By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) joined the global community in observing the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, with a strong call to institutions and employers across the country to strengthen workplace safety practices by integrating first aid training into their occupational health programs.
Speaking yesterday during an event in Monrovia, the Head of the Workplace First Aid Unit at the LNRCS, Mr. Marcus Washington, stressed the critical need for every workplace, regardless of size, to make first aid training a fundamental part of their safety protocols.
Operating under the team slogan “Empower with Tech, Protect with Care – Safeguard Lives in the Digital Workspace,” the LNRCS highlighted the urgent necessity for organizations to align their safety practices with the realities of a rapidly digitalizing work environment.
“We urge all workplaces, big and small, to integrate first aid training into their occupational safety programs,” Washington emphasized. “Together, we can build a safer, healthier workforce for a stronger Liberia.”
Mr. Washington noted that workplace safety is a shared responsibility, and emphasized that first aid stands as the first crucial step in the chain of care during emergencies.
He stressed that immediate and informed response can often mean the difference between life and death in many workplace incidents.
As part of this year’s commemoration, the LNRCS Workplace First Aid team conducted a series of basic first aid training and awareness sessions for employees of the Monrovia City Corporation and Paynesville City Corporation, two major municipal bodies in the country.
The sessions focused on critical aspects such as risk identification, emergency response protocols, and building a culture of safety consciousness among employees, ensuring they are better prepared to address incidents promptly and efficiently.
“First aid training is not just a skill — it is a life-saving necessity in every workplace,” Washington said. “Investing in first aid education empowers employees to act confidently and effectively in emergencies, ultimately protecting lives and minimizing the impact of accidents.”
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, celebrated annually on April 28, aims to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases worldwide.
This year’s theme, “The Impacts of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Workers’ Safety and Health,” highlights the evolving nature of work and the need for updated and adaptive safety measures.
According to Washington, while digitalization brings opportunities for innovation and growth, it also presents new risks for workers.
He emphasized that first aid training must evolve to address the emerging hazards associated with technology-driven workplaces.
In light of this, the LNRCS is urging all institutions, organizations, and businesses across Liberia to take proactive steps to safeguard their workforce by integrating first aid into their health and safety training programs, thereby promoting a culture of preparedness and resilience.
With over a century of experience in first aid education, the Liberia Red Cross remains the country’s leading provider of up-to-date, internationally certified training programs.
Its courses are hands-on, learner-centered, and tailored to the unique needs of different industries, ensuring workers gain practical, life-saving skills.
Recognizing that each workplace presents its own unique set of risks, the LNRCS offers specialized training modules that equip employees to respond appropriately to industry-specific emergencies.
Highlighting the importance of building a resilient workforce, Washington said a well-trained staff is one of the most valuable assets any organization can have, capable of mitigating risks and ensuring business continuity even during emergencies.
Speaking further, the Human Resource Director of the Monrovia City Corporation, Hilary S. Wornba, expressed profound appreciation for the vital knowledge imparted by the Red Cross team.
Mr. Wornba highlighted the importance of first aid training in enhancing the overall safety culture within the Corporation and praised the LNRCS for its efforts in promoting workplace health and emergency preparedness.
He assured participants and organizers that the lessons learned from the training would be taken into serious consideration and incorporated into the Monrovia City Corporation’s broader safety enhancement initiatives.
The event, which focused on empowering workers through first aid education, formed part of LNRCS’s activities marking the global observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, emphasizing the need for proactive measures in safeguarding employees across Liberia.
