'Safety over profits' - Experts push for AI, local protocols to end workplace deaths

The Chief Inspector of Mines, Richard Kofi Adjei, emphasized education to prevent workplace accidents. This is especially important in high-risk sectors like mining.

He spoke at the first National Conference of the Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Practitioners Association of Ghana (SHEQPA-GH) in Accra. He stressed the need for ongoing training on safety protocols.

“Marking World Day for Safety and Health at Work reminds us that education is key,” he said.

Adjei urged safety officers to engage staff actively on safety protocols. He noted that workplace safety should be a continuous responsibility for everyone.

He highlighted the importance of innovation in safety practices. Companies should not let financial constraints hinder adopting AI and digital solutions.

“The right safety equipment may be costly, but health and safety come first,” he stated.

Deputy Chief Inspector Desmond Boahene supported this call for inclusivity. He emphasized that contractors must receive the same protection as permanent staff.

“Safety must be universal,” he stressed. Boahene also suggested rewarding adherence to safety practices to build a strong culture.

Akua Berantuo-Armooh, President of SHEQPA-GH, called for collaboration across sectors. “Safety practitioners cannot do it alone,” she said.

She urged general managers and department heads to support these efforts. Everyone must play their part in promoting safer workplaces.

Berantuo-Armooh acknowledged the mining sector's solid regulations but expressed concern over fatalities. She called for more innovation to manage risks effectively.

“We’ve made progress, but fatalities are still a concern,” she noted. She advocated for tailored safety procedures reflecting Ghana’s unique conditions.

“Companies often import foreign standards without considering local risks,” she emphasized. Context-specific protocols are necessary for effective safety measures in Ghana.

The conference featured Ing. Dr. Koduah Dapaah from K+MNJ Consults. He discussed modern safety tools and team coordination to reduce workplace fatalities.

This inaugural SHEQPA-GH conference marked World Day for Safety and Health at Work. It brought together policymakers and industry professionals as an annual platform for dialogue on workplace safety in Ghana.