Integration of safety into organizational culture critical – TUC

THE Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana, Mr. Joshua Ansah, has emphasized the need for organizations to go beyond compliance and integrate safety into their core cultures, making it a fundamental aspect of business operations.

He made this call during his speech at the maiden annual Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Conference, organized by the Ghana Employers Association in Accra.

Addressing participants at the conference, Mr. Ansah highlighted resilience as the key to organizational success, particularly in overcoming challenges and fostering growth.

He stressed that building resilient organizations involves open communication, continuous learning, and mutual support. According to him, creating a culture where employees feel free to express their concerns without fear of retribution is vital for identifying potential risks early and promoting innovative solutions.

“Resilience is the backbone of any thriving organization. To build resilience, we must foster a culture of open communication, continuous learning, and mutual support,” he stated.

In a strong call to action, the TUC Secretary-General underscored the importance of workplace safety, asserting that it is “non-negotiable.” He noted that while compliance with safety regulations is essential, companies must go further by embedding safety measures within their organizational cultures. This, he said, would require regular training, clear safety protocols, and a commitment from all levels of the organization to ensure the well-being of employees.

“Compliance with safety regulations is the foundation, but we must go beyond mere compliance. We need to integrate safety into our organizational culture,” he added.

Mr. Ansah also highlighted the role of innovation in improving both resilience and safety in the workplace. He urged organizations to embrace new technologies, such as data analytics, which can predict and prevent workplace accidents, and to take a holistic approach in creating environments where employees feel safe, valued, and empowered. The Occupational Safety and Health Conference, which aims to improve workplace safety standards in Ghana, brought together industry leaders, employers, and safety experts to discuss best practices and explore ways to enhance occupational safety across the country.