-to better assist in workplace emergencies
AS PART of activities to mark Occupational Health and Safety month, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Thursday awarded 15 field staff with certificates in ‘First Aid’ training. The four-day training programme, facilitated by the St. John’s Ambulance Association, was conducted at the Omai Training Centre, Brickdam. During the appreciation ceremony, Ruth Howard, Deputy Human Resources Manager, GGMC, in brief remarks on the importance of training, said that it is vital in any organisation, since it oftentimes optimises the utilization of human resources and behaviour skills, and increases knowledge and personal growth.
While adding that training also facilitates employees with increased job knowledge, she said that the first aid training will also help to increase the productivity of the employees while allowing the organisation to achieve its long-term goal.
“This will help to build the positive perception and feeling of the organisation. The employees get this feeling from their leaders and their peers, since the training will also help to improve their quality of work,” she said.
This, she said cannot be truly realised without the full commitment of management since it would require for them at all times to be positive about development with respect to the organisation’s development.
She encouraged the employee not to look at the training as just ‘First Aid’, but as an essential tool when it comes to emergencies, especially in workplaces.
“Training is important, regardless of what and I am imploring  all of you to take your training seriously; and for the future batch, when you are asked to go to training, do it in a positive manner, since it is a skill that can help save a life,” Howard said.
Occupational Health and Safety Officer, GGMC, Yvette Wilson told the participants that training in ‘First Aid’ is essential, especially in remote areas where most of the field officers are stationed. She added that this new skill will help to assist in the case of an emergency to help save a life.
She added that the organisation felt it necessary to embark on the training since, from time to time, persons would approach officers in the case of an emergency in mining and logging camps.
“In the past, when incidents like these occurred, our officers were not equipped to render assistance. As (we are) promoting Occupational, Health and Safety, we thought it quite timely to incorporate this ceremony to prove to you how important it is that OH&S can promote first aid training as one aspect of care,” she said.
Facilitator of the training, Dr. Holly Alexander, said that since the inception of St. John’s in 1933 in Guyana, the association has been assisting in health care assistance for many. While encouraging the participants to always aim for the sky, Dr. Alexander encouraged them to continue the training since it is a skill for life.
“I am happy that you are part of the association’s team that persons can turn to in the need of an emergency. Remember you have seconds to save lives and you should use it in the right manner,” she said.  
After the official ceremony, the field staff were awarded their certificates. (GINA)