WORKPLACE FIRST AID CHALLENGE/COMPETITION 2022
The World Day For Safety and Health at Work 2022 event will be held on 28th April globally.
Over the years, in Kenya, the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services(DOSHS) under ministry of labour has been organizing various activities prior to and during this day. Some of the activities includes workplaces assessment, creation of awareness, distribution of promotional materials, First aid and safety challenge/competition, safety walk and conference.
Workplaces from across the country are set to participate in a first aid contest ahead of the world safety day. The exercise is organized by Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety to test readiness of workplace first responders in giving emergency treatment.
The competition venue will be KWS Institute Naivasha and shall be held on 26th March 2022 and deadline of entry is 4th March 2022.
Some of the skills tested include checking for dangers at an emergency scene, team coordination, first aid treatments and use of bystanders. Areas of improvement are identified to allow for enhancement and disaster preparedness.
Winners of the competition will be recognized and awarded with during the World Safety Day event.
Over the years, employees have not been able to respond effectively in most cases during emergencies due to lack of preparedness to handle injuries. If workers are not prepared, conditions of their injured co-workers may worsen before an ambulance arrives and injuries can become far more unbearable, which leads to greater medical costs and lost productivity. By making such a minimal investment in keeping employees safe and well-equipped with first aid skills, reduce loss of lives at workplaces, companies could net big returns, along with a competitive advantage. Moreover, it’s the law and best workplace practices.
The occupational safety and health laws in Kenya requires companies to provide first aid training to employees. Other requirements are installation of first aid and firefighting tools, as well as conducting of annual fire drills. First aid competition is acted like a real crisis, with dummy casualties, to help new First Aiders learn how to cope with high pressure and quick decision making which is often required during emergencies. Meals are given to all participants during the competition.
As an Ambassador of Safety and Wellness, I will be at different media stations and informal sectors in the effort of helping create a culture of Safety by encouraging the local community to be safety conscious as Safety is both an individual and collective responsibility.
For more information please contact: –
Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health
P.O. Box 34120-00100, Nairobi. 4 th floor, Safety House, Industrial Area
Email: doshdept@yahoo.com
Or
Eractus M. Ndaigiri
Tel: 0722875051
E-mail: emwandaigi64@gmail.com
#WorldSafetyDay2022
