Middle Management SHEQ Awareness Workshop

Botswana Railways Executive Management has made a commitment on initiatives that will assist the company to promote a safe environment as well as minimize safety incidents.

Addressing the Middle Management SHEQ Awareness Workshop on Monday August 6, 2018 at Cresta Hotel, Mahalapye BR CEO Mr. Leonard M. Makwinja noted that he observed that safety is not entirely a matter of cost but permeate across as it is everyone’s responsibility. “Collectively, any safety incident has a bearing on our livelihoods”, he noted. “Safety is of utmost importance to any organization, there is a need for us here in Botswana Railways to step up our safety protocols and standards”, said Mr. Makwinja. He concluded by making a commitment that Management will resource SHEQ Department as an endeavour to adequately monitor and safeguard the entire rail line. 

For his part Workshop Coordinator Mr. Willem Van Aswegen said safety culture is the attitude, beliefs, perceptions and values that employees share in relation to safety in the workplace. Aswegen said Safety is every employee’s responsibility not SHEQ Office only, and he encouraged all departments to work together in that regard. “90% of incidents in the workplace involve human error; failure to use personal protective equipment, effective equipment or tools.  Furthermore, timely inspections are imperative to identify and reinforce proper practices and identify environmental impact.”

Imparting knowledge to employees about safety, following procedures, complying to safety standards are some practices that can help reduce the organization’s financial losses, damage to property or substandard service.

The purpose of the workshop was to provide the attendants with an understanding and insight into the causes and effects of incidents, inspections for incident prevention, critical tasks and behavioural change.