GEA and TUC Advocate for Prioritizing Workplace Safety

The Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have emphasized the importance of prioritizing workplace safety and mitigating occupational hazards to enhance productivity and reduce losses.

GEA Chief Executive Mr. Alex Frimpong highlighted the significance of safety and health issues in ensuring sustainable enterprise development and safeguarding the well-being of Ghanaian workers.

He spoke at the Association’s inaugural 2-day Annual Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Conference in Accra.

Frimpong emphasized the critical timing of the conference, given the increasing number of workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses.

These challenges lead to significant costs for businesses, impacting productivity and diverting resources.

The conference aligns with new developments within the International Labour Organization (ILO), which prioritizes safe and healthy working environments as a fundamental right. Frimpong noted that the ILO’s global requirement underscores the urgency of mainstreaming OSH practices in every workplace.

GEA, with support from the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, has developed sector-specific OSH guidelines to assist employers in integrating safety and health management into their core business operations.

Initially focused on manufacturing, agriculture, and construction, these guidelines have now been extended to banking and hospitality sectors.

Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the TUC, emphasized the non-negotiable nature of workplace safety and the importance of compliance with safety regulations.

He stressed the need for organizations to go beyond mere compliance and integrate safety into their organizational cultures through regular training, adherence to safety protocols, and a commitment from all levels of the organization to prioritize employee well-being.

Innovation plays a crucial role in both resilience and safety. Ansah highlighted the need to embrace new technologies and methodologies to create safer working environments.

Mr. George Gershon, Chief Inspector of Factories at the Department of Factories, explained that health and safety measures are essential investments at the workplace.

While Ghana lacks a specific safety policy, the Department of Factories operates within its regulatory framework and ensures OSH compliance.

ILO Data on OSH and Losses:

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), nearly three million people die annually from work-related diseases, and work accidents account for an additional 330,000 deaths per year. Globally, an estimated 395 million workers sustain non-fatal work injuries annually.

These challenges result in a staggering loss of US$2 trillion each year due to compromised safety and health in the workplace.