TRANSNET National Ports Authority recently commemorated the 100th anniversary of the International Labour Organisation’s World Health and Safety Day at Work.
While the actual day was celebrated on April 28 this year, the Port of PE decided to reignite staff awareness on the importance of health and safety at work on a week day.
Port Manager at the Port of PE, Rajesh Dana, said, “This day helps us as TNPA to involve employees to participate in, engage in and discuss issues of health and safety at work.
“While the aim is to make the day as fun filled and educational as possible, it is also important to ensure that the true message that the day conveys is not forgotten,” Dana said.
“As TNPA, we are proud, not only of celebrating days like these, but also of the safety culture that our organisation instils in all of us. TNPA lives the idea that safety is all our responsibility and that it is the way we can ensure ZERO harm to our employees and stakeholders.”
Tim Fox, Rail Operations Manager at Fresh Produce Terminal, said, “I am honoured to have been part of this day with TNPA. As an ex-employee of Transnet myself, I can attest to the strides that the company has made in ensuring that its employees and stakeholders know what is expected of them from a health and safety perspective every single day.
“The significance of this centenary celebration of the ILO marks many years of continuous improvement in occupational health and safety. Changes in technology, demography and sustainable development have significantly contributed to the evolution of the organisational work place.”
The day started with a vibrant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) fashion show, where employees from marine, fire and emergency services, garden services, port security and diving showed off their unique PPE outfits which keep them safe during the execution of their duties.
Employees were then educated via a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) simulation and information on causes of hypertension and how it can be managed. The rest of the day was filled with competitive paintball, touch rugby, street soccer and many more activities. What was evident was that whilst employees had fun, safety remained a priority.
