above mentioned circumstances facing the homeland security aspects in Carroll County, a strategic plan is required to facilitate a thorough improvement of the system with keen interest on the most fundamental aspects. In the appropriate proposed strategic plan for homeland security in the county, the first subject area of interest must therefore seem not to overlook the staffing aspect that mainly relies on volunteer arrangement for the bulk of staffing needs referred to as CCVESA. Under the changing economic times, it is increasingly becoming difficult for volunteers to afford sufficient time for the homeland security voluntary contribution. This has occasioned a deficit in human resource requirements for a sector that has an ever increasing demand due to the rising number of security threats. To this end, the strategic plan proposes an efficient program where the fourteen companies tasked with the provision of homeland security services to be integrated so that staffing needs can be handled centrally. Under such an arrangement, it will not only be possible to recruit professionals such as engineers but soliciting for funding from the relevant authorities will be more harmonized in the wake of budget cuts in individual projects across major government programs.
Statement of the Problem
In the wake of unprecedented security threats across the globe, the need for more vigilant approaches cannot be assumed, particularly inside the US that faces a significantly greater threat than many other countries. By sticking to the current program that operates on a disintegrated system and a volunteer staffing basis, a number of challenges beckon for the homeland security needs in Carroll County. Leaving individual homeland security services providing companies to operate separately creates unbalanced excesses for instance in equipment purchases that could be managed sufficiently using lesser of such costs across the integrated system. Coupled with the increased need for factoring in budget cuts, this is an expensive approach that can only be handled centrally.
It is a challenge in operating similar functions under independent approach for public service companies which ought to observe coordination in discharge of important services such as security. Lack of cooperation and integration in the public service could prove to be an expensive approach than when a common policy is employed in handling service delivery (Seltzer, 2004). Operating such a sensitive department on a voluntary basis implies that there is a missing link in modern security service delivery that embraces a high specialization direction. Professional security personnel undertaking advanced courses in security are increasingly being produced by institutions of higher learning. Lack of adoption of recent training and technological advancements in service delivery in Carroll County presents the missing link towards professionalization and embracing of modern trends in tackling the ever evolving security needs.
Operational Definitions
Certain terms used in the strategic plan need clarification and definitions, which are attempted in the following section (University of Maryland, 2008).
CCVESA-Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association (CCVESA) which is the team that handles homeland security issues in the county.
Combination department- department made up of voluntary and salaried staff
Integration-bringing together separate departments under one management and coordination
EMS department- Emergency Medical Services is a section of homeland security that deals with medical related casualties reported to the department
Fire department- homeland security segment that deals with fire accidents across the county
Disintegrated operation- a system of operation by several institutions on a completely independent basis with little or no cooperation among them
Significance of the Strategic Plan for Future of Homeland SecurityIn terms of future applications for the proposed homeland security strategic plan, a lot of changes are expected on a regular basis in a review system that advances with the changing needs. Due to the needs of the security apparatus applied by the authorities, it is perhaps important that shortages, mismanagement and inefficiencies are avoided due to the sensitivity and gravity of security needs of any society in the modern world. In line with the security preparedness necessitated by a society’s vulnerability to security challenges as the one exposed to the American community, it is important that policy design and formulation is realigned ad adjusted to the pressing needs of this sector.
The significance of this proposal is therefore the timing of the realignment of staffing and coordination needs proposed in line with the missing links. The most appropriate homeland management insights that this strategic plan proposes for the future of the sector is that there needs a professional approach for sensitive national issues. By ensuring that security personnel with the appropriate training offer their services on a career basis and not on voluntary arrangements will not only introduce consistency and professionalism but will act as a motivational aspect (WIA, 2011). Homeland security issues are likely to be held in a more serious manner if accountability associated with complete professionalism is introduced into the industry. The current combination department must be modified to make one form of staff. Alternatively, ensuring that the involved stakeholders are incorporated into a coordinated structure will facilitate resource sharing and a common approach likely to elicit positive outcomes. Homeland security will be more equipped if different role players are centrally coordinated to face the common challenges in security within the benefits of teamwork and synergies of resource sharing.
Summary
Improvement in homeland security services is a sensitive topic that cannot be comprehensively covered by makeshift arrangements without a consolidated approach among the stakeholders. Using Carroll County as a classical case of the missing links between expected approach and the less functional arrangements, it is perhaps important for a complete overhaul of the current conditions through a number of policies to make a competitive department. In line with the security demands of the modern sector, it is important that advancements are rolled out to the lowest level of devolution at the local scenes. Integration of the fourteen stations of service into a more coordinated body of deployment can make things manageable at the helm of the demanding sector.
