MBALE, Uganda — Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, a part of the Tian Tang Group, conducted a fire drill to proactively assess and enhance its emergency preparedness and worker safety, the company announced today.

The exercise, which took place ahead of both the World Day for Safety and Health at Work and World Labour Day, involved park employees and was overseen by Elgon region’s Police fire officer, SP Rashid Kamayo, and safety consultants from the Center for Occupational Safety Uganda Limited (COSH).

The drill aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of current emergency protocols and pinpoint areas for potential improvement, underscoring the company’s commitment to a secure working environment for its nearly 10,000 employees across more than 60 enterprises within the park.

Dan Akampulira, head of the Safety Department for the Tian Tang Group, emphasized the critical nature of the drill in safeguarding the workforce. “This exercise allows us to test our systems and ensure that our employees are familiar with the necessary procedures in case of an emergency,” Akampulira stated. “The safety of our team is our top priority.”

Akampulira noted the importance of robust safety measures given the park’s large workforce, including comprehensive training, the provision and mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular safety inspections, and the cultivation of a safety-conscious culture where employees feel empowered to report hazards. He added that the Tian Tang Group supports workers’ mental health through counseling and provides various welfare facilities within the industrial park. Pre-employment medical assessments and bi-annual checkups are also conducted to ensure workers are fit for their roles. Safety training is tailored to the specific needs of each production line within the diverse factories.

SP Rashid Kamayo, the Elgon region’s Police fire officer, noted that this was the first such drill at the vast industrial park and that critical safety areas had been identified. He recommended annual fire drills moving forward.

COSH CEO Isaac Rugaba commended the Tian Tang Group for its proactive stance on safety. “Conducting such drills demonstrates a responsible approach to occupational health and safety,” Rugaba said. “It provides a valuable opportunity to identify strengths and areas where further training and resources may be beneficial.”

During the exercise, consultants observed evacuation procedures, the functionality of assembly points, and the clarity of communication. Badru Ssenfuka, a chief consultant from COSH, highlighted the active participation of employees and the cooperation of management as positive indicators of a commitment to safety.

The drill also assessed the availability and accessibility of fire safety equipment and employees’ knowledge of its use. While the exercise highlighted existing safety measures, it also pointed to potential improvements, such as additional signage and more frequent refresher training.

Zero Compromise in High-Risk Steel Manufacturing

Jonathan Epau, the human resource manager at Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, outlined the procedures in case of workplace accidents, emphasizing immediate medical attention through a partnership with Mbale Hospital and a standby ambulance within the park. The company also collaborates with the labor officer to determine compensation for injured workers unable to work.

To ensure adherence to safety protocols, the industrial park’s Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) team conducts daily toolbox meetings across the factories, educating workers on safety practices and the importance of PPE. Penalties are in place for safety violations, with precautions clearly displayed throughout the facilities.

Officials emphasized extensive safety programs, particularly at UNISTEEL, a steel production facility operating under a “zero compromise” safety philosophy due to the inherent hazards of the industry. The company attributes its strong safety record to mandatory daily safety briefings, comprehensive PPE including flame-resistant gear, and intensive equipment training.

Okia Micah, a UNISTEEL crane operator, detailed pre-shift safety checks and the immediate shutdown of operations for any electrical instability. He noted the constant communication maintained through alarms and radios, along with dedicated ground spotters for all loads. UNISTEEL provides on-site first aid for minor injuries and promptly refers serious cases to nearby hospitals. Workers have multiple avenues to report safety concerns.

Mugudwa Ayub, a General Supervisor at Unisteel, stated, “At Unisteel, safety is our top priority. We conduct daily safety training, which has helped minimize accidents. Every employee is provided with PPE to minimize exposure to hazards such as chemicals, electricity, mechanical risks, and more.”

Bikala Hashim, Manager at Tianao Furniture, another company within the park, emphasized the prioritization of safety due to their large workforce. He highlighted the provision of PPE and monthly fire drills, along with worker-led safety committees and strict limits on working hours to prevent overworking.

Akampulira reiterated that occupational safety is a core value across all factories within the diversified Tian Tang Group. Worker representation through factory safety committees ensures that safety concerns are addressed by management, and corrective action on identified safety gaps is immediate. He emphasized that the companies in the park often exceed national safety standards.

“While efficiency is important, it will never come at the expense of our workers’ well-being,” Akampulira concluded.