CDM embark on a vaccination program for fire fighters

CDM embarked on a Hepatitis B and Tetanus vaccination program for fire fighters. The program took place from 12 to 17 May 2021 at all three Fire Stations and disaster center in the district.

“We are compelled by the Occupational Health and Safety Act to annually do medical surveillance for the fire fighters. There is high risk exposure in nature of work Fire Fighters do, as such, in line with the OHS Act employer has to take preventative measures to protect the employees”, said Portia Mashaba, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Officer at CDM.

“The vaccine is taken in three stages. The first dose was taken this week, second will be taken in June and the last one in the coming six months. After that it will be taken annually,” said Sister Selina Malungana from Centre for Occupational & Health Services Health1st, our Employees Assistant Program (EAP) service provide.

The program started with an awareness campaign which was conducted from 05 to 07 May 2021 at all fire stations for fire fighters to understand the importance of the program. Employees are however required to sign consent forms to prove that they were not forced to participate in the program.