Despite the integration needs that the Carroll County homeland security departments require at the minimum, there are also staffing needs that require a different realignment. As mentioned, the bulk of the staffing composition at the Carroll County comes from voluntary service which has been inconsistent and dwindling. Limitation of efficiency on grounds of staffing should be overcome by ensuring that there is a departure, from the combination staffing structure to a homogenous staffing composition with more a professional image. In line with performance demands at the department, salaried employment will facilitate the attraction of the appropriate talent and professionals into the sector. It will be important that the staffing elements are coupled with the integration aspect that is conspicuously missing in the homeland security system in the county.
References
National Fire Protection Association (2009) Retrieved from: HYPERLINK “http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=143&URL=About%20NFPA” http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=143&URL=About%20NFPA
Office of Homeland Security (2002) “State and Local Actions for Homeland Security,” Retrieved from: HYPERLINK “http://www.ncs.gov/library/policy_docs/State_and_Local_Actions_for_Homeland_Security.pdf” http://www.ncs.gov/library/policy_docs/State_and_Local_Actions_for_Homeland_Security.pdf
Seltzer, R. (2004) Successful fire department consolidations and their implications for Conventry fire departments. Coventry, Rhode Island.
University of Maryland (2008) “Center for Health and Homeland Security,” Retrieved from: HYPERLINK “http://digitalcommons.law.umaryland.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&context=hhs_newsletter” http://digitalcommons.law.umaryland.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&context=hhs_newsletter
WIA (2011) “2011 Extension to the Strategic Local Workforce Investment Area Plan,” Retrieved from: HYPERLINK “http://carrollworks.org/PDF/2011MMD_WIAPlan.pdf” http://carrollworks.org/PDF/2011MMD_WIAPlan.pdf
An Analysis of fall in The Construction Industry
An Analysis of fall in The Construction Industry
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This paper conducts an analysis of the risk of fall in construction sites. Falls impacts of and the major causes of accidents in construction sites. Prevention of accidents that may result from fall is critical in preventing deaths and time lost to treat injuries that may result from wounds that were sustained during a fall (Chew et al., 2010). This paper examines the necessity of frequent monitoring of construction site by the department of Building and halting of construction in the event not all the regulations are followed (Kaskutas et al., 2008). Training of employees and reporting incidences that may result to fall in the long run is critical in prevention of fatalities. The EPA guidelines regarding construction and prevention of falling objects are given major priority in the recommendations. The paper is divided into several segments namely;
The introduction
A case study of 303 East 51st Street is provided.
Major flaws and findings that caused the accident identified.
Recommendations necessary to prevent occurrence of such tragedy outlined.
Conclusion
Introduction
Construction is essential for expansion and accommodation of people and offices. In the American construction industry, falls are identified as the lead in terms of fatalities in the construction industry. An estimated range of 150 to 250 die while more than 10,000 get serious injuries as a result of falls from construction sites in America (Mori & Asaine, 2011). Accidents occurring as a result of fall are complicated but the reason to why many people die is lack of protective equipment while others are caught unaware when the objects fall. Falling objects such as falling lumber, bolts, steel, debris and tools can cause concussion, breaking of bones, neck injuries, back injuries and even death (Singh, 2013). Treatment of injuries can require surgeries and long months of rehabilitation. There are several reasons that may result to falling objects such as property owner negligence, jobsite hazards, subcontractor errors, violation of OSHA regulations and distraction as a result of commotion and workers carelessness (Mori & Asaine, 2011).
Similarly, another major reason to why the number of deaths and injuries are high is because most of the workers in the construction sites spent most of their day at construction zones and these sites have a lot of tools, equipments and machinery which increase the probability of an accident occurring. This paper will examine the causes, impacts and precautionary measures that require to taken to prevent accidents which come as a result of falls are limited. A case scenario is also used to give a further insight and explanation.
Several construction locations have caused serious injuries and death to people working on the project. The 303 East 51st Street is a sky crapper building whose process of construction is still in progress (Singh, 2013). The building is located at Turtle Bay in New York and it was expected to reach the height of 504 ft. until its construction was put on a halt (Singh, 2013). The construction commenced in 2007, and on 15th March 2008, the luffing-jib crane used in the construction of the building broke and fell instantly killing seven people (Mori & Asaine, 2011). The calamity was viewed as the worst construction accidents witnessed in New York in recent years.
