Workplace health and safety in Uganda is a vital aspect of any organization, as it protects the well-being of employees, clients, and the public from potential hazards and risks. However, many workplaces in Uganda face challenges in implementing and complying with the national and international standards and regulations on occupational health and safety (OHS).
That’s why Finesse Consults Ltd, a leading provider of OHSE consultancy and training services in Uganda, MasterPiece and NCOSHA, launched the Safety Catch-Up initiative in 2023. The Safety Catch-Up is a series of events that aim to bring together OHS professionals and enthusiasts from different industries and backgrounds to share best practices and insights on how to create a safe and healthy work environment.
The Safety Catch-Up also serves as a platform for networking, learning, and advocacy for OHS issues in Uganda. It is open to anyone who is interested in OHS, whether they are employers, employees, students, researchers, or policy makers.
The First Safety Catch-Up: A Tripartite Dialogue
The first Safety Catch-Up this year was held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at URA Head Quarters in Nakawa, Sendaula Hall. The theme of this catch-up was “Harmonizing Workplace Health and Safety Implementation and Regulatory Compliance at Work: A Tripartite Dialogue”.
The event was attended by over 150 participants both physically and online from various sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, mining, agriculture, health, education, and hospitality. The event was also honored by the Assistant Commissioner Administration, Ms. Ishta Nazziwa Kyambadde, who represented the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) as the host organization.
Ms. Kyambadde emphasized that URA, despite its focus and mandate on revenue mobilization, is aware of the looming threat of disruption, insecurity or health outbreaks that could endanger the lives of staff, clients and taxpayers alike. She commended Finesse Consults Ltd, MasterPiece and NCOSHA for their leadership and innovation in the field of OHS.
The event featured presentations and a panel session on various topics related to OHS. The discussion kicked off by identifying common challenges organizations face in implementing robust health and safety measures. Safety professionals from diverse sectors shared their perspectives, setting the stage for a comprehensive dialogue.
The panel session delved into a multidimensional analysis of workplace health and safety, including critical subjects such as effective implementation tactics and the use of technology to improve safety. A key issue was the delicate balance between protecting employee safety and operational efficiency, with the panel discussing potential challenges and presenting solutions to achieve harmony. Additionally, the importance of encouraging employee participation in the formulation and implementation of health and safety procedures was emphasized. The conversations easily shifted to managing regulatory compliance problems, providing insights into industry variations as well as practical mitigation techniques. The session shifted focus to assessing success using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and continuous improvement strategies, providing a full review of critical factors for sustaining a secure and efficient workplace among others.
One of the speakers was our very own senior consultant and trainer at Finesse Consults Ltd, who delivered a presentation on the different types of hazards that could potentially harm the safety of employees and their property. He shared some practical tips and tools on how to identify, assess and mitigate these risks.
The event also included a panel discussion, a question and answer session, and a group photo. The participants expressed their appreciation and feedback for the event, and many of them expressed their interest in attending the next Safety Catch-Up.
The Benefits of the Safety Catch-Up Initiative
The Safety Catch-Up initiative is not only a one-time event, but a continuous effort to raise awareness and improve OHS in Uganda. By organizing and participating in the Safety Catch-Up, Finesse Consults Ltd and its partners and stakeholders are able to:
– Engage and enlist the help of employees and other OHS actors in identifying and addressing OHS issues
– Promote the importance and value of OHS by showing a willingness to invest time and resources
– Provide an opportunity for OHS education and capacity building in a short and effective manner
– Provide a level of awareness, teamwork and community among OHS actors and beneficiaries
– Showcase the achievements and expertise of Finesse Consults Ltd and its partners and stakeholders in OHS
– Generate positive publicity and reputation for Finesse Consults Ltd and its partners and stakeholders
– Contribute to the national and global goals and targets of OHS, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Plan of Action on Workers’ Health
According to the WHO, OHS is a basic human right and a social and economic necessity. By implementing the Safety Catch-Up initiative, Finesse Consults Ltd is not only fulfilling its corporate social responsibility, but also creating a positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of employees, clients, and the public in Uganda.
Join Us for the Next Safety Catch-Up
We are proud to share that the first Safety Catch-Up, 2024 was a success, and we are looking forward to organizing and hosting more events in the future. We hope you learned something valuable and enjoyed the event as much as we did.
We would like to thank all the participants and speakers for making this event a success. We would also like to thank our partners and sponsors, especially NOCOSHA, MasterPiece & URA, for their support and collaboration.
If you are interested in learning more about our services and how we can help you improve your OHS, please contact us inquiries@finesseconsults.co
If you would like to join us for the next Safety Catch-Up, please follow us on our social media platforms to get the latest updates and announcements.
We look forward to seeing you at our next Safety Catch-Up!
