ABWU Facilitates Health and Safety Training for Port Workers Using App.

Three dock workers from the Port of Antigua and Barbuda have become the first in the region to complete an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Certificate Course through an online portal and app developed by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, with support from the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The OSH Ports Level 1 Online Learning Program was delivered online over three days in April to employees of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority and the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union, with ABWU Training Officer, Hazel Luke, coordinating the sessions.

The program aims to minimize the risks of accidents and incidents in ports by providing workers with the skills and knowledge to play an active role in enhancing occupational safety and health in their workplace.

The course has five modules that cover a range of topics, including the Role of Management in Preventing Accidents, Risk Management, Risk Controls, and Incident Reporting, with a final assessment to complete the training.

Participants are trained through real-life scenarios that they are likely to encounter in their work environment, providing a pragmatic approach to the learning process.

Luke, who was first introduced to the OSH Ports training in January 2024 at a Seminar in Barbados hosted by the International Transport Workers’ Federation Seafarers Trust, said the training was essential and highlighted areas that needed to be improved at the local port. She found that all participants were fully engaged throughout the training and could relate to the information being shared.

Kambui Samuel, one of the participants, described the training as extremely valuable, saying that it was easy to follow and provided a lot of insight into things that workers should know.

The other four participants were Amis Pennyfeather, Barry Hodge, Amali Mills, and Anderson Edghill.

It is worth noting that, in 2022, more than half of all maritime incidents worldwide occurred in ports or terminals.

Therefore, the OSH Ports Course aims to decrease the number of accidents and incidents in ports by supporting workers to increase their knowledge and play an active role in improving occupational safety and health in their workplace.

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union plans to continue facilitating additional OSH training in various sectors, underscoring the importance of ensuring that workers have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate safely in their work environments.