Skip to main content

 REFLECTION: WORK SAFETY



World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed April 28 annually instituted by the International Labour Organisation ILO to focus on strategies to strengthen safety, health management systems and resilience at work. The day calls to mind circumstances when work has provided a safe space in the  protection of workers and also times when workers have not had maximum protection at work.

Think of garbage cleaners who go without boots and gloves yet come in perilous contact with refuse which is dangerous to their health.

Think of doctors and nurses who handle the sick without gloves because management has not made provision. Think of those who sustain accidents while using machines at work, those who sustain injuries when they slip and fall at work, those hit by falling objects, those who are exposed to inhale toxic fumes at work and those who develope hearing complications because they are exposed to noise at work.  Think of teachers who have lost their lives or sustained injuries in the teaching field when students or parents and guardians react violently. There are fishermen, sea fearers  and sailors who have drowned in waters right at the heart of their profession to save lives or provide food. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is another disturber to workers with profound impact as the pandemic has touched nearly every aspect of the world of work, from the risk of transmission of the virus in workplaces, to occupational safety and health. At work millions go without protection from the virus. Workers need to be protected yet they are not provided face mask, hand sanitizers and other disinfectants. The case is sad with health workers at the frontline who fighting to save lives have lost their lives. Ask question about health and life insurance to staff of any organisation and you would be shocked to know that many workers go without insurance. Many other workers due to work are handicapped for life. 

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work thus provides an opportunity to reflect on how to prevent work-related diseases, deaths, injuries, and illnesses. It is also a day to remember those that have died from a work-related injury or illness. 

It is time for management to review what strategies they have put in place to protect workers from injuries and fatalities. 

By Mildred Wung

Comments

Post a Comment

Editor's Picks

WHO BOOSTS COVID19 RESPONSE IN NW WITH COMPUTERS, TOYOTA CAR By Mildred Wung Equipment worth over twenty million francs CFA has been handed to the Northwest Regional Delegation of Public Health by Dr Phanuel Habimana, World Health Organisation's Country Representative . The gift composing of a four wheel Toyota car and twenty computers was handed  May 5, 2021 at the explanade of the Regional Delegation of Public Health Northwest Cameroon. It is ntended  to aid health officials in COVID19 response The equipment was received by Dr Kingsley Che Soh, Northwest Regional Delegate of Public Health  in the presence of Dr Dennis Nsame -Director of the Regional Hospital, Governor Adolph Lele Lafrique - Chair of the Regional Committee against COVID19 and a host of other health workers.  Handing the Equipment, Dr Phanuel explained that the donation falls within a scheme dubbed "Pandamic emergency facility fund" set aside by the world bank meant for social crisis stricken zones w...
Post a Comment
Read more
Eto'o pounds on YouTuber in Doha sparking Shock  Screenshot photo from video of squabble  A video has surfaced online showing Samuel Eto'o Fils, President of the Cameroon Football Federation FECAFOOT venting anger on a man videotaping him as he posed for pictures with fans.  Amateur video on Eto'o encounter with man taking video  The incident that engulfed onlookers in shock is said to have occurred late on Monday evening at the 974 Stadium after Brazil’s 4-1 victory over South Korea in the round of 16 at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup. Eto’o, a brand ambassador of the tournament is seen in the amateur video that had gone wild on social media, taking pictures with fans before venting his anger later on a man who was apparently taking a video of him at close range. It is not clear what must have caused the fury of the four-time African footballer of the year but he is seen been held back by close aides as he attempts to go out on the videographer who was already on t...
Post a Comment
Read more