In the dynamic realm of the manufacturing sector, the paramount significance of health and safety measures cannot be overstated. These safeguards form the bedrock of a secure and productive work environment, safeguarding both the workforce and the integrity of operations. By upholding stringent health and safety protocols, manufacturers ensure not only the well-being of their employees but also bolster operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. Recognizing its significance, a comprehensive two-day training session focused on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) was organized for the workforce of the Sports Ball Manufacturing Industry in Pakistan. Facilitated by Fairtrade NAPP and conducted by a reputable training consultancy, IEHSAS, this program aimed to enrich participants’ understanding of its importance, the proficient handling of potential hazards, and the cultivation of a safe and healthy working workspace. The training conducted has diligently adhered to local law requirements and the rigorous OHS standards mandated by Fairtrade.
15 delegates across numerous NAPP Fairtrade producers’ client industries attended the training session in addition to 3 Fairtrade NAPP management staffs. They have been actively engaged in discussions regarding the significance of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) within their respective sectors. The training primarily focussed on addressing gaps prevalent in the OHS domain within the sports ball industry while offering comprehensive mitigation strategies to address these gaps effectively. The 2-day training session on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the Sports Ball Manufacturing Industry was meticulously planned and executed to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to the specific needs of the participants. Prior to designing the program, an exhaustive needs assessment was conducted to identify the specific OHS challenges and requisites inherent to the sports ball manufacturing industry.
In preparation for the training, additional sources of information have been considered and aligned to formulate the training manual:
1. ILO Conventions C155 Occupational Health Safety
2. ILO Recommendation R164 Occupation and Health and Safety
3. Factory Act of Pakistan 1934 Chapter 3 for Occupation health and safety.
4. Fairtrade Standard for Sports Balls Hired labour organizations and traders 3.6 Occupational Health and Safety.
Based on the needs assessment, the training content was carefully curated to cover the essential aspects of OHS pertinent to the industry. Subject matter experts were consulted to ensure accuracy and up-to-date information. The training sessions were designed to be highly interactive, engaging participants in various activities such as group discussions, case studies, role-playing exercises, and practical simulations. The training sessions were conducted by experienced OHS trainers who had extensive knowledge and expertise in occupational health and safety practices. Regular assessments and quizzes were conducted throughout the training to gauge participants’ understanding and progress. Feedback sessions were also held to gather participants’ opinions on the training’s effectiveness and relevance. The content was aligned with the participant’s roles and responsibilities within their respective departments. A total of 8 training modules have been curated that were divided equally between 2 days of training. These are as follows-
Day 1
The training session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Ms Sarah provided a welcoming introduction and outlined the training’s objectives. An introductory session followed, during which participants shared their names, industry backgrounds, and educational experiences. Asad Bajwa provided a brief overview of Fairtrade NAPP’s achievements. The trainer then introduced themselves and proceeded with the training.
Module 1 – Why is it Important to Maintain Health and Safety:
In this module, the trainer emphasized the fundamental importance of workplace health and safety. The participants learned about the direct and indirect benefits of a safe working environment, such as increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced employee morale.
Real-life instances were shared visually to underscore OHS’s significance in industrial life. A brief video clip was displayed to illustrate the moral, legal, and financial rationales for maintaining health and safety. The module’s interactivity increased through a concluding short quiz.
Module 2 – Assessing Risks:
This module concentrated on recognizing the potential dangers and evaluating risks linked with sports ball manufacturing processes. Participants were introduced to risk assessment methods such as incorporating risk matrices to address vital issues systematically. Practical application was emphasized where participants were assigned to identify hazards and assess associated risks. Delegates gained a comprehensive grasp of the fundamental principles governing risk assessment in this engaging module.
Module 3 – Managing Risks:
Module 3 explored effective risk management strategies. Participants acquired skills in implementing control measures, formulating standard operating procedures, and establishing emergency response plans to mitigate the identified risks. Participants were divided into 3 groups who received risk assessment forms to assess hazards. Based on their operational activities. They identified the risks and hazards and evaluated the corresponding risks from each of their operational activity. This exercise garnered positive feedback as it effectively enlightened delegates on risk assessment methods.
