By Tony Adibe
The management of MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has advised its staff and customers on the need for constant commitment to electricity safety as “electricity does not forgive mistakes”.
The Managing Director of MEDL, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, gave the advice in an address declaring open the company’s Safety Week on Wednesday. According to Mupwaya, everybody must remain disciplined and committed to safety culture, stressing, however, : “Let us build a culture where safety is lived every day and every life is protected”.
The Managing Director pleaded with staff and customers to commit to working safely, looking out for one another, and speaking up when something is wrong. Everybody task we carry out carries a responsibility not just to perform well, but to protect lives, our own, our colleagues, and the communities we serve, according to him.
“Safety is not a policy or a checklist. It is a culture. It is in the choices we make every day, especially when no one is watching. It is about doing the right thing and ensuring everyone goes home safely. We have made progress in our operations, but none of it matters if we lose a life. No target or result is worth that cost. If we fail in safety, we have failed completely.
“This week gives us a chance to reflect. As part of our reflection, let’s observe a minute of silence for our fallen colleagues due to safety lapses, the fallen customers, and others,” Mupwaya said.
After observing the minute of silence, the MEDL boss noted that safety belongs to all and responsibility of all, adding: “To our field teams, your work is valued, but no job is so urgent that it should cost a life”.
He said, “To our managers, lead by example and uphold standards at all times. To our partners, safety is not negotiable. This week, we will train, inspect, and engage. But what matters most is what we take forward. Let this be the week we strengthen our commitment to safe practices and make safety part of every decision.”
Corroborating, the Head, Health, Safety and Environment, Dr Francis Iwu, said that MEDL was joining the global community in commemorating the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, with the theme, “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment.”
“In MainPower, we firmly believe that a healthy worker is a productive worker. When our employees are mentally, emotionally, and physically well, they are more focused, more engaged, and better equipped to deliver safe and reliable services to our customers,” Iwu said.
Iwu appealed to all to renew their commitment to creating a workplace where safety and health are not just policies, but a way of life. He said that the company’s management team had carried out a Safety Inspection and Facility Tour on Monday.
“There was training for the management team on the topic: “Mitigating Electrical Accidents in the Distribution Subsector’ and a Public Safety Awareness on a radio station (discussed Hazards of Electricity: Dangers of Violation of Right-Of-Way) on Tuesday.
“On Wednesday (today), we have carried out Public Safety Awareness on a television station (discussed Hazards of Electricity: Dangers of Violation of Right-Of-Way). There would be Customer Engagement on Thursday and School Engagement on Friday,” he said.
