SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Safety, health and environment go together with industrialisation, innovation and infrastructure. To be honest it is the foundation of any industry and all industries must embrace it.
There are evidence-based reasons why companies should implement good safety and health and while doing so protect the environment. The return on investment for companies –if I was a CEO or Director it would be paramount as I would want to increase my profits in a safe way to ensure that I have a happy workforce, production is high and we achieve our set objectives and to be truthful to surpass them. That would be my role and responsibility and one I would have to take seriously if I want the company to grow.
Returns stem from:
- Positive Public Image: Employers want their employees, customers and the public to view them as safety minded, health conscious and sustainable.
- Compliance with Regulations, Laws and Standards: Non-compliance can be disastrous and cost an organisation financially and in public perception.
- Cost Savings: Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) programs can reduce costly worker injuries and incidents allowing companies to reduce expenses related to medical care, paid time off, litigation and disaster mitigation.
- Increased Operational Efficiency: An organisation-wide focus on safety leads to higher worker productivity, which drives short-term revenue growth and supports long-term sustainability.
- Improved Employee Satisfaction: Recruiting and retaining top talent is easier for organisations that provide safe and comfortable workplaces, care for employee well-being and protect the environment.
In Uganda at present infrastructure development is going ahead at full steam. The railway is about to be renewed and reconstructed. Kampala flyover is in the process and the extension to the Northern Bypass is nearing its end. Road infrastructure is happening throughout the country and buildings such as the new hospital at Lubowa are in full construction mode. This is good for the country, but and yes there is a big but, only if the country embraces safety and health and is prepared to look after and protect the natural environment. If we cannot do that then reaching the status of middle income country by 2040 will remain a pipe dream.
To achieve this Uganda needs Safety, Health and Environment. Can you be instrumental in making this happen, if yes contact EISMAT at
info@eismat.ac.ug/ 0705 336 066.
