As thePortofPortofSpaingrows, its
commitment to reducinghealthand
safety incidents isbeingstrategically
directed.Thenumberofmanhours lost
fell in2013, comparedwith theprevious
12months.
Although the improvementmayappear
marginal (seechart),when set against the
backdropof aPort that isgettingbusier by
thedayand facing thechallenges towards
HSE (Health, SafetyandEnvironment)where
culture, attitudeandbehaviour are
significant variables the improvement is
significant.
Thereareother challenges for theHealth
andSafetydepartment.Thefirst isattempting
toensure thathazardsand riskareproperly
managedandwhere thehumanelementof a
more requiredand sustainableyouthful
workforcevs. anageingworkforce.ThePort
is seenasanexcellent employer and that
meansmanymembersof staffhavebeen
there for 30yearsormore.
The secondchallenge relates to
equipment and infrastructure.While the
Port’smove toanew location isunder
discussion, someupgrades to facilities
remainonhold. Andwhileeverything is
done tomaintain safeoperations, the fact is
thatmodern technologyand infrastructure
designcouldhelp to furtherminimise the
frequencyof accidents. Indeed, although
overall incidentsdeclined in2013,
equipment operators and stevedores are
groups that have seena slight increase in the
number of incidents.
Coveringall thebases
Neil Bridgelal,Manager ofHealth, Safetyand
Environment, takesHSEas acore function
very seriouslyandhas invokeda
comprehensiveprogramme for the future
well-beingof thePort.
HealthandSafety
Internationalstandard
initiative
NeilBridgelal– ManagerofHealth, Safety
andEnvironment
“We take thewell-beingofour staffveryseriously–
lostmanhoursequates to lost revenueandsowe
reallyaredoingeverythingwecan tokeeppeople
happyandhealthy.”
