Create a Safety Mindset

Helen Mwamba

...The AfriSAFE Empowerment Program aims to enhance lives, ensure safety, and create a Safer Tomorrow!

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 ( 22 - 10 - 2024) — The Safety Management Training Services (SMTS), in collaboration with the African Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (AfriSAFE) and SMTS Zambia, has launched a free emergency response training program aimed at equipping artisans, teachers, house helps, gatekeepers, and young professionals with essential life-saving skills.

This initiative, introduced in Lusaka, focuses on improving safety and emergency preparedness in communities.

Femi Da Silva, CEO of AfriSAFE, emphasized the critical need for basic first aid knowledge, stating that “many preventable deaths occur due to a lack of immediate response in emergencies.”

Femi Da Silva

He explained, “Many lives are lost simply because those at the scene of an emergency lack the skills to respond. This program aims to provide practical training in first aid, emergency evacuation, and mental health management.”

The initiative, sponsored primarily by Zambia Sugar, will offer participants hands-on training from experienced facilitators.

Upon completion, attendees will receive certificates of attendance, further validating their newly acquired skills.

SMTS Zambia Managing Director Helen Mwamba stressed the importance of a shift in the approach to safety. 

Speaking at the AfriSAFE Free Empowerment Program held at the Government Complex, Mwamba urged attendees to focus on personal responsibility and awareness.

“Safety is not just about protocols; it’s a mindset that requires constant vigilance,” Mwamba asserted. 

She commended the participants for their commitment to promoting safety in their workplaces and communities.

Mwamba pointed to the need for continuous attention to safety, noting that “everyday actions such as proper equipment handling and avoiding phone use while driving are effective measures to reduce risks.”

She encouraged the attendees, saying, “The knowledge you gain here should drive continuous improvement in safety standards,” while emphasizing that safety is a personal responsibility.

Cyprian Mayamba, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Labour and Social Security, underscored the significance of personal safety and health in various environments, including workplaces, homes, and schools. He declared that “ensuring safety is both a legal and moral obligation for all individuals.”

Mayamba highlighted the benefits of a safe work environment, stating, “A safe work environment leads to reduced costs for businesses, increased productivity, and improved employee morale, all of which contribute to national economic growth.”

Mayamba

He added, “The future of Zambia lies in its youth,” underscoring the importance of involving younger generations in safety programs to foster a sustainable safety culture.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is committed to collaborating with organizations like AFRACE and SMTS Zambia to enhance health and safety standards across all sectors. Mayamba noted that these initiatives are expected to build capacity within the workforce and promote a culture of safety.

In his remarks, Mayamba paid tribute to individuals affected by unsafe practices and recognized advocates for improved safety standards. He stated, “Safety is a collective responsibility,” calling for collaboration among employers, employees, businesses, and citizens.

The program aims to empower workers and citizens to understand their rights, challenge unsafe practices, and promote environments that prioritize both physical and mental well-being. Mayamba stressed that “health and safety must be treated as fundamental principles, ensuring every worker returns home safely each day.”

The AfriSAFE Empowerment Program continues to promote safety awareness across Zambia, equipping communities with the necessary skills to respond effectively to emergencies and enhance overall safety standards.