April 30, 2024In commemoration of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024, the Liberian Red Cross has taken a strong stance on the importance of prioritizing safety and health measures for employees, particularly in the face of climate change challenges. Under the theme “Exploring the Impacts of Climate Change on Occupational Safety and Health,” the Red Cross has emphasized the critical need for proactive measures to address emerging risks in the workplace.
Speaking at a one-day awareness session organized by the Workplace First Aid unit of the Liberian Red Cross, Secretary General Gregory Blamoh highlighted the profound impact of climate change on occupational safety and health. He underscored how adverse weather patterns, increased air pollution, and heightened risks of industrial accidents are exacerbating workplace hazards, making it imperative for employers to take action to protect their employees.
Mr. Blamoh stressed that ensuring safety and health at work is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. By equipping employees with first aid training, the Red Cross aims to empower them to respond effectively to emergencies, ultimately saving lives and creating safer workplaces. The Red Cross has already completed the training of 75 employees from three institutions this year, focusing on workplace first aid.
Building a healthier workplace requires a joint effort from both employers and employees, Mr. Blamoh noted, calling on institutions to invest in building the capacity of their employees in workplace first aid. By doing so, lives can be saved, and the impact of injuries during emergencies can be reduced.
Assistant Minister for Labor, Emmanuel Zorh, Jr., acknowledged the efforts of the Liberia National Red Cross Society and other partners in recognizing the importance of protecting workers from occupational health hazards and deaths. He highlighted the government’s commitment to developing a National Safety Plan to improve working conditions and promote occupational safety and health in Liberia.
Min. Zorh emphasized the significance of the International Labour Convention (C155) in promoting occupational safety and health policies and actions to enhance working conditions. He reiterated Liberia’s commitment to upholding this convention and working towards improving the health and safety of workers amid growing challenges, including those posed by climate change.
Climate change, as highlighted by Min. Zorh, poses severe impacts on the safety and health of workers globally, with a significant percentage of the workforce likely to be exposed to climate-change-related health hazards. In Liberia, the experience of heat waves and uncontrolled environmental conditions affects industrial workers, making them vulnerable to outbreaks and health risks.
To address these challenges, a more comprehensive approach that involves the establishment of Health and Safety Departments in various government agencies and industries is crucial. The Ministry of Labour is working with industries to organize Health and Safety Departments run by Safety Officers to guide safety practices and policies.
The Liberia National Fire Service has commended the efforts of the Liberian National Red Cross Society in providing first aid education to enhance workplace safety. Director G. Warsuwah Barvoul Sr. emphasized the importance of collective efforts by both employers and employees in adhering to preventive measures to ensure workplace safety and mitigate risks.
In conclusion, as Liberia observes World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the call to action is clear: prioritize safety and health in the workplace, especially in the face of climate change challenges. By raising awareness, providing training, and fostering a culture of safety, the Liberian Red Cross and government agencies aim to create safer workplaces where every worker can return home safely at the end of the day.
