It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important OSHA and WIBA training. As heads of departments, you play a pivotal role in ensuring that our workplace upholds the highest standards of safety and compliance.  Today’s programme is packaged to provide critical insights into safety regulations, guiding you identify risks, understand protocols, and promote proactive safety within your teams. By the end of this training you will be more enlightened and committed to maintaining a safe and responsible work environment for everyone. The objectives for the OSHA and WIBA training are to:

Members of Management;

Deans and Director;

Heads of Departments;

Members of the OSHA Committee;

Our facilitator Mr. Julius Karuri;

Representatives from OSHA and Liaison Insurance Company,

Good morning!

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important OSHA and WIBA training. As heads of departments, you play a pivotal role in ensuring that our workplace upholds the highest standards of safety and compliance.  Today’s programme is packaged to provide critical insights into safety regulations, guiding you identify risks, understand protocols, and promote proactive safety within your teams. By the end of this training you will be more enlightened and committed to maintaining a safe and responsible work environment for everyone. The objectives for the OSHA and WIBA training are to:

1. Enhance awareness of OSHA and WIBA regulations to ensure compliance with Kenya’s laws;
2. Foster a culture of safety and health, encouraging proactive workplace safety practices;

3. Train participants to identify and mitigate workplace hazards through effective risk management;

4. Equip employees with skills to effectively respond to workplace injuries and accidents; and

5. Clarify roles and responsibilities under OSHA and WIBA to ensure compliance and reduce legal risks.

Safety and Health Measures at the University

Kabarak University has implemented several key measures to ensure health and safety:

1. Health and Safety Policy: Comprehensive policies align with national regulations, including OSHA;

2. Safety Training Programs: Staff training raises awareness of safety protocols and emergency response;

3. Risk Assessments: Regular assessments identify potential hazards on campus and necessary controls;

4. Inspection and Certification: Facilities are inspected and certified under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007;

5. Emergency Response Plans: Plans are in place for various emergencies, ensuring effective response;

6. Structural Safety: Building designs enhance safety and evacuation during emergencies;

7. First Aid Facilities: An on-campus hospital and ambulance provide immediate assistance for injuries;

8. Regular Inspections: Routine checks ensure compliance with safety standards;
9. Safety Committee: An Occupational Safety and Health committee promotes a culture of safety;

10. Mental Health Support: Counseling services are available to support student and staff well-being; and

11. Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies: The University works with regulatory bodies to stay updated on safety regulations.

These measures reflect Kabarak University’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for staff and students.

Contribution of Liaison Insurance towards health and safety:

I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support we have received from Liaison Group in ensuring that:

1. We have a medical insurance cover that meet the varied needs of our staff and students;

2. Facilitating efficient claims processing for workplace injuries;

3. Collaborating with us on training programs to raise safety and health awareness and offering expert advice on compliance with health and safety regulations.

WIBA Contributions towards health and safety:

1. Legal Framework: Establishes protection for employees regarding workplace safety;

2. Compensation: Ensures financial support for employees suffering work-related injuries;

3. Safety Standards Promotion: Encourages institutions to maintain high safety standards;

4. Reporting Requirements: Mandates reporting of work-related injuries, enhancing transparency;

OSHA Contributions towards health and safety goals:

1. Safety Standards: Establishes regulations that ensure a safe working environment;

2. Legal Compliance: Helps the university adhere to national safety regulations, minimizing legal litigation risks;
3. Training and Education: Equips staff and students with knowledge on how to stay safe within the university;

4. Hazard Identification: Provides for regular inspections to identify and mitigate against workplace hazards;

5. Reporting and Record-Keeping: provides for accurate documentation of workplace injuries, promoting accountability;

6. Access to Resources: Provides guidelines and expert advice to enhance health and safety programs;

7. Safety Culture: Fosters a culture that prioritizes health and well-being;

8. Emergency Preparedness: Aids in developing robust emergency response plans; and

9. Employee Involvement: Promotes active participation in safety initiatives.

Liaison services to the university:

1. Comprehensive Coverage: Offers insurance policies that protect against workplace injuries and illnesses;

2. Risk Management Support: Provides risk assessment services to identify and address hazards;

3. Claims Management: Facilitates efficient claims processing for workplace injuries;

4. Safety Training: Collaborates on training programs to raise safety awareness; and

5. Consultancy Services: Offers expert advice on compliance with health and safety regulations.

In conclusion, I wish to sincerely thank the Liaison for sponsoring this one day training. We appreciate this kind gesture you have extended to us. This is a demonstration that you, indeed, value our partnership and collaboration that we have developed over the years since the inception of Kabarak University. It is my prayer that we will continue working together in the same spirit in the coming years.

I wish you all the participants a productive and insightful session ahead. I now wish to declare this training officially opened.

PROF. HENRY KIPLANGAT, Ph.D, OGW, MBS,

VICE CHANCELLOR