Tema: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called upon haulage companies engaged in the road transportation of hazardous goods to appoint an in-house safety and health officer to oversee their operations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Emmanuel Ampadu and Mr. Andrews Amoah, officers from the Chemicals Control and Management Centre of the EPA, made this recommendation during a sensitization workshop organized by the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) for transit haulage truck drivers in Tema. They emphasized the necessity of having a safety officer, as it is the company’s responsibility to safeguard assets, the environment, and human lives.
The EPA officials elaborated that a safety or health officer’s duties include ensuring that the vehicles used are safe and that goods are transported in compliance with required safety measures. Additionally, the safety officer is expected to present an annual report to the company, addressing any lapses in the transportation process and logistics, thereby underscoring the importance of their role.
Moreover, the officials highlighted that the responsibility extends beyond the company and its safety officer to the drivers as well. They stressed that drivers must perform a daily visual inspection of their vehicles before hitting the road. This includes checking tyres, lighting, and ensuring everything is in order to protect the environment and people.
They advised drivers not to move vehicles with faults and to consult the safety officer to resolve issues with management. Understanding the nature of the goods being transported was also emphasized, with company owners responsible for educating drivers via the material safety data sheet, which provides critical information about the products carried.
The chemical control officers warned against route deviations and urged drivers to stay calm and contact authorities in case of vehicle faults. They emphasized that drivers should not leave their vehicles unattended, especially when transporting hazardous goods.
Additionally, the EPA officials stressed the importance of having an emergency response plan, urging companies to train their drivers and officers accordingly. Drivers were also cautioned against wearing slippers while driving and were reminded to ensure their fire extinguishers are in working condition.