Module 4 – Understanding Your Health and Safety Responsibilities:
This module highlighted the significance of individual accountability for ensuring workplace safety. Delegates were educated on their distinct duties in upholding OHS standards and fostering a safety-oriented ethos within the company. Delegates participated in a brief quiz to assess their grasp of health and safety roles and responsibilities. They gained an understanding of management systems, legal enforcement, and distinctions between criminal and civil law requirements.
Day 2:
The second day commenced with a recapitulation of the previous day’s learning outcomes, followed by a concise question-and-answer session with the participants. This approach ensured a seamless transition into the day’s activities and fostered a participatory learning environment.
Module 5 – Workplace Hazards Identification:
Shifting the focus, this module focused on the identification of workplace hazards unique to the sports ball manufacturing sector. Participants were educated on recognizing potential risks, encompassing machinery, chemicals, and ergonomic hazards. Delegates engaged in an interactive activity where they shared their knowledge about common hazards and discussed methods to manage them through OHS protocols. This exercise equipped them with effective approaches for hazard identification and management. Additionally, a representative from a sports ball company, Mr Saqlain Haider, presented an Urdu version presentation that highlighted real-life hazards in the football industry and corresponding precautionary measures.
Module 6 – Investigation Incident or Accidents:
In this module, the trainer highlighted the significance of thorough incident and accident investigations. The participants were educated about root cause analysis techniques to prevent future occurrences and the importance of reporting incidents promptly. Delegates have been then assigned to prepare an incident/accident report by giving them a standard format. This exercise enhanced their knowledge about investigating and reporting the accident/ incident.
Module 7 – Environment Management:
The last module focused on environmental management within the sports ball manufacturing industry. Participants were acquainted with environment-friendly practices and sustainable measures to minimize their operational impact on the environment. A brief quiz on environmental protection engaged the delegates. Mr Muhamad Ejaz conducted an exercise on GEMBA & Ownership for OSH. This activity boosts the knowledge of delegates our using their perception for the risk identification process using all body organs.
Assessment & Evaluation:
At the end of the 7th module and evaluation, an MCQ’s type exam had been conducted to check the knowledge and understanding of OHS training. The minimum passing marks were 50 Marks.
The 2-day OHS training session in the Sports Ball Manufacturing Industry achieved remarkable success. This provided participants with invaluable insights into workplace health and safety maintenance, efficient risk identification and management, and their individual roles in upholding OHS standards. By prioritizing employee well-being and implementing thorough safety protocols, manufacturers can substantially decrease the occurrence of accidents and injuries.
Fostering a culture that places safety first not only enhances productivity and employee contentment but also diminishes absenteeism. Creating ergonomic workstations, conducting regular safety training, and ensuring the use of personal protective equipment are pivotal steps for establishing a secure work environment. Regular inspections, risk assessments, and effective reporting mechanisms aid in identifying potential hazards and facilitating timely corrective measures. Ultimately, investing in occupational health and safety safeguards both the workforce and the company’s reputation while minimizing legal liabilities. By nurturing a safety-oriented culture, the sports ball manufacturing industry demonstrates its dedication to employee well-being and contributes to a healthier and more sustainable work atmosphere. This cultivates a resolute dedication to workplace safety and cultivates a culture of accountability among employees.
Testimonies:
“Thanks, Fairtrade NAPP, for providing this great learning opportunity to our teams. We believe this will certainly make our factories’ work environment more safe and healthy for our employees, which will lead to the reduction of both turnover and absenteeism. This intervention will certainly help & increase customers’ confidence in our product and its quality.” Malik M Jamil General Manager HR & Compliances Vision Technologies, Sialkot.
“Excellent Training of HSE. We learned and enjoyed a lot, I want to say that Shahzada Sunny Sahib trained us in health and safety through IEHSAS very kindly & politely, We learned & Understood. I would like to thank the whole team & especially Shahzada Sunny Sb. Thank you.” Najaf Noor Bola Gema – Pakistan (Graphic Designer)