Although the original structural design of the building was that the skyscraper would reach a height of 470 ft., the developers rescaled and added the height of the building to reach 504 ft. the increase in height was establish 117 more residential units. Prior to the occurrence of the accident, the New York department of Buildings had warned that the building had violated 13 safety violations that were necessary to be implemented during construction.
Despite several warnings, the developers continued with the construction process. On March 4, 2008 authorities further warned that the crane being used had been detached from the building and posed a risk but all the warning were ignored. On March 15, 2008, the crane (owned by New York Cranes and Equipment Company) fell during construction and killed seven people while 24 others got serious injuries (Singh, 2013). The events surrounding the occurrence of the accident indicate that workers were fixing new steel collars to anchor the structure at the 18th floor. Further analysis indicates that the main cause of the accident was breaking of a piece of Nylon when the crane was lifting a steel piece which weighed over six tons. After the accident, the construction of the building was put on a halt.
Faults resulting from the occurrence of the East 51st Street accident were attributed to several factors. Major flaws and ignorance was witnessed after the New York department of Buildings warned of the 13 counts of violations that were not followed during the construction process (Chew et al., 2010). Failure of the department of Building to halt the progress of constructing the structure further worsened the situation that resulted to several deaths. Despite having the power and authority to halt the construction on the basis of failing to follow the necessary regulations that are set to govern construction the evaluating officer assumed the violations were negligible. Further investigations indicated that improper use of polyester slings may have most likely caused the failure of the slings that resulted to the falling of the crane.
According to investigations, the sling failure was because of their inadequacy. The crane requirements were for effective and safe functionality, the crane required eight slings to properly support the steel collar but instead, four slings were used (Kaskutas et al., 2009). Further analysis indicated that the slings were improperly connected. They were incorrectly attached to the collar with the support of the chain blocks attachments instead of using chain block lugs. Conversely, one of the slings used that was positioned at the southwest end of the building was worn out and damaged before it was even used to support the six tons steel block (Mori & Asaine, 2011).
Uneven distribution of the steel load and improper installation of one sling cumulatively resulted to the failure of the other slings (Chew et al., 2010).
Basing on the investigative findings, William Rapetti (person in charge of the construction) and his entire company were sued on numerous accounts of negligent homicide, manslaughter, reckless engagement and assault (Mori & Asaine, 2011). The inspector of the New York department of Buildings was also charged with writing and filing of wrong inspection reports. The department of Buildings further conducted a countrywide campaign to educate the public on their safety in areas that are vulnerable to fall accidents especially construction sites. In the year 2009, new laws regarding construction were enacted to lower the risks of accidents. The use of Nylon slings was also limited to only special occasions.
Construction projects require to be designed in a manner that would limit the incidences of falling objects and assure the safety of the workers. Presence of hazards can warn employees from going to areas that are susceptible to fall objects without protective wear. They include: “Warning, beware of falling objects” are vital in preventing deaths and injuries (Kaskutas et al., 2008). Other ways of providing warning is through verbal and non-verbal communication. Employees’ awareness of areas that are prone to falling objects is important in making navigation within the site easy because such areas are avoided.
Securing loads before being lifted by cranes is important. The construction employees have to ensure the load is equally balanced before they are lifted. Securing and balancing of loads guarantees safety because the load is well balanced and held (Kaskutas et al., 2008). Swinging of loads over someone’s head should at all costs be discouraged because the potential for a tumble is high. Restricting of heavy stacks in specific areas where they are placed before being lifted lowers the probability of falling because most construction firms do not allow people to move to such areas (Kaskutas et al., 2009). Only specialists who know how to take necessary caution and safety are allowed.
Installation of administrative control by a great margin lower the probability and also prevent falling objects at workplace. Constructing of boards around elevated construction sites lowers the probability of objects falling over the edge and causing accidents. Placing bars across storage areas reduces the probability of objects tumbling out (Chew et al., 2010). Conversely, construction of fences and barricades keeps the public away from construction zones hence their risk that may arise from falling objects is also lowered.
Training employees and workers on the nature and condition of fall hazards and detecting and responding to fall hazards and understanding the correct procedures in erection of loads and maintenance of equipment by a big margin reduces risks of fatalities and injuries. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a necessity when working in areas where the probability and potential falling objects is very high (Kaskutas et al., 2008). The department of Building needs to examine and protective equipment to ensure they match the required standards.
