Freetown Terminal Sounds Zero Harm Alarm on World Safety Day

The gathering brought together key players in port operations to confront growing safety concerns from heavy equipment risks to rising workplace stress under the theme: “Together, Let’s Adopt Safe Behaviour.”

Leading the charge, the terminal’s Agency Manager warned that safety must go beyond routine procedures and become a daily mindset.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. “From operators to managers, we must remain vigilant at all times.”

Port operations, he noted, involve constant exposure to danger, including heavy lifting, moving vehicles, and high-risk machinery conditions that demand strict adherence to safety protocols and proper use of protective gear.

Delivering the keynote address, General Manager Maroun Abi-Aad pointed to human behavior as a major cause of workplace accidents.

“Many incidents happen not because workers lack knowledge, but due to distraction and unsafe assumptions,” he said.

He introduced a simple but critical approach “Stop, Think, Act” urging workers to assess risks before carrying out tasks.

“Every worker deserves to return home safe and healthy,” he added. “Safety must be a culture, not a rule forced on people.”

The conversation extended beyond physical hazards. Eustace Rogers, Director of Technical Services at the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, highlighted the growing threat of psychosocial risks, including stress, long working hours, and job insecurity.

“Safety is not only physical,” Rogers said. “Mental and emotional well-being are just as important. An unstable worker can be a danger even in a safe environment.”

Citing global labour data, he noted that stronger safety systems can significantly improve productivity while reducing financial losses.

A solemn moment of silence was observed for workers who have lost their lives on duty an emotional reminder of the stakes involved.

Speakers from regulatory and security agencies also warned that failure to enforce safety standards especially in access control, traffic movement, and PPE use could expose operators to legal consequences.

Participants identified persistent challenges within the terminal, including congestion, reckless driving, and inconsistent use of protective equipment, calling for stricter enforcement and accountability.

The event closed with a unified message: safety must be continuous and uncompromising.

“No job is so urgent that it cannot be done safely,” a speaker stressed.

As stakeholders pledged renewed collaboration, one message stood clear protecting lives must always come before productivity.