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Showing posts from August, 2024

Three construction workers perish in Kasoa building collapse

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T hree construction workers have perished after a building they were working on collapsed at Asempa Down, a suburb of Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East Municipality of the Central Region. A survivor on site reported that a carpenter and two other workers were trapped under the debris from the collapse. The carpenter was killed instantly, while the other two succumbed to their injuries during evacuation to the hospital. The collapse occurred as the workers were pouring concrete for the first floor of the multi-storey building. The carpenter was killed instantly, while the other two succumbed to their injuries during evacuation to the hospital. The collapse occurred as the workers were pouring concrete for the first floor of the multi-storey building. Work Safe Ghana condemn in no uncertain terms, the death of these workers and calls on all lawful authorities to immediately halt all construction works at this site and commence independent investigation into the collapse and bring all person...

Cones: The Unsung Heroes of Construction Site Safety

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W hen it comes to construction site safety, we often focus on personal protective equipment (PPE), scaffolding, and heavy machinery. However, there's a humble hero that deserves attention - the cone. Cones are ubiquitous on construction sites, directing traffic, marking hazards, and defining work zones. They may seem simple, but their impact on safety is significant. Visibility and Awareness Cones increase visibility and awareness of potential hazards, such as:  - Wet floors or surfaces - Uneven terrain - Overhead obstacles - Restricted areas   By clearly marking these hazards, cones prevent accidents and injuries, ensuring workers and visitors are aware of their surroundings. What others are reading: Click to read Traffic Management Cones play a crucial role in traffic management, directing vehicles and pedestrians through congested areas. This helps prevent collisions, reducing the risk of injury or fatality. Work Zone Definition Cones define work zones,...

Factors Influencing the Success of Key OH&S Processes

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Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is crucial for organizations to protect their employees, reputation, and bottom line. Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) processes play a vital role in mitigating risks and preventing injuries and illnesses. However, various factors can influence the success of these processes. In this article, we will explore the key factors that can impact the effectiveness of OH&S processes and how Work Safe Ghana supports organizations in ensuring dignity and safety for Ghanaian workers. Organizational Factors Leadership commitment and support, clear policies and procedures, effective communication and training, resource allocation, and performance monitoring are essential for successful OH&S processes. Organizations must prioritize safety and provide the necessary resources to support their OH&S initiatives. Work Safe Ghana provides training and resources to help organizations develop effective OH&S policies and procedures. Workfo...

Effective Occupational Health and Safety Management in Ghanaian Workplaces: The PDCA Approach

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A s Ghanaian workplaces continue to evolve, ensuring the health and safety of employees remains a top priority. A well-implemented Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OH&SMS) is crucial in achieving this goal. In this article, we'll explore the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, a fundamental approach to effective OH&SMS implementation. Plan The Plan stage is the foundation of the PDCA cycle. During this phase, organizations define their Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) objectives, policies, and procedures. This involves identifying hazards, assessing risks, and establishing controls to mitigate them. The goal is to create a comprehensive OH&S management system that aligns with the organization's overall strategy and objectives. In the Plan stage, organizations should also define roles and responsibilities, allocate resources, and establish performance metrics to measure OH&S performance. This stage sets the tone for the entire PDCA cycle, e...

Company fined £160,000 after worker loses legs

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A company has been fined £160,000 after an employee lost both legs whilst working at its site near Warrington. On 20 June 2022, Andrew McAuley, from Runcorn, an employee of William Stobart & Son Limited was picking orders at the firm’s warehouse in Appleton Thorn. The 64-year-old was working in close proximity to a forklift truck (FLT) which was being used to load pallets of slate tiles onto a waiting truck. The FLT was carrying two pallets, one on top of the other. The top pallet was not secured to the one below, and when the driver turned the vehicle, both pallets became detached from the forks, with the upper pallet striking Mr. McAuley, crushing his legs. Mr. McAuley had to have both legs amputated below the knee. He has been left dependent upon a wheelchair and unable to drive or climb stairs, leading to the need for extensive adaptations to the family home. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that William Stobart & Son Limited fa...

Protecting Workers, Ensuring Dignity: The Importance of PPEs in Construction Sites

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) are crucial for ensuring the safety of workers on construction sites. They protect workers from hazards and risks, preventing injuries and fatalities. Employers are responsible for supplying PPEs, and it's their duty to ensure workers have access to necessary protective gear. Work Safe Ghana emphasizes the importance of PPEs in protecting workers from harm. Our vision is to create a safe working environment where workers can perform their duties without fear of injury or death. By supplying PPEs, employers can help achieve this vision and demonstrate their commitment to workers' well-being. Employers have a moral and legal obligation to provide PPEs. Ghanaian laws mandate employers to provide PPEs, and failure to comply risks penalties and fines ( 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 , 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘈𝘤𝘵 , 1970 ( 𝘈𝘤𝘵 328) . At Work Safe Ghana, we believe we can work together to create a safe working environment where workers can t...