OSH DAY 2023 SPOT MESSAGES

1. Did you know? Since 2003, the ILO has celebrated the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, respecting the workers’ commemoration event, also known as Workers’ Memorial Day, organized on 28 April. In Uganda it is most often referred to as the “OSH day.” This year it will be commemorated from the Busoga square in Jinja city.
2. Did you know? In June 2022, the International Labour Conference (ILC) decided to include “a safe and healthy working environment” in the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work.
3. Safety is in each of our hands. “You don’t need to know the whole alphabet of Safety. The A, B, C of it will save you if you follow it.
4. Always Be Careful - Luck soon runs out.
5. Work safely today - Remember, somebody expects you home tonight.
6. Decongest your workplace, work in shifts, promote physical distancing, regularly disinfect surfaces, regularly hand wash with soap or use sanitizers; for a healthy work environment.
7. Ensure to have that electrical system installed by a certified technician, limit the exposure of your business to fire out breaks.
8. In an inspection exercise carried in March 2022, it was observed that 78% of schools in Kampala metropolitan area either didn’t have fire extinguishing gadgets or had not serviced them, it’s yours and my responsibility to ensure this critical equipment are available and kept up to date.
9. In an inspection exercise in March 2022, over 72% of the inspected schools in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono districts did not have basic training in emergence evacuation, firefighting nor carried out drills or mock exercises. All school management is implored to be proactive in keeping their schools safe
10. In an inspection exercise carried out in March 2022, only 22% of schools in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono districts had satisfactory safety and health measures in place; As a parent, it’s your right to check your child’s school for safety measures.
11. Employers and employees have the responsibility of preventing infectious occupational diseases and further from spreading these diseases in our families and in our communities.
12. In an inspection exercise carried out in March 2022 in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono districts, none of the schools inspected had been registered as a workplace, contravening sections 40 and 41 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, No.9 of 2006. The public and private sector is reminded that work place registration is key in facilitating Government to support workplace safety and health.
13. All employers, employees and other stakeholders including academia, Civil Society, professionals among others; should work together to maintain safe and healthy work environment for all.
14. Did you know? Globally, about 1000 people die at work daily due to several unsafe conditions. Always report unsafe conditions immediately, your life is a priority.
15. Did you know? It’s a legal obligation for an employer to prepare, and as often as may be appropriate, revise a written statement of policy with respect to the safety and health of employees while at work.
16. Globally, about 860,000 people sustain injuries at work daily. Always follow safety procedures at all times while at work to avoid workplace injuries.
17. The prevalence of occupational injuries amongst building construction workers in Kampala City, Uganda is 32.4% while Most injuries, approximately 70% occurred among nightshift workers.
18. Always use the appropriate lifting technique when moving heavy objects.
19. Did you know? According to section 75 of the OSH ACT 2006, each lifting gear, lifting appliance, or lifting machine in a workplace should be registered with the commissioner, department of occupational safety and health
20. Did you know? Any inspector may, at any time, test any lifting gear and may prohibit further use, if not satisfied that it is safe for the use to which it is put.
21. Did you know? Vibrations transmitted through the human hand-arm system, can result into vascular, bone or joint, neurological or muscular disorders. Therefore, the operators should minimize the exposure time and ensure that the equipment are maintained in good working condition.
22. Be alert to equip yourself with the basic first aid procedures and keep a well-equipped first-aid kit near your work area. In case of a serious injury, call for immediate help and ensure the injured person is transported carefully.
23. Never attempt to operate any equipment without undergoing appropriate training, and in any case, ensure that the operation is supervised.
24. In case of any chemical incidence including spillages, keep the safest distance possible in order to safeguard your life.
25. Occupational hearing loss (or deafness) is a work-related disorder that is at a high increase in workplaces. It’s therefore important that everyone working in areas with high sound levels uses appropriate ear protection.