In the bustling world of construction, safety isn't just a priority; it's a necessity. With each project undertaken, there's a responsibility to ensure the well-being of every worker on site. Recognizing this imperative, Moi University in collaboration with Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and Technical University of Mombasa within the framework of Safety Champions in Engineering Education (SCEE) project conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop on 25th to 28th March 2024 in Nairobi. The SCEE project at Moi University aims to strengthen the safety skills capacity in Kenya’s construction industry. The project is funded through Engineering X, an international collaboration founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering and Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
The Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop was aimed to train the safety trainers on contemporary pedagogies and didactics for effective delivery of safety training at their workplaces and update them on emerging trends and challenges in construction safety and sustainability. The participants were drawn from industry, academia, government departments and the private sector.
Through detailed sessions, participants delved into safety and health legislation, regulations, and codes of practice relevant to the construction sector. This segment provided a comprehensive overview, ensuring that trainers were well-versed in the mandates guiding safety practices. The attendees explored the pivotal role of leadership in shaping safety attitudes and behaviors. Discussions centered on strategies to foster a culture where safety is ingrained in every aspect of operations, from top management to frontline workers.
Trainers dived into various risk assessment methodologies tailored to the construction environment. From identifying hazards to implementing control measures, participants gained insights into effective risk management strategies crucial for safeguarding personnel and assets. Through case studies and interactive sessions, workshop participants analyzed common accident scenarios in construction and explored proactive measures to mitigate risks. Emphasis was placed on preemptive safety measures, empowering trainers to instill a proactive safety mindset among workers.
A webinar was organized during the ToT workshop to extend the discussion around construction safety to the energy sector where heavy investment in infrastructure development is ongoing. The discussion was themed “Strengthening Safety and Resilience of Kenya’s Energy Infrastructure Systems in the Wake of Climate Change.”
The panellists emphasized the necessity of having local skills, favourable policies and adequate funding to support safety and resilience agenda in the infrastructure sector. With res pect to the energy infrastructure, they proposed modernization of power networks and embracing forward-thinking design for smart grids and self-healing systems. The need to have interconnected systems that do not get affected by failure was stressed, and it was noted that some progress is being made in this line.
The panelists were drawn from Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN), Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC), Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), and Rural Electrification & Renewable Energy Authority (REREC).
At the end of the workshop, participants were not only equipped with invaluable knowledge but were also awarded certificates of participation and completion.
The Training of Trainers workshop on construction safety served as a beacon of enlightenment in an industry where safety is paramount. By empowering trainers with the knowledge and skills to instill a culture of safety, the workshop set the stage for a brighter, safer future in construction. As participants return to their respective roles, they carry with them the torch of safety leadership, poised to make a profound impact on worksites wherever they go.