O-032 HYBRID LEARNING AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) CAPACITY BUILDING TO PROTECT THE AFRICAN WORKERS, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Over the years, Africa including Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) witnessed serious negative occupational safety and health (OSH), environmental, and social effects due to lack of OHS expertise. e-Learning is now possible due to the increasing access to the internet through computers, laptops, and smartphones. Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service has already connected several African Countries. Over the last 20 years, the University of Abomey-Calavi-Benin has been conducting OHS capacity building for 191 specialist physicians from 14 French-speaking African countries. Objective To use e-Learning to build OSH capacity (in French, English, and Portuguese) to address the negative impact of various workplace settings in Africa. Methods A systematic assessment with a focus on environmental impacts (air, water, soil), waste management, implementation of environmental control mitigation measures that was conducted on behalf of the World Bank in DRC led to the idea of building OHS capacity given the shortage of local and national OHS professionals. A successful funded 2-week online OSH capacity building training was conducted via Microsoft and Moodle for doctors, nurses, and safety engineers regarding raising OSH awareness during COVID-19 pandemic. Results In DRC, most of the samples of water, air, and soil exceeded international and national standards, hence the need for OHS capacity building. Discussion Trained OHS professionals will work with their government to make sure the business companies abide by their corporate social responsibility using the 3 p’s (people, planet, and profit) of sustainability/HSE (health safety and environment). Conclusion OSHAfrica and international OHS organizations have experts/consultants who will make the training possible.