In commemorating electrical safety week the Department of Local government and Traditional Affairs through its Health and Safety unit embarked on a fire safety awareness campaign to empower employees on handling issues of fire safety as well as their rights and responsibilities towards safe working environment.
The campaign which was attended by all directorates of the department was done in collaboration with the Mahikeng Fire and Emergency Services. Assistant Director Occupational Health and Safety Precious Mahila spearheaded the campaign with a view of enlightening the departmental workforce with the fire dangers that might erupt.
“We embarked on the fire safety campaign after fire risk was identified when many workers brought their heaters to work during winter and without knowing that they are putting their lives as well as that of other employees in danger as the heaters can cause fire” said Mahila.
The campaign was also done in making employees aware of their legislated rights which amongst others include occupational health and safety act which provides for a work environment that safe and conducive for workers.
During the campaign employees were exposed to risks of fire which include amongst others smoking in an unauthorized area, overloading electric plugs, using damaged or wire exposed plugs etc.
“It is important that we take precautionary measures by making staff aware about the dangers of fire, fire fighting procedures, usage of fire extinguishers, fire escape routes and assembly point etc. Electric fire can’t be extinguished by any fire extinguisher. It’s critical that they know different types of extinguishers, which ones to use under which conditions said Mahila.
Training Officer at Mahikeng Fire and Emergency, Mongezi Sibinda said the maximum impact of the campaign will be felt once the safety representatives from different units have been elected.
Sibinda said “Their responsibility is to ensure that people smoke in their designated smoking areas, plugs are not overloaded, damaged plugs are fixed, all fire extinguishers are serviced properly, fire escape routes are not obstructed, fire alarms are in good working conditions and indentify all fire risks. Equally important they should also know the emergency numbers by heart to use them even at homes”.
The process to nominate health and safety reps from all departmental directorates will follow in due course. The departmental building in Garona is currently undergoing risk assessment and the report will guide occupational health and safety in drafting a comprehensive emergency plan to assist in ensuring a conducive working environment for the employees.
