ELEVATED WORK AND FALL PROTECTION COMMITTEE EMBARKS ON SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
As part of measures to support the effective management of VALCO’s Safety and Health System, the formation of Specialized Safety Committees has been established. These Specialized Safety Committees embark on various programs to ensure that Safe Procedures are always followed in regards to various High Risk Tasks which need to be undertaken in the Smelter work environment.
These committees perform various vital ancillary functions to buttress the efforts of the Plant Safety Management Team. One of such committees is the Elevated Work and Fall Protection (EWFP) Team.
Job tasks performed at various Elevated Work Areas such as rooftops, crane service bays, unloaders, etc. as well as the use of Elevated Work Platforms, Man-lifts and Ladders demand Safe Work Procedures are followed to avert injuries.
The Elevated Work and Fall Protection (EWFP) Committee as part of activities for Year 2022, embarked on a Plant wide EWFP Safety Awareness Campaign from October 17th – 28th 2022.
The Theme for the Program was: SECURE YOURSELF AT HEIGHT AND DEPTH, DON’T LEARN EWFP SAFETY THROUGH ACCIDENT!
On October 17th 2022, the Awareness Campaign began with the EWFP Committee officially launching the program by making a Power Point Presentation to Executive Management on the Global as well as VALCO EWFP Safety trends, the Theme for the Program, Activities and Measures to ensure that the Safety of all employees is maintained at all times. The CEO, Mr. Dan Acheampong commended the Committee for the good work done so far and charged them not to relent in their efforts in ensuring High Standards of EWFP safety is always maintained in VALCO. Some of the Activities to be carried out within the week included:
- Sensitization Campaign in front of the Training Building.
- Shop visit/training by Committee Members
- Audio broadcast of EWFP safety tips at Employees’ Locker and Guard House.
- Sensitization of employees on EWFP safety through banners, flags and posters.
- Plant wide random audits of EWFP tasks.
Per the outlined programs, there was a Sensitization Campaign on October 19th 2022 in front of the Engineering/Training building and unveiling of the banner for the program.
The Deputy CEO in charge of Operations Mr. George Dodd in making a presentation on behalf of Executive Management stressed on VALCO’s commitment to employees’ Safety and the need for all to participate and take EWFP safety procedures seriously.
The Deputy CEO in charge of General Services, Dr. Yao Yeboah together with Mr. George Dodd, The EWFP Committee Chairman, the Director for Docks, Engineering and Maintenance and the Plant Safety Manager unveiled the banner for the Awareness program.
Elevated Work and Fall is and continue to be one of the greatest hazards in industries. It is very imperative that workers follow EWFP safety procedures to remain Safe at all times. A fall can end in adverse consequences in a split second, but with a few simple precautions and following of safe procedures one is sure to stay safe at home and at work.
