GPHA concludes 2-day Occupational Health, Safety and Environment sensitization programme
From Selorm GBORBIDZI, Tema
The Management of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) have climaxed a 2-day sensitization programme on Occupational Health, Safety and Environment at the Tema Port.
The Director of Port at the Tema Port, Sandra Opoku, explained that the purpose of the programme is to ensure the safety of persons who work in the port as well as clients of the Authority.
She said, “We at GPHA want to have a healthy and a safe working environment for our employees, our port users and our port operators. We want to sensitize people and for people to be aware that whatever you do, you should have standards, and the standards will also teach us to operate well so that we are safe, our environment is safe, and we are not a danger to other workers.”
For instance, she indicated that port workers have the right to stop anyone entering the port without the right gear, so that they do not pose a safety hazard to themselves and the ports’ workers.
She encouraged members of the general public who visit the port to heed the instructions of port staff. She also hinted that security in the port will be strengthened, in line with International Standards Organisation (ISO) Certification standards
She stated further that the sensitization programme will continue throughout the year, to ensure that the OHSE policies do not stay in the books, but get implemented routinely.
The General Manager of Safety and Environment, Bernard Gaisie, advised the workers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices when it comes to the everyday items they use, and waste management.
He said, “there are bins placed at vantage points around the port, so if you generate plastic waste, keep them and put them in the bin, to be sent for recycling. Paper waste can also be turned into tissue.”
He also admonished them against the use of single-use plastics, which are notorious environmental pollutants.
Gaisie pleaded, “we entreat all workers to try as much as possible to reduce waste. Waste is not only the garbage but waste in using natural resources. Your light, water, everything you consume. When you use and need to dispose of, try to see if you can segregate the ones that can be reused.”
He also cautioned against the use of plastic receptacles, urging workers to employ containers which are not single-use.
“Do not buy the single use plastics, buy plastics bags that you can reuse and reuse until they get damaged.”
Dr Vitus Victor Anaab-Bisi, Chairman of the GPHA OHSE Committee said the sensitization programme is part of the Committee’s mandate to ensure that persons who work at the port are aware of the policy and their responsibilities.
He stated that the Committee has been working since 2016 to ensure safety at the Tema and Takoradi ports, and has developed a guideline meant to ensure staff safety and the development of the ports. This guideline, he revealed, is reviewed biennially.
He was optimistic that the sensitization programme will ensure worker safety and empower staff, cause behavioral change.
