![](https://addisfortune.news/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/getachew-reda.jpg)
Verbatim | Sep 10,2023
Nov 25 , 2023
By Desalegn Zewdie
In a string of recent workplace incidents, the absence of adequate first aid response has emerged as an urgent issue, calling for more comprehensive training and better-equipped facilities. These events, which include a fall in a bank, a choking incident at a restaurant, and a construction accident, expose a critical gap in emergency preparedness in the workplace, pointing to a broader societal issue that transcends mere compliance with health and safety norms.
Like many emerging economies, Ethiopia is challenged by the need to balance rapid economic growth with the well-being and safety of its workforce. The recent episodes serve as a reminder that workplace safety, particularly the provision of first aid, is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental aspect of employee welfare and operational efficiency. The labour law, which lays out the duties of employers and employees, focusing on health and safety compliance, is silent on the specifics of first aid training and facilities. This omission is critical given the diverse nature of the Ethiopian workforce, which spans a broad spectrum from traditional agriculture to modern manufacturing and services.
At the heart of the issue is the perceived notion of first aid as a luxury rather than a necessity. This mindset often results in employers lacking to spend on first aid training and facilities, a short-sighted approach that overlooks the long-term benefits of a safe and prepared workplace. Adequate first aid provision is a moral imperative and a strategic investment. It has tangible benefits, including reducing workplace accidents, minimising absenteeism, and lowering the potential for costly litigation and compensation claims.
The incidents reported – a customer's injury in a bank, a diner's near-fatal choking in a restaurant, and a construction worker's fall – are manifestations of a widespread issue in the growing economy. These are not isolated events but indicators of a systemic problem that requires a multi-faceted solution.
Ethiopia's approach to addressing this gap needs to be both comprehensive and collaborative. The involvement of key ministries, including Health, Labour & Skills, Trade, and Construction, alongside mayor offices, is crucial in establishing clear standards and regulations for first aid in the workplace. This would include developing and implementing minimum requirements for first aid training, equipment, and facilities. Another step towards improving the situation is mandating first aid training for all employees and ensuring periodic refresher courses. Such a policy would not only elevate the general level of emergency preparedness but also instil a culture of safety and responsibility within the workforce.
Creating comprehensive emergency response plans for workplaces, with a designated number of first aid responders trained to handle more complex situations, is essential. These plans should be tailored to each workplace's specific needs and risks, ensuring a quick and effective response to any emergency.
In addition to regulatory measures, raising awareness about the importance of first aid is vital. Multi-modal campaigns can significantly educate employers and employees about the benefits of first aid readiness. Continuous evaluation and adjustment of policies and practices will also be necessary to ensure they remain effective and relevant.
The Ethiopian Red Cross has been a beacon in this regard, offering community first-aid courses that provide a foundation for such training. However, the lack of clear policies and guidelines at the national level impedes widespread implementation and integration into workplace practices.
Ethiopia's journey towards a more resilient and prepared workforce is not just a matter of regulatory compliance. It should be a reflection of its commitment to human dignity and the well-being of its people. The recent incidents should serve as a wake-up call, bringing to attention the urgent need for action in this crucial area. By prioritising first aid training and facilities, Ethiopia can safeguard its most valuable asset – its workforce – and consolidate the foundations of its growing economy.
PUBLISHED ON
Nov 25,2023 [ VOL
24 , NO
1230]
Verbatim | Sep 10,2023
Radar | Mar 28,2020
Covid-19 | Jun 07,2020
Radar | Dec 05,2020
Viewpoints | Oct 08,2022
View From Arada | Oct 09,2021
Viewpoints | Oct 23,2021
Fortune News | Jun 08,2024
Commentaries | Mar 13,2021
Featured | May 11,2019
My Opinion | 110337 Views | Aug 14,2021
My Opinion | 106672 Views | Aug 21,2021
My Opinion | 105415 Views | Sep 10,2021
My Opinion | 103643 Views | Aug 07,2021
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transportin...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
The cracks in Ethiopia's higher education system were laid bare during a synthesis re...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Construction authorities have unveiled a price adjustment implementation manual for s...
Sep 1 , 2024
Addis Abeba's skyline is being dramatically altered. Once characterised by unremarkab...
Aug 25 , 2024
It may appear distasteful, unappealing and cumbersome to sight. But, the Addis Abeba...
Aug 18 , 2024
The economy is in turmoil, and describing the situation as merely dire could be an un...
Aug 10 , 2024
The past few weeks have been anything but uneventful on the economic front. Across th...
Sep 1 , 2024
In a landmark diplomatic manoeuvre sought to defuse rising tensions in the Horn of Af...
Sep 1 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
The Ethiopian Bankers Association (EBA) has voiced strong objections to a draft regulation on Value Added Tax (VAT) under review by the Mini...
Sep 1 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Representatives of businesses and traders in Tigray Regional State are calling for loan repayment extensi...
Sep 1 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Purpose Black S.C. an aspirant real estate and grocery store chain investor, is facing a serious crisis a...