On Friday, 3rd May 2024, Meridian Port Services Ltd (MPS) gathered its management and staff to commemorate the International Day for Health and Safety at Work, shedding light on the theme “Impact of Climate Change on Health and Safety at Work“, as designated by the International Labour Organization.

Mr. Mohamed Samara, CEO of MPS, opened the event by underlining the significance of the day, emphasising the imperative of ensuring safe and healthy workplaces for all.

Addressing the theme, Mr. Kingsley Ameyaw, QHSSE Manager, highlighted the escalating impact of climate change and advocated for daily actions to mitigate its effects. These actions include reducing energy consumption, responsible water and waste management, and the adoption of energy-efficient appliances.

Following this, the QHSSE team conducted a drill on managing heatstroke, illustrating practical measures to address immediate health concerns in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Mr. Frank Ebo Brown Esq., Head of Legal and Compliance, highlighted the importance of fostering safe behaviours in the workplace, stressing that unsafe acts not only endanger individuals but also impact colleagues, dependents, and the wider community. Subsequently, Mr Ebo Brown introduced and invited a panel of experts to speak on various topics related to the theme for the day:

Dr. Pius Richmond Ahiavih, the resident medical officer, provided insights into identifying and treating heatstroke, emphasizing moderation as a key principle to counterbalance the effects of climate change.

Mr. Emmanuel Ohene Addo, Operations Manager, showcased MPS’s commitment to combating climate change through transformative actions, such as leveraging technology to mitigate risks and relocating certain positions indoors to minimize exposure to adverse weather conditions.

Mr. Henry Okine, Senior Environmental Specialist, underscored the importance of risk assessment in task execution, advocating for proactive measures to address potential threats, such as wearing appropriate attire for outdoor activities in high temperatures.

Various members of the management team and staff shared their thoughts and safety tips, endorsing the cultivation of a safety culture for long-term sustainability.

Mr. Ahmed Adjei, Safety Manager for MPS Project Consultants-AECOM, pledged to replicate best practices from management on construction sites, ensuring alignment with safety standards and protocols.

Mr. Rockson Akumba, Chairman of the Union Enterprise Based Union of MPS, reaffirmed the union’s solid support for company safety policies, stressing collective responsibility in safeguarding the environment. The Chairman of the EBU pointed out that the Union does not negotiate with management regarding safety, compliance and environment but rather constructively align with what caters for the wellbeing of staff. He advocated for all to take care of the environment stating that “when we take care of nature, it takes care of us”.

Mr. Steen Larsen, Chief Finance Officer, described the investment in safety as a personal responsibility, urging all individuals to prioritise safety adherence irrespective of hierarchical structures.

Mr. Curtiss Dakpogan, Chief Operations Officer, encouraged proactive engagement in improving safety across all spheres of work and personal life. The COO articulated that most often it starts with little things that we can do, therefore, don’t wait for somebody else to start, start right here and right now.

The CEO recognised exemplary commitments to safety within the terminal, honouring Adam Kabir Mohammed, Albert Amankwah, Ganiyu Zakariya, Karim Osman, and Nathaniel Odonkor for their dedication. The honoured team members shared their experience with the wider team.

In closing, Mr. Mohamed Samara reaffirmed the importance of integrating safety into daily activities, emphasising the need for traditional SOPs, all of which embrace safety elements, to be taught and universally understood as the SAFE Standard Operating Procedures (S-SOPs). The CEO stressed that, “It’s crucial to recognise that many unsafe behaviours can lead to preventable accidents.”

As the event concluded, the CEO expressed gratitude for the productive session and confidence in the team’s continued efforts toward enhanced safety measures, reinforcing a collective commitment to safety as paramount for future success.