Firefighter Benson Thomas explains some of his duties during a ceremony held Tuesday in observance of World Safety and Health at Work Day at the Central Administration Building breezeway. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG

Safety comes first at most construction sites in the territory, but many years ago this wasn’t necessarily the case, officials said during a ceremony held Tuesday in observance of World Safety and Health at Work Day.

Firefighter Benson Thomas explains some of his duties during a ceremony held Tuesday in observance of World Safety and Health at Work Day at the Central Administration Building breezeway. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG
Thanks to information being spread by government agencies and international organisations, safety rules are being followed more closely, said Benson Thomas of the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services.

“Many years ago, construction sites were not even secured, and many people were not even required to wear hardhats,” said Mr. Thomas, who has been a firefighter for 16 years. “Education has been on the forefront lately, and thankfully we are now seeing less construction accidents.”

The focus at the ceremony, which was held at the Central Administration Building breezeway, wasn’t entirely on construction sites: Speakers also encouraged participants to pay more attention to safety considerations at other workplaces.

See the April 30, 2015 edition for full coverage.

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