Lafarge Mahaweli Cement promotes responsible driving

Drivers transporting cement from the Colombo Port were strictly instructed to wear seatbelts and safety equipment when driving. They were also advised to refrain from using mobile phones and avoid tobacco and alcohol as a way of ensuring safe driving.

These instructions were given at a special training program for drivers held at the Lafarge Mahaweli Cement office at the Colombo Port premises. Dr. Kalinga Ginige, a specialist on road safety, conducted the training which included theoretical lessons, multimedia presentations and practical sessions. It was facilitated by Lafarge Mahaweli Cement Ltd.

Drivers were educated on proper maintenance of lorries (tyres, lights, brakes, etc.) and wearing safety boots when transporting cement. They were also given a demonstration on ‘defensive driving, including a wide range of safety tips. Dr. Ginige, through his multimedia presentation, showed them the possible repercussions if they failed to comply with these standard safety practices.

Meanwhile, the Lafarge Mahaweli officials who attended the workshop, informed the drivers that those who did not adhere to these best practices will not be included in day-to-day operations until they rectified their faults.

“Above all, employees who man our operations need to be protected. Their safety is of great importance and that is why we need to educate them on health and safety measures. If drivers adhere to these measures and traffic laws, they can mitigate risks and hazards to a great extent,” Dr. Ginige explained.  

“The biggest impact of road and workplace accidents is the damage it can cause to human lives. Accidents happen mainly due to negligence. At the end of the day, the biggest victims of drivers’ negligence are their families and loved ones. Therefore drivers should take this aspect into serious consideration on behalf of their loved ones.”

Ginige added that drivers who refrain from adopting security measures do so because they are not ready to walk the extra mile. “On the first day, you might feel that these measures are a burden. But gradually you will get used to them. Then they will become a part of your life,” Ginige told the drivers.

Drivers responded by explaining the practical hardships faced by them in carrying out their work.  However, providing them solutions with his vast experience in the field of road safety, Ginige added that most of the practical hardships crop up due to a lack of awareness when using safety equipment. He went on to give them some simple tips with regard to cleaning goggles and proper use of safety boots.

Lafarge emphasised that pre-start checklists would be maintained to ensure the good condition of drivers as well as vehicles. Following the demonstration, an inspection session was carried out to ascertain the condition of vehicles and the manner in which drivers handle their day-to-day operations.

The training programs which are an ongoing activity of Lafarge Mahaweli Cement are in line with the vision of Lafarge Worldwide, which gives priority to the implementation of a stringent safety policy for their employees and subcontractors.   

Present in Sri Lanka since 1980 upon its acquisition of Marine Cement of Switzerland, Lafarge Sri Lanka is one of the major suppliers of cement for both construction and industrial applications under its leading brand ‘Mahaweli Marine Cement’. Lafarge Sri Lanka operates in Colombo with its silo station and bagging plant located within the port.

The company is strongly committed towards uplifting health and safety standards in the construction industry. Lafarge Sri Lanka strives to continue and take into the future its heritage and reputation built on quality, trust and commitment and aims to build sustainable surroundings.

Located in 64 countries with 68,000 employees, Lafarge is a world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in its cement, aggregates and concrete businesses. In 2011, Lafarge posted sales of 15.3 billion euros.

For the second year in a row, Lafarge ranked amongst the top 10 of 500 companies evaluated by the ‘Carbon Disclosure Project’ in recognition of their strategy and actions against global warming. With the world’s leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.