Africa-Press – Uganda. The Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, a major industrial hub in eastern Uganda, conducted a comprehensive fire drill involving its thousands of employees, highlighting the park’s emphasis on worker safety as it continues to expand.
The industrial zone, part of the Tian Tang Group, encompasses over 60 enterprises and employs nearly 10,000 workers, making robust safety protocols a key priority for park management.
Dan Akampulira, Head of Safety for the Tian Tang Group, told BBC News the drill was essential for ensuring staff well-being.
“This exercise allows us to test our systems and ensure that our employees know what to do in an emergency,” he said. “The safety of our team is our top priority.”
The fire drill, held ahead of World Day for Safety and Health at Work and World Labour Day, was overseen by local police fire officer SP Rashid Kamayo and safety consultants from the Center for Occupational Safety Uganda Limited (COSH). Their role was to evaluate the effectiveness of current safety procedures and identify areas for improvement.
Kamayo noted the park’s extensive size and stressed the importance of annual fire drills, adding that this initial exercise had already revealed critical safety areas needing attention.
Isaac Rugaba, CEO of COSH, commended the Tian Tang Group’s proactive safety stance.
“Conducting such drills shows a responsible attitude towards the health and safety of their workers,” he commented. “It gives a valuable chance to see what works well and where more training and resources might be needed.”
Consultants observed evacuation procedures, the clarity and accessibility of designated meeting points, and the effectiveness of communication during the drill.
Badru Ssenfuka, a chief consultant from COSH, noted the positive engagement of workers and management cooperation.
The exercise also assessed the availability and employee familiarity with fire safety equipment. While existing safety measures were evident, the drill also indicated areas for enhancement, such as clearer signage and more frequent refresher training.
Zero compromise approach
Within the industrial park, UNISTEEL, a steel production facility, operates with a “zero compromise” safety philosophy due to the inherent risks of the industry. The company reports a strong safety record, attributing it to daily safety briefings, comprehensive protective gear, and thorough equipment training.
Okia Micah, a crane operator at UNISTEEL, described strict pre-shift checks, stating that operations are halted immediately if any electrical instability is detected. He added that all loads are guided by ground personnel, with constant communication maintained via alarms and radios.
UNISTEEL provides on-site first aid for minor injuries and swift referrals to nearby hospitals for more serious cases. Workers can report safety concerns through a dedicated office and weekly meetings with senior management.
Ayub Mugudwa, a General Supervisor at UNISTEEL, emphasized daily safety training and the provision of comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect workers from hazards.
Bikala Hashim, Manager at Tianao Furniture, another park company, also highlighted safety measures, including providing PPE and conducting monthly fire drills. Worker-led safety committees ensure prompt attention to safety issues, and shift work with limited hours aims to prevent overwork.
The Tian Tang Group emphasized the role of worker representation through factory safety committees in addressing concerns. “Our investors prioritise worker safety,” said Akampulira. “If we find any safety gaps, we take immediate action to fix them.”
He added that many companies in the park aim for safety standards exceeding Uganda’s Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2006.
“While being efficient is important for business, it will never be more important than the well-being of our workers,” Akampulira concluded, underscoring the importance of a safe workforce for sustainable growth and productivity at the Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park.
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