(PRESS RELEASE) – There are some things that are now standard at the St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) launch of Health and Safety Month.
Team members and contractors recite the Go Zero Pledge. And a report is provided on the company’s safety performance for the previous year. In this instance, the familiar brought an extraordinary accomplishment – one that had only been done once before.
Managing Director Trevor Louisy said the company had recorded zero occupational injuries in 2019. Here, he singled out the efforts of the Generation and Transmission & Distribution departments who work in a very high-risk environment.
“It is an indication in my humble opinion that all occupational injuries are preventable, and that the safety management policies, procedures and work practices all worked well in every department in 2019.”
At the end of February 2020, LUCELEC had gone 688 days without recording a lost time injury. A lost time injury is one that results in employees being unable to work. The previous record was 588 days.
But it wasn’t all good news. Air quality issues have forced the temporary closure of company offices.
“There is an opportunity for improvement in what seems to be an unending situation of work-related illnesses associated with poor indoor air quality. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the staff in the affected offices in particular for their patience and understanding during what I consider to be a very, very trying period. Be rest assured that the company will continue to spare no effort at resolving these issues as the health and safety of you our staff is of paramount importance to us.”
The company has designated March its safety month for the past 24 years. It is a time for new and revision training that ensures employees and contractors perform their duties in the safest way possible. During the month, sessions provide best practices for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
This year’s theme is, “Advance Our Health and Safety 2020 Vision Through Creativity & Innovation”.
In her feature address, Dr Marie Grandison Didier encouraged the responsible use of technology including apps and online nutritional guides for healthier lives.
“We must put technology to work, to assist and facilitate our well-being. We must not become slaves to every ping on our cell phones, living out other people’s lives and drowning in other people’s disasters. But we must use technology to find the positives to assist ourselves.”
In that vein, this year’s Safety Award was presented to the Stores and Purchasing Team for their use of training and support in attaining a perfect 11-year record in the performance of high-risk work, including the safe handling of hazardous chemicals and equipment.
The launch also featured a performance from the company-supported Seventh Day Academy Youth Orchestra.
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