Today, Friday 28th April 2023 commemorates World Day for Safety and Health at Work. This year, we celebrate under the theme of “A Safe and Healthy Working Environment; A Fundamental Right.” Undoubtedly, safety within the working environment benefits both the employee and the organization.
It is imperative that as the working environment evolves with changes in technology, equipment, processes, and policies, that we readily adapt. We must implement structures and strong safety policies that ensure a safe working environment for all stakeholders.
Employers, in short, the responsibility largely rests on your shoulders to provide a safe working environment for all. As such, our employees must be equipped with the necessary tools and training to safely discharge their duties. The environment must be reflective of adherence to safety guidelines. Any commitment to safety in the workspace is guaranteed to save lives and must therefore be a number one priority.
Employees too must recognize that they too are responsible and should at all times ensure safe practices and display responsible behavior. Employees should follow all rules and guidelines, report work hazards in a timely manner, and work towards a safe environment for themselves and others within the workplace.
Permit me to remind us all of the important roles of our regulators and inspectors, whose main task is that of ensuring safety in the workplace by identifying and enforcing safety regulations. The fact is, compliance and guidance strengthen the pillars of safety in the workplace and we must adhere to this to ensure that safety is guaranteed.
The tripartite relationship must exist cohesively to ensure safety standards are provided and upheld. Today we highlight our solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world in recognizing the significance of providing a safe and healthy working environment for all.
Working together we can all ensure that our fundamental Right to safety in the workplace is guaranteed.
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