SLPHA Emphasizes Public Awareness to Boost Port Safety
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has emphasized that public awareness and strict safety compliance are vital to maintaining a secure working environment across all national port facilities.
Speaking on the latest edition of Ports Hour on AYV TV, Mr. Alpha Alghali, Senior Environmental Officer at SLPHA, outlined the authority’s proactive stance on risk management, accident prevention, and safeguarding human lives within port grounds.
Mr. Alghali underscored that safety extends far beyond mere compliance with routine procedures.
“Safety is not all about rules where we follow ABC. It is a state of well-being,” he explained.
He added that SLPHA’s paramount objective is to ensure that employees, drivers, contractors, concessionaires, customers, and visitors can perform their daily duties and leave the facility without injury.
To support its target of “zero harm,” the Authority enforces mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards for anyone entering operational zones.
In addition to personal protection, SLPHA closely monitors machinery and transport networks. Cranes, heavy machinery, and cargo vehicles undergo regular safety checks to minimize technical failures and road hazards.
Beyond operational risks, environmental safety remains a top priority. Fire hazard controls and structural integrity assessments are continuously conducted to preserve port infrastructure.
Education and continuous engagement form the core of SLPHA’s public awareness strategy. Regular safety inductions, audits, and workshops are held for concessionaires, staff, and external partners to ensure everyone understands operational protocols.
Visitors and cargo clients are similarly required to adhere strictly to safety guidelines upon entry.
Clear signage marks restricted “no-go” zones, while rules such as designated non-smoking areas are explicitly communicated during client briefings and staff inductions.
Security and safety oversight are further strengthened by a full-coverage CCTV surveillance system alongside 24-hour floodlighting to maintain high visibility and prevent night-time incidents.
A dedicated safety department manages on-site operations, conducts thorough investigations into any incidents, and implements preventive recommendations to refine safety systems over time.
In conclusion, Mr. Alghali emphasized that achieving long-term port safety relies on the shared responsibility of all port users, urging full cooperation to sustain a secure and efficient operational environment.
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