By HOMELAND MEDIA TEAM
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Aggrey David Kibenge, has advised organisations to put a lot of emphasis on safety and health at workplaces by allocating sufficient budgets to effectively manage and fulfil the demands of their employees.
Kibenge made the remarks during World Day for Safety and Health at Work under the theme: ”Act together for a positive safety and health culture”.
This year’s celebrations were held at the UMA showground, famously known for hosting the international trade show.
The labourers, and employers together with their umbrella hosted several public and private sector members who converged in solidarity with their fellow workers who died in the line of duty, caused by either accidents or scheduled diseases.
Kibenge who represented Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Betty Amongi encouraged organisations to train their employees if they are to cultivate safety and health cultures at duty stations.
“Employers should adopt a healthy, safe culture and values by creating an enabling work environment that motivates employees and also a sufficient supply of standard PPEs. Such efforts normally pay off in the long run as the productivity ratio of employees starts to skyrocket,” said Kibenge.
He cited some of the ongoing works like; workplace inspections by government inspectors, equipment certification, emergency preparedness and response committees to visit organizations, and amendments to building and construction regulations among others are still ongoing.
Kibenge directed a team of government inspectors from the ministry to go and inspect the Nakawa market whose representatives petitioned due to the pathetic condition with over 30,000 vendors with two toilets and requested if NWSC would connect them to their sewer network.
The event saw Kampala Water take lead in representing National Water at large, where staff from the sewerage services department participated in the processions, exhibitions and demonstrations of various safety practices.
This created an enabling environment for staff to come to work safe and go back home safe, ensuring Occupational Safety and Health(OSH) committees are in existence, staff are trained, staff are insured, workplaces are regularly inspected, SOPs are observed to enhance breading room for good performance among the staff.
President General of Kampala Water, Wilson Owere applauded National Water and Sewerage Corporation and other organisations that have embraced the union.
He stated that these are organisations that have stood tall, and have worked amidst hard times caused by the pandemic (Covid-19).
Owere emphasized having OSH policies at workplaces and enforcing compliance, thus ensuring that employers don’t compromise the safety of their employees.
He stated that nearly 3 million workers die yearly due to accidents and related diseases associated with workplace hazards.
Owere encouraged those organisations that have not yet joined the union to do so as it comes with endless benefits to both the employer and employees themselves.
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