Publisher’s Note
WHEN SAFETY COUNTS, AMONG
MARITIME WORKERS
I
t is said that employees who work in safe, sound and well-kept envi-
ronments are the very ones who work very well and productively.
While the task may be easier said than done, it is also a MUST for
every corporation to make huge investments to assure that safety is
a prerequisite; this is especially true in the maritime services sector
where seafarers on board these mammoth vessels can be assured of
greater peace of mind, both on-duty as well as during their breaks for
them to recharge their drained batteries.
The success of every operation and journey is attributed on how well these
seafarers function. In addition to their right to safe, healthy workplaces, let us
also instill the reality that they DO have their responsibilities to perform. They
also have to be encouraged to be actively involved as that effective means
to make sure they do their part. Just as their duties and responsibilities vary,
what are needed are basics such as delegating each staff member to per-
form daily inspections of work areas; keeping staff members informed about
health- and safety-related matters such as illnesses, injuries and preventive
measures needed to reduce the risks of illnesses; and inputs and feedbacks
that can be very useful and which can be acted upon in case these are need-
ed, among several others.
True, rules have been established by concerned global authorities such as
the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that are to be strictly imple-
mented. But let us also remember that people do have the accountability
to make sure that these rules are being followed. Only through concerted
efforts aimed at promoting attaining high standards within designated work
areas and doing these consistently can workplace safety be a success.
PHILIP O. ORTALEZA
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