NWSC’s SSD Benchmarking Visit to Uganda Breweries Limited for Occupational Health and Safety Practices

Kampala: In a bid to enhance safety standards and practices at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (NWSC) treatment plants and field operations, the Sewerage Services Department (SSD) embarked on a benchmarking visit to Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL).

The primary objective of this visit was to establish a baseline for Health and Safety (H&S) performance and foster continuous improvement within NWSC.

During the benchmarking visit, NWSC’s SSD team was privileged to gain insights into UBL’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies, strategies, and risk management initiatives. The visit provided a unique opportunity to learn from a leading organization in terms of H&S practices, which is paramount in industries with potentially high-risk operational environments.

The visit was marked by a series of comprehensive presentations, each delving into specific aspects of UBL’s H&S program. These included:

OHS Policy, Strategy, and Risk Management Initiatives.
UBL shared its comprehensive OHS policy, outlining its commitment to the safety and well-being of its employees and visitors. The strategies and risk management initiatives discussed highlighted the importance of proactive planning and mitigation.

Construction Project Safety and Contractor Management.
The SSD team had the chance to understand how UBL manages safety during construction projects, particularly the crucial aspect of contractor management, ensuring that external contractors adhere to the same high standards.

3rd Party Logistics Transport Safety Management Program.
UBL’s logistics safety program was explored in depth, showcasing the measures in place to ensure safe and efficient transportation of goods, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with third-party logistics providers.

Onsite Traffic Management.
Effective traffic management within UBL premises was a topic of discussion. This is especially crucial to ensure the safety of employees and visitors within a busy industrial facility.

Forklift and Warehouse Safety.
Handling materials and equipment is a common aspect of both UBL and NWSC operations. The SSD team was given valuable insights into forklift and warehouse safety procedures, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.

OSH Management Structure and Safety Committee.
UBL shared its organizational structure for managing OHS, including the role of safety committees and their functions in promoting a culture of safety.

The presentations were followed by a comprehensive plant tour and guided walkabout, providing the SSD team with a practical understanding of the principles discussed. This hands-on experience allowed them to see the implemented safety measures in action and better appreciate their significance.

At the conclusion of the visit, the SSD Network Manager Mr. Angelo Kwitonda expressed his gratitude to UBL for hosting the NWSC team. He commended UBL for their willingness to share their wealth of knowledge on Occupational Health and Safety practices. He recognized the importance of the knowledge gained during the benchmarking visit and encouraged the SSD Senior HR Officer, Mrs. Rachel Katutu, to ensure that these learnings are effectively implemented at NWSC’s treatment plants and field operations.

The benchmarking visit to Uganda Breweries Limited marked an important step in NWSC’s commitment to enhancing its safety standards and practices. By adopting the best Occupational Health and Safety practices from UBL, NWSC aims to create a safer working environment for its employees and improve the overall quality of its services. This exchange of knowledge and best practices is a testament to the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in ensuring the health and safety of all stakeholders.