Global health and safety professionals converged on Saturday, April 27, at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, for the 2024 Safety Profit Conference, reiterating calls for a secure and healthy work environment for all.

The conference was held on the eve of this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work—an important annual observance that emphasizes the significance of maintaining safe and healthy work environments.

According to the United Nations Global Compact, approximately 2.78 million workers die each year from occupational accidents and work-related diseases, while an additional 374 million suffer from non-fatal occupational accidents.

Convened by Edward Debrah, the Founder of ED Consults - the event brought together renowned safety professionals from Ghana, Nigeria, Switzerland, the UK, and Canada, who addressed key issues in their respective industries from the standpoint of safety and profit.

The speakers also took turns to elaborate on best practices and strategies for a safe and healthy work environment.

Delivering the keynote address, the Director of Foyle Safety and Management Limited, Craig Foyle, called for a proactive approach to safety management. "We must adopt a proactive approach to safety management to mitigate risks before they escalate. If employers invest in safety measures today, a safer and more productive workforce tomorrow is guaranteed,”said Craig.

Speakers drawn from Ghana included Frances Jemima Manu, an ISO coordinator at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Damoah Emmanuel Nyarko, a Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) professional and Director of Safety Campaign Ghana, Charles Owusu, a Legal Practitioner and Chartered Accountant with a vast experience in the oil, gas, and power sectors, as well as Edward Debrah, the Founder of ED Consults and convener of the event.

Timothy Aluko, an Environmental Social and Governance Analyst based in Nigeria, Alison Hinde, the Founder of Proactively, Christl Aggus - Interim CEO of Health and Safety Professionals Canada, and Louise Adamson, a Workplace Safety speaker and NEBOSH ambassador were also part of the distinguished speakers.

The conference also provided a platform for participants to share their experiences and learn from others. While many shared stories of how they had implemented safety measures in their workplaces, others spoke about the challenges they face in promoting safety culture in their organizations and sought advice from the experts.

The convener, Edward Debrah, stressed the importance of managing safely and urged the attendees to own their safety.

"I am not saying that employers don’t have a responsibility to establish a strong culture of safety. In fact, they do. But employees should also take personal responsibility for their safety. It is essential to promote safety in every aspect of your life. Let us all work together to create a safer work environment because safety saves lives,” he said.

Now in its second year, the Safety Profit Conference is gradually becoming one of the largest gatherings of health and safety professionals in West Africa, attracting a diverse range of stakeholders from across the region.

This year’s event, under the theme, “Safety Saves Lives,” was sponsored by Proactively, Lynbrok Limited, LouisCreativ LLC, Danco Impex Limited, AudreyGrey, WhiteBeam Concepts, and HSE Market Ghana.

About the Convener, Edward Debrah

Edward Debrah is the Founder of ED Consults and a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the oil and gas sector, construction, facilities management, chemicals, FMCG, and educational institutions. He is a Fellow of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (FIIRSM-UK) and an international member of the Institute of Directors (MIoD-UK).

He is also a Chartered Environmentalist and Sustainability professional, and the immediate past Chair of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Ghana, which is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals.

Edward is passionate about promoting safety and wellness in the workplace and driving positive change in his industry.