It was fun and excitement at Uganda Breweries on Friday as the company recognized and awarded 20 most outstanding employees who have upheld health and safety standards at the Brewery.
The award categories included Safety ambassador of the Month, highest safety improvement Report card (SIRC) raised, highest safety improvement Report card (SIRC) closed, best driver sales per region, outstanding safety support, Safety week quiz winner and Safety champions of the year.
The ceremony that was characterized with BBQ and entertainment by some of UBL staff marked a close to the UBL safety week which was running under the theme “I am working Safe Everyday”.
The week-long activities included Evacuation Drills at the UBL site, Defensive Driving awareness session, Fitness sessions, health screening, audiometry and ergonomic sessions as well as nutrition sessions.
According to Mark Ocitti, the Managing Director of UBL, for a company like Uganda Breweries limited which handles machinery, heavy equipment and glass on a daily basis, a milestone like this one is not coincidence or by luck.
“Our staff goes through world class safety and health training every year or as and when we deem it fit. We constantly upgrade and service our machinery, ensure safety clothing and gear is worn at all times in the high risk zones and on top of all this, ensure we have a strong enforcement team whose job is to make sure that these measures are adhered to.” he said.
While officiating at the event, the Commissioner for Occupation health and Safety Mr. David Mugisa commended UBL for being a good example of when the private sector works well with Government for sustainable development.
“Our laws provide for safety measures at work places such as factories, distillers, warehouses and other high risk job sites, but not many companies adhere to or enforce those measures. Therefore, Uganda Breweries serves as an example of good practices that the private sector should fight to uphold in working together with our government,” he noted.