By Shukry Rashid
Eight companies and eight individuals were recognised for their efforts and commitment to workplace safety and health during the second U SAFE Award on 16 May 2016 held at the Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability.
The event was organised by NTUC, NTUC LearningHub and NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute), in partnership with the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council.
Guest of Honour NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Manpower Patrick Tay presented the awards from two categories – the U SAFE SPARKS Awards and U SAFE STAR Awards – to the 16 recipients.
Shared Responsibility
ASG Patrick Tay said: “It is the shared responsibility of everyone to build a sound safety and health culture to prevent deaths, injuries and ill health in the workplace. This will allow our working people to return safely to their homes at the end of each working day.”
Present during the event was NTUC’s WSH Secretariat Director Yeo Guat Kwang, who said that no effort is too small when it comes to workplace safety.
He added: “Through the U SAFE Award, we hope to not only recognise good WSH practices, but also nurture a culture whereby current practices are constantly redefined and new ideas generated for a safer and healthier workplace.”
A minute of silence was also observed to honour the workers who lost their lives at work.
Exemplary Efforts
One of the recipients of the U SAFE STAR Award is Singapore Airport Terminal Services Workers’ Union (SATSWU) General Secretary Gunasekaran Sivaganam. A full-time unionist, Mr Gunasekaran said that the award is not just about him, but a testimony to the teamwork between SATSWU and the company to improve WSH – one he is very proud of.
A person passionate about WSH, he believes that it is important not to be complacent about safety and that important safety messages should constantly be reinforced at the workplace.
Safety Initiatives
Over the years, Mr Gunasekaran has attended multiple safety talks organised by NTUC and SATS to improve his knowledge on WSH. He also introduced many initiatives to make the workplace a safer one.
One example is the Union Walk, which he worked with SATS to organise. Through this initiative, union leaders of SATSWU would regularly walk with the company’s safety team through the operational grounds to identify WSH hazards and provide feedback on the working environment. As a result, potential safety hazards have been reduced and work environment has improved.
He also implemented baggage tags for bags that are heavier than 32kg, making it is easier for staff to identify heavy bags and seek assistance accordingly. This has helped to reduce the risk of back pain and medical leave amongst the staff.
Source: NTUC This Week
