Safety Coordinators recently met to deliberate on ways to improve the safety culture in the Company. The meeting, held in Kumasi, saw a gathering of all Safety Coordinators from both Operational and Non-Operational Areas.
Mr. Joseph Amo Enin, Chief Technician Engineer in the Technical Services Department urged Safety Coordinators to find effective ways to encourage staff to read the Corporate Safety Rules (CSR) thoroughly, emphasising that, “This is essential to fostering a strong safety culture within the Company.”
Adding to the discussion, Ing. Bernard Gyan, the immediate past Director of Technical Services [now Director, Northern Network Department (NND)], stated that GRIDCo can build a stronger safety culture by establishing the right systems, chief among them, is responsible supervision. He emphasised that a shift in attitude among Safety Coordinators, along with the bold enforcement of rules, could lead to significant improvements across the Company. “If you are afraid of enforcement, then you do not have any business of being Safety Coordinators. The enforcement must start with you. You must not be afraid to ‘crack the whip’. Safety is Safety and the policies are backing you,” he added.
The Safety Coordinators also shared their concerns and made recommendations on issues discussed.
Participants enjoyed an interactive and educational session with the team from the Ashanti Regional Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). Divisional Officer II (DOII), Peter Addai, the Ashanti Regional Fire Officer (Public Relations), delivered a presentation on LI1724 and LI2249 – Fire Regulations on Premises, explaining that LI2249 amended LI1724 to include private residential property. The GNFS team presented detailed information to help all appreciate the importance of applying for all fire certifications required for building, whether commercial or residential.
Other subjects discussed included, Non-Operational Areas (Departments) reverting to in-person Safety Meetings; innovative ways of submitting Safety Monitoring Records; the Standard Protection Code and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): the 2024 Corporate Safety Performance; nomination of new Safety Coordinators Representatives, and the procurement and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).
Additionally, the 2024 Safety Awareness programme was reviewed to draw from lessons learnt. Planning of the 2025 Safety Awareness programme was among highlights of the first 2025 bi-Annual Safety Meeting.
In his closing remarks, Ing. Gyan expressed gratitude to all Safety Coordinators for their great support. “It has been nice working with all of you. The role of the Safety Coordinator is a critical one; a role that will ensure that GRIDCo continues as a growing concern”, he noted. He urged the Safety Coordinators not to give up the good work they are doing, encouraging them to work harder.