It gives me much pleasure and honour to be in your midst this morning on the occasion of the opening ceremony of this workshop on fire fighting equipment organised by Prosafe Marketing Ltd.
Ladies and gentlemen, the workplace environment has seen considerable changes over the last decades with the introduction of new technologies, new equipment, new production methods and new work patterns. In view of the increasing complexity of health and safety risks, the interest of our workforce which remains our most valuable assets, has to be safeguarded, the more so, as we have to be competitive, in this era of globalisation.
Production, quality and safety should all go hand in hand and health and safety management should form an integral part in the day-to-day management function, as accidents can ruin businesses; bring about disrepute to the company’s image apart from other commonly known direct costs associated with them thereby affecting the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises.
We cannot therefore, ignore the magnitude of the impact of occupational accidents and diseases in terms of human suffering and related economic costs. There is no price for human life, and a safe and healthy working environment forms part of the fundamental rights of an employee. In line with the Government programme 2005–2010, the Occupational Safety and Health Legislation has been reviewed and now aims at meeting the new challenges at places of work and providing a safe and healthy workplace for one and all.
This piece of modern legislation addresses several issues. It is wider in scope and covers all employees, be it in the public or private sectors and introduces a number of new and innovative concepts such as safety and health policy and risk assessment.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 clearly spells out the responsibility of the employer to provide his employees, who can suffer bodily injuries, which cannot be prevented by other means, with such suitable and appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing which will protect him from risk of injury. The employer should in the first instance, adopt appropriate engineering control measures to eliminate or control risks.
The employer should also take into consideration ergonomic factors and the element of fit to the wearer of personal protective equipment when issuing same. As regards fire fighting protective equipment this should be given even more consideration as fire fighters are called upon to save life and properties, and if they are not issued with the right type and standard of fire-fighting protective equipment, this may expose them to life-threatening risks which are clearly unacceptable in any event.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to seize this opportunity to emphasise the fact that every employer should ensure the safety, health and welfare at work of his employees by complying with their duties and responsibilities as spelt out in the Occupational Safety and Health Act which, amongst others, include:
· providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment and plants and systems of work,
· maintaining safe and healthy places of work,
· providing and maintaining adequate welfare facilities, and
· Providing information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of the employees.
I would like to draw the attention of employers on the fact that they should ensure that employees are trained in the proper use and maintenance, where necessary, of the personal protective equipment provided to them so as to afford an efficient and effective protection to the employees while they are exposed to risks.
Ladies and gentlemen, employees also have a responsibility to cooperate with the employers for maintaining high standards of safety and health at the workplace. They should wear or use any personal protective clothing provided by the employer at all times when there is a risk of bodily injury against which the equipment or clothing afford protection.
Safety and health not only includes provision of a safe and healthy working environment but it also requires the right attitude and behaviour of employees regarding use of personal protective equipment. Changes in the behaviour of employees can only be brought about through the firm commitment of management to bring a new safety culture at the workplace through appropriate information and training campaign. Employees should report forthwith to their employer the loss or destruction of, or defect in the personal protective equipment or clothing affords protection. An employee should also report forthwith to his employer the loss or destruction of, or defects in, the protective equipment or clothing. Employees should know that any personal protective equipment provided to them is for the protection of their life and health and in not wearing the protective clothing and using the necessary equipment they are taking unnecessary risks.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am made to understand that Pro-safe Marketing Ltd started its operation in 1995. It is involved in the supply of personal protective equipment and the provision of training and consultancy services to diverse sectors of the economy including the agricultural, textile, public and airport sectors.
Your role in the enhancement of safety and health standards in Mauritius as supplier of personal protective equipment cannot be underestimated. I hope you will continue to play a key role in the improvement of safety and health standard in Mauritius by supplying high quality and reliable personal protective equipment to the Mauritian workforce.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to conclude here by wishing you plenty of success in your endeavour to promote health and safety at your level. As you are aware, safety and health concerns each and everyone in the society at large be it employers, employees, importers or suppliers and each stakeholder should assume his responsibilities in ensuring high standards of safety and health at all workplaces.
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