REINFORCING its culture of health and safety was at the heart of Red Stripe’s recent week-long celebration of Global Safety Week.

Held under the theme ‘Because we care, I don’t compromise safety’, the company celebrated with a series of exciting events including a three-day Hazard Hunt challenge, the first official Red Stripe Safety Olympics, a team karaoke session, and relaxing spa treatments for staff.

“Commemorating Global Safety Week and Global Safety Day is extremely significant here at Red Stripe; it helps to create a safer and healthier workplace, improve employee morale and productivity, and ensure compliance with legal obligations.

“The more aware our staff members are, the more safety-conscious they will be in the workplace, with fewer accidents and injuries, less absenteeism, and a stronger safety culture within the organisation,” said Red Stripe Safety, Health and Environment Manager Veronica Benain.

Red Stripe started Global Safety Week with a message from outgoing Managing Director Luis Prata, who highlighted the need to continue in the behaviours that have contributed to Red Stripe’s high safety standards and track record of low incidents.

In recognition of the importance of relaxation and stress relief to operating optimally, Red Stripe then treated staff to a spa session inclusive of barbering, massages, pedicures, manicures and facials.

The staff then engaged in the three-day Hazard Hunt during which department managers guided their team to identify and remedy unsafe conditions within their workspace. The week ended with an exciting safety olympics and karaoke session.

Throughout the week Red Stripe staff members were provided with information about health and safety to strengthen existing knowledge and debunk misconceptions. Health and environment experts also encouraged employees to engage them with questions or for assistance in resolving health and safety concerns.

“Beyond just raising awareness of the importance of workplace safety and health among employees and contractors, educating employees and contractors on safety protocols and procedures to reduce accidents and injuries, the week’s activities served also to improve employee morale and job satisfaction as workers feel that we are invested in their well-being. In the long term this focus on health and safety will also enhance productivity as employees are less likely to be absent due to work-related injuries or illnesses.

“We also firmly believe that a health and safety week encourages employee participation in safety initiatives and programmes, leading to a stronger safety culture within the organisation,”added Benain.