Some 35 construction professionals of Trashigang and Trashi Yangtse were provided Basic Occupational Health and Safety training. This is to create safety awareness and minimize worksite accidents. The Construction Association of Bhutan and the Department of Labour organized the training which ended today.
More often than not, worksite accidents happen due to recklessness and lack of safety measures. According to the Department of Labour, the number of mishaps is increasing annually and most of them go unreported.
So, a four-day training was conducted to help workers and supervisors recognize workplace hazards and to help prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses.
They were also trained on how to report accidents and respond to emergencies.
“Labour officers, inspectors, safety officers and supervisors trained here will join us to oversee and ensure construction quality. They will also be responsible for monitoring safety at construction sites,” said Sangay Dorji, Chief Labour Officer at the Department of Labour.
“Whenever I thought about safety, I only imagined boots and helmets. But now I realize it’s so much more than that. I’ve learned about the different components of safety, how to prevent accidents, and how to respond during emergencies,” said Rinchen Seldon, a Site Engineer at T.Tobgyal Const. Pvt Ltd.
Besides the participants were sensitized to comply with regulations and avoid legal risks and financial losses.
Phuntsho Wangdi, a contractor for Kheni Construction said, “If there are no safety measures at the site, 90 per cent of the risk falls on the contractor. First, we’re liable for penalties, and second, if an accident happens, we have to cover all the financial losses.”
The Construction Association of Bhutan and the Department of Labour provided such training to about 500 people from across the country since July this year.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