Conclusion
Modern day constructions use tower cranes to construct high rise buildings. The towers ability to carry extremely heavy loads makes them widely preferred and used. However, these machines could be the most risky especially when they do not undergo frequent and proper servicing (Chew et al., 2010). The department of Buildings has put emphasis on the necessity of ensuring that the cranes do not cause a tragedy similar to that of the 303 East 51st Street New York Tower. The building inspection department needs to improve its monitoring, evaluation and reporting department to assure the safety of the public and workers who work at the construction site and may be susceptible to falling objects (Kaskutas et al., 2008).
References
Kaskutas, V., Dale, A. M., Nolan, J., Patterson, D., Lipscomb, H. J., & Evanoff, B. (2009). Fall Hazard Control Observed On Residential Construction Sites. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 52(6), 491-499.
Kaskutas, V. K., Dale, A. M., Lipscomb, H. J., & Evanoff, B. A. (2008). Development of the St. Louis Audit of Fall Risks at Residential Construction Sites. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 14(4), 243-249.
Mori, A., & Asaine, W. (2011). Preventing Accidents On Building Construction Sites. Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering (Transactions of AIJ), 76(665), 1213-1219.
Singh, R. (2013). Arctic pipeline planning design, construction, and equipment. Amsterdam: Gulf Professional Publishing.
Wu, W., Yang, H., Chew, D. A., Yang, S., Gibb, A. G., & Li, Q. (2010). Towards an autonomous real-time tracking system of near-miss accidents on construction sites. Automation in Construction, 19(2), 134-141.
Among school children by W.B.Yeats
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Among school children by W.B.Yeats
The author William Yeat’s (2011.1) poem is based upon school children who are in a classroom and are busy doing their own things. According to a Nun, children often sing and read while at school. Furthermore, they learn about how to become modern, learn how to sewing, as well as learn their history. The children do not know who the speaker is, and they stare at him blankly like the politicians they are used to seeing in the television. As compared to other subject matters that he had used in his earlier poems, the use of school children is unique. This poem has its roots during the Civil war, and some compare it to the Anglo-Irish War. The poem focuses mostly on modernity, progress and the civil society. The speaker in the poem is a senator, and in real life, Yeats was once a senator. It seems that the poem is about the peace that prevailed in Ireland at some point in history.
According to Yeats (1998.56), the children are innocent as the speaker views them in a manner, which is poignant. Furthermore, it seems that the woman attracts the attention of the speaker. The latter is elderly, and this is due to the manner, which Yeats describes her. There is a relation between current incarnation and child selflessness. An imaginary conversation exists between the speaker and the elderly woman. She is not a revolutionist, but rather she is a head teacher at the school. Yeats uses foreshadow, whereby he believes that he will fall in love with this woman he keeps on mentioning.
The poem has made use of cadence and rhyming by manipulating them in order to capture the attention of the reader. The use of the two aspects of poetry brings about the body and beauty impermanence. He seeks to make the reader know that there is a need for human beings to become united. Moreover, he has a vision that entails compensation by the human soul to achieve all that it seeks. The theme of childhood is well represented in this poem as there is the presence of a quality of sing song. As the poem progresses, it is evident that there are stresses and enjambments, which are represented in the poem. The words soul and body have been used by Yeats to express his thoughts on romantic matters. This is closely related to the period of romanticism. He wants the reader of this poem to be aware of the love affair, which exists between an old man and his lover. The poem is meant to make people aware of the fact that children grow up and behave in the same manner as old people (Vendler, 2004. 78).
Yeat’s poem is described as being erotic, allusive, intensive and defensive. One can claim that this poem is obsessed with elements such as art, religion, desire, death and age. The use of characters and elements of Greek mythology are present in this poem and many others written by him. Swan can be compared to the Greek God known as Zeus and this makes his poem extremely compelling. Lastly, Yeats shows the synergy which exists between God and human beings. It shows that man is a being who is immortal and thus should always praise the creator. In conclusion, this is one of the best poems written by Yeats as it influences people positively concerning childhood matters.
Work Cited
Yeats, William. Mythologies. New York: Scribner, 1998.Print.
Vendler, Helen. Poets Thinking: Pope, Whitman, Dickinson, Yeats. New York: HYPERLINK “http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog/VENPOT.html” Harvard University Press, 2004.Print.
W.B. Yeats. Poets.org. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/117” http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/117 December 10, 2011.