Explain how construction professionals and managers can use the Deming Cycle inplanning, implementing, and evaluating a safety and health program. Give some examples.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Leveraging the Deming Cycle for Safety and Health Programs in Construction Management
In the realm of construction, safety and health programs are paramount to ensuring the well-being of workers and the successful completion of projects. Implementing a systematic approach to planning, implementing, and evaluating such programs is crucial. One proven method that construction professionals and managers can employ is the Deming Cycle, also known as the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act). This continuous improvement model can be a powerful tool in enhancing safety protocols and mitigating risks on construction sites.
Thesis Statement
By utilizing the Deming Cycle, construction professionals and managers can effectively plan, implement, and evaluate safety and health programs, leading to a safer work environment, reduced incidents, and improved overall project outcomes.
Planning (Plan)
The first step in the Deming Cycle is planning. Construction professionals can use this phase to identify potential hazards, assess risks, and establish safety protocols and procedures. For example, before starting a new construction project, managers can conduct a thorough risk assessment to determine potential safety issues such as working at heights, hazardous material handling, or electrical risks. Based on this assessment, a detailed safety plan can be developed, outlining specific safety measures, training requirements, and emergency procedures.
Implementing (Do)
Once the safety plan is in place, the next step is implementation. Construction managers can ensure that all workers are trained on safety procedures and provided with necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). For instance, in a scenario where workers are required to operate heavy machinery, it is essential to provide comprehensive training on equipment usage, maintenance, and safety protocols. Regular safety briefings and toolbox talks can also reinforce safe practices on-site.
Evaluating (Check)
The evaluation phase is crucial for monitoring the effectiveness of the safety program. Regular inspections, audits, and incident reporting mechanisms can help identify areas for improvement. For example, conducting weekly safety inspections can help detect any potential hazards or non-compliance with safety procedures. Incident reports should be thoroughly reviewed to understand the root causes of accidents or near misses and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Acting (Act)
Based on the evaluation findings, construction professionals need to take corrective actions to address any identified issues. This may involve updating safety procedures, providing additional training, or implementing new safety measures. For instance, if an inspection reveals that fall protection measures are inadequate in certain areas of the construction site, immediate steps should be taken to rectify the situation by installing guardrails or safety nets. Continuous feedback loops are essential to ensure that improvements are sustained over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Deming Cycle offers a structured approach for planning, implementing, and evaluating safety and health programs in construction management. By following this iterative process, construction professionals and managers can proactively address safety risks, promote a culture of safety awareness among workers, and ultimately create a safer work environment. Embracing the principles of continuous improvement through the Deming Cycle can lead to reduced incidents, lower insurance costs, improved productivity, and enhanced reputation for construction companies committed to prioritizing the well-being of their workforce.
