Officials press home construciton safety message

(CNS): With the goal of reducing work related injuries, improving productivity and engaging a commitment to safety by managers on site the Department of Labour and Pensions led a two day workshop last week. Officials said the session was about promoting training and employee involvement in hazard prevention and control. The first workshop for 2014 which is part of the DLP’s ongoing offering of a nation-wide training and certification programme some 17 people took part.

Gene Hydes, a senior labour officer for the DLP was the presenter and he focused on the identification and prevention of hazards in the construction industry workplace.  Hydes is a member of the International Association of Safety Professionals, an associate member of the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), and one of the few safety auditors and accident investigation technicians in the Cayman Islands.

“This group of 17 participants represented a wide range of roles and a variety of employers within the construction industry, providing for diverse and interesting contributions,” he said.

Clive Cole, a teacher of construction technology at John Gray High School said it was a very informative course. “ I look forward to taking this information back to my students to remind them the importance of safety in every project at home or at work.” 

On the subject of safety and results of unsafe practices, Chelsea Doxey, health and safety officer at DRG Construction and full time paramedic said, “For me, being able to communicate with employees to be vigilant with workplace safety and that it’s an ongoing process of learning and practicing is one of the most important reminders from this comprehensive workshop.”

The workshop reviews management of safety and health in the workplace environment, worksite analysis, construction safety, hazard prevention and control, as well as employee safety and health training. Upon completion, the participants received a certificate of participation.

For more information on the OSH training contact Gene Hydes at 244-4008 or email gene.hydes@gov.ky.