PNGUoT Graduates 14 Employees of Ramu Agri Industries Limited with OHSRM Training Certificate Level 3

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The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) has graduated 14 employees from Ramu Agri Industries Limited (RAIL) for the second time after conducting Occupational Health, Safety, and Risk Management (OHSRM) training.

The certificate presentation was witnessed by RAIL’s General Manager, Mr. Eric Wise, and PNGUoT’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Garry Sali, as part of their collaboration in providing the training.

The employees successfully completed the intensive OHSRM Certificate Level 3 training at Gusap Town in Ramu Agri Industries over the Christmas period, and their graduation was held on Friday, 28th March, 2025. During the certificate presentation, Professor Sali provided a brief background on the Occupational Health, Safety, and Risk Management (OHSRM) training, which was initiated in the School of Communication and Development Studies over 13 years ago. Since serving as a leader in the school, he has recognized the need for health and safety in the workplace and spearheaded
the introduction of short courses in OHS Levels 1–3.

Professor Sali emphasized that participants from across the country have attended the course, with class sizes sometimes reaching 30 to 40 attendees. This diverse participation highlights the growing recognition of occupational health and safety as a crucial component of workplace culture.

“Previously, we engaged external trainers, but now we have trained our own staff,” he noted. Mr. Jack Yaro has taken the lead in developing new training modules tailored to industry-specific needs. Having completed his master’s thesis in OHS and Risk Management and undergone training in the field, Mr. Yaro now plays a key role in delivering the program.

Due to the importance of this training, the university has also introduced the Safety and Risk Management subject at the Year Three level in the Bachelor of Communication for Development Studies program. Mr. Yaro has been appointed to conduct the short course training and teach the CD 328 Workplace Safety & Risk Management subject in the undergraduate program.

The KIA principle in safety and risk management training, introduced by Professor Sali emphasized three key components: Knowledge, Initiative/Innovation, and Attitude. Knowledge is the foundation, ensuring employees understand workplace hazards, safety procedures, and compliance requirements. However, knowledge alone is insufficient; it must be actively applied through initiative and innovation, where employees take proactive steps to identify risks, implement safety measures, and improve workplace conditions.

Equally important is attitude, which goes beyond commitment to safety, accountability, and continuous learning—it is about
good character and ethics. You may be the most knowledgeable, creative, or innovative person, but without integrity, responsibility, and respect for others, your contributions can be detrimental to an organization.

A strong ethical foundation ensures that safety practices are upheld not just out of obligation but as a genuine commitment to the well-being of everyone in the workplace. By integrating these elements, the KIA principle transforms safety training from passive learning into active practice, reducing workplace incidents, improving productivity, and cultivating a safety-first culture where employees take ownership of their well-being and that of their colleagues. Professor Sali commended the School of Communication and Development Studies (SCDS) for its continued commitment to providing safety training for workers across Papua New Guinea.

On behalf of the university and its management, he acknowledged the General Manager (GM) and Sustainability Team and congratulated the participants on successfully completing the training and earning their OHS certificates.

The General Manager of Ramu Agri Industries Limited (RAIL), Mr. Eric Wise, expressed his gratitude for the partnership and stressed the importance of safety in the agricultural sector. He encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to create a safer working environment for themselves and their colleagues. On behalf of RAIL, he thanked PNGUoT for offering Level 3 OHS certification to the 14 participants.

Mr. Wise reaffirmed RAIL’s commitment to employee safety and well-being, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean, safe working environment and ensuring the safety of workers, company assets, and equipment. “With the OHS qualification you have attained, the company now expects you to contribute to improving workplace safety,” he stated.

He added that RAIL has streamlined its training department to enhance safety standards and foster a culture of
accountability and respect among employees. “By actively participating in this initiative, you will play a crucial role in shaping a safer and more productive workplace for everyone.”

Finally, Mr. Wise highly commended PNGUoT for its partnership in delivering OHSRM training to RAIL employees. “With this qualification, our workers are now in a stronger position to address safety challenges in their workplaces,” he concluded.