PNG Power staff learn new firefighting and first-aid skills

Fifty-one PNG Power employees have been reminded of being safety-conscious at work.
They have received their certificates in first-aid and firefighting from St John Ambulance and PNG Fire Service.
“Not all organisation think like how PNG Power is thinking on safety,” St John Ambulance chief superintendent Alice Gegera said.
“The company has involved St John Ambulance and PNG Fire Service for training and this is a milestone that you should all be proud of.”
Ngamalu Gelinglot, of PNG Fire Service, said the skills received during the training were vital and could be used at work and at home.
“Electricity is one thing that causes fire on its own when you are not aware,” he said.
“The training given is a life skill that will help protect your offices and homes.”
The participants were presented with certificates in first aid from St John Ambulance and firefighting and warden training from PNG Fire Service.
PNG Power manager organisational development Andrew Kavanamur said there were challenges with big power projects.
He thanked the health and safety team for this training initiative.
PNG Power health and safety team leader Kenny Iveke said the training had been effective.
He said the injury rate had decreased since 2017.
His team aimed to have more staff members trained and be equipped with first aid and safety skills.
Iveke said the Industrial Safety, Health and Welfare Act 1961, Section 175, calls for “duty of care obligation” whereby “PNG Power, as an employer, shall provide a safe, healthy and hazard-free working environment”.
“Employees shall follow set policies and guidelines, not to endanger themselves and other fellow workers,” he said.
“Injury is inevitable, however, we are training staff members in all our centres so they can provide first-aid and respond quickly to fire incidents.
“We will also run awareness on the safety standards and ensure that we narrow down on the injury cases that happen every year.”