Health Essentials
‘Being safe and healthy is a must at work’
A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and a right at work. It is the responsibility of employers to provide a safe working environment that is free from hazards, and it is the right of employees to work in a safe environment.
Importance of a Safe and Healthy Working Environment:
Physical Well-being: A safe and healthy working environment is essential for the physical well-being of employees. Hazards such as unsafe equipment, hazardous materials, and poor air quality can cause injuries and illnesses. A safe working environment can reduce the risk of accidents and illnesses and promote overall physical well-being.
Mental Health: A safe and healthy working environment can also have a positive impact on employees’ mental health. When employees feel safe and secure in their work environment, it can reduce stress and anxiety. A healthy working environment can also improve morale and job satisfaction, leading to increased productivity.
Legal Obligations: Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Failure to do so can result in legal action, fines, and damage to the company’s reputation. Employers who prioritize workplace safety are not only fulfilling their legal obligations but are also demonstrating their commitment to their employees’ well-being.
Measures to Achieve a Safe and Healthy Working Environment:
Risk Assessment: Employers should conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace. This can include hazards such as unsafe equipment, hazardous materials, and poor air quality. Once hazards are identified, steps should be taken to control or eliminate them. This can include implementing engineering controls, such as installing barriers or ventilation systems, or administrative controls, such as implementing safety procedures or limiting access to hazardous areas.
Training and Education: Employers should provide training and education to their employees on how to identify and mitigate hazards in the workplace. This can include training on the use of personal protective equipment, handling hazardous materials, and responding to emergencies. Regular training sessions should be conducted to reinforce safety procedures and keep employees up to date with the latest safety protocols.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers should provide appropriate PPE to employees to protect them from hazards in the workplace. PPE such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and respirators can help protect employees from injuries and illnesses. Employers should ensure that PPE is in good condition and is being used correctly.
Health and Wellness Programmes: Employers can promote a healthy work environment by implementing health and wellness programs. This can include programs that encourage employees to exercise, eat healthy, and manage stress. By promoting a healthy lifestyle, employers can improve employee morale, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity.
Reporting and Investigating Incidents: Employers should encourage employees to report any incidents, accidents, or near misses in the workplace. Employers should investigate incidents to determine the cause and take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. By creating a culture of reporting, employers can identify hazards and improve workplace safety.
Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance of equipment and machinery can help prevent accidents in the workplace. Employers should ensure that equipment is inspected regularly and repaired or replaced as needed. By maintaining equipment, employers can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
In conclusion, a safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and a right at work. Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment, and employees have a right to work in a safe environment. By implementing measures such as risk assessment, training and education, personal protective equipment, health and wellness programs, reporting and investigating incidents, and regular maintenance, employers can create a safe and healthy working environment. By prioritizing workplace safety, employers can improve employee morale.
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND
REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood
pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials Ltd./Mobissel
(dressel@healthessentialsgh. com)
*Dr. Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness
nutrition and corrective exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The
Essentials of Health & Wealth.’
Thought for the week : “The rains have a message for us; step up water and food hygiene and
make hand washing with soap and water a routine. Together, let us prevent cholera and other
diseases associated with poor personal hygiene.”
By Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials
Hijab (Islamic Veil) as an Act of Worship
Alhamdulillah (all praise is due to Allah), the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who guides us to the straight path.
We bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, and we testify that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is His servant and Messenger.
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, his family, and all who follow him in righteousness until the Last Day.
Introduction
Dear respected brothers and sisters in Islam, today’s khutbah addresses an essential act of worship that embodies submission, modesty, and obedience to Allah: the “Hijab”.
While the Hijab is an explicit command from Allah, it is also a human right protected under local and international laws.
It is imperative that Muslim women are allowed to observe Hijab freely, especially in public institutions such as universities, banks, ministries, public health institutions, and government agencies.
Definition and Meaning of Hijab
In Islam, Hijab refers to modesty in appearance and behaviour. For women, this includes covering the body, except for the face and hands, in non-revealing clothing (not skin-tight), while for men, it includes covering from the navel to the knees and dressing modestly.
The Hijab extends to lowering the gaze, avoiding indecent speech, and conducting oneself with dignity.
Allah commands:
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not to display their adornment except that which [ordinarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests.”
(Quran 24:31).
Essence of Hijab as an Act of Worship and Modesty
The Hijab is an act of worship rooted in obedience to Allah. It is not a cultural practice but a divine command. Allah says:
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
(Quran 33:59).
The Hijab is a reflection of one’s faith, modesty, and inner character. It shields the individual from immorality and contributes to the moral fabric of society.
Lowering the Garments and the Gaze
The Hijab also encompasses lowering the gaze and maintaining purity in interactions between genders. Allah says:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.” (Quran 24:30).
By lowering the gaze, both men and women protect themselves from sin and maintain mutual respect.
Social Menace and Immoralities Due to Lack of Hijab
The absence of Hijab in society has led to numerous social issues, including:
Zina (Adultery and Fornication): Unrestricted interactions and immodesty increase the likelihood of adultery and fornication, which Allah explicitly prohibits:
“And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.”
(Quran 17:32).
Exploitation and Objectification:
When modesty is neglected, individuals, especially women, are objectified and exploited, resulting in an increase in harassment and sexual abuse, a phenomenon that has plagued many organissations such as Universities, Banks and other public institutions. The introduction of Sexual Harassment Policies with its attendant harsh punishments has done very little in resolving this menace.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
Health Essentials
Campaign initiated to prevent cholera outbreak in W/R
Region, has initiated an awareness campaign to prevent cholera outbreak within the municipality.
Mrs Wilhemina Tiwaah Duah Morttey, the Municipal Health Director for Tarkwa Nsuaem, announced this when the directorate had a meeting with the District Risk Communication Team at Tarkwa.
The meeting reviewed the current cholera situation and assessed the environmental conditions of the municipality, particularly as they approached the rainy season.
She recalled that the Western Region experienced a cholera outbreak during the fourth quarter of last year, adding that, during that same period, the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality recorded 167 cases with three deaths.
“As the rains have set in, we are commencing our advocacy and sensitisation campaign to raise awareness and address potential health concerns.
“Residents must stop dumping sewage and waste into open drains and gutters because this unacceptable practice spreads cholera infection, as flies can transport the vibrio cholera bacteria from contaminated areas to food,” Mrs Morttey indicated.
The Municipal Health Director reiterated that to prevent cholera, food sold should be properly covered, while food vendors must always ensure their foods were served hot to avoid contamination.
Mrs Josephine Owusu Yeboah, the Municipal Disease Control Officer for Tarkwa Nsuaem, explained that several activities were carried out by the directorate to eliminate the disease from the municipality.
Mrs Yeboah said by working together with key stakeholders including the National Commission for Civic Education, Information Services Department, National Disaster Management Organisation, Red Cross and the media, they were able to communicate preventive measures to the various communities.
She stressed that “Despite our current success in managing the condition, the presence of cases in nearby districts and municipalities pose a risk of the disease returning to our municipality”.
Mr. Benjamin Osei Nti, the Assistant to the Municipal Environmental Health Officer, on his part stated that it’s not a good idea to dispose of waste in gutters, as the rains could carry it to other areas and cause problems for others. –GNA
