How safe is your workplace?

According to the International Labour Organisation, every 15 seconds, a worker dies from a work-related accident or disease and every 15 seconds, 153 workers have a work-related accident. This presents a serious challenge for employers worldwide. In Uganda, the demand for the observance of high standards of Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) at the work place has been rising. Buildings have collapsed, machine accidents have occurred and workrelated illnesses have been encountered among others. This month, as we prepare to celebrate the International OSH day employers need to work towards making their work places healthier and safer for all. The Federation of Uganda Employers recommends the following top OSH issues to be considered at any workplace

Top 15 occupational safety and health

checklist for your workplace

 An occupational safety and health committee is operational

 Regular safety inspection is carried out

 The organisation has workers compensation insurance for employees

 Emergency exits, fi re extinguishers and first aid kits exist at the workplace

 A comprehensive health, safety and security policy exist

 A focal person for health, safety and security is employed

 Regular safety inspection is carried out

 Health facilities, such as boiled drinking water and toilet paper are provided

 Workshops and seminars on OSH are carried out regularly

 Employees who obtain injuries while on duty are treated by the organisation

 Employees who obtain injuries while on duty are equitably compensated

 Employees are provided with protective gadgets/wear whenever required

 Hygiene facilities such as toilets are accessible to every employee

 Offi ce furniture makes it easy for employees to do their work

 All accidents investigated, causes identified and corrective measures instituted

The writer (Douglas Opio) is the of head policy and research at Federation of Uganda Employers