Fortis Belize Limited Expands Health & Safety Knowledge with Second Training Program for Local Contractors

Cayo District, Belize (Thursday, March 14, 2024) – Fortis Belize Limited hosted its second health and safety training for local contractors last month on February 29, 2024. The program was held at the company's headquarters in San Ignacio for 32 contractors who participated in workshop activities and learned about FBL safety protocols.

Project Manager Nicole Salazar discusses how proper planning and safety work hand-in-hand at the company’s second health and safety training for local contractors.

The Fortis Belize Health and Safety Contractor Training was launched last June to sensitize and onboard independent contractors working on the company's job sites. This year, the program expanded to include group work and scenario-based exercises that allowed participants to discuss and practice real-world treatment protocols. Topics discussed included high energy control and job hazard assessments, scaffolding and working at heights, risk management, tailboards, personal protective equipment, and project management.

The workshop was led by the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) team and supporting staff. Facilitators were HSE Manager Albert Roches, HSE Officer Inar Cayetano, HSE Technician Oscar Mai, Maintenance Planner and Outage Coordinator Micah Thompson, Finance Manager Isaac Rhys, and Project Manager Nicole Salazar. Welcoming remarks were delivered virtually by Manny Albert, Director of Corporate Safety at FortisAlberta, a Fortis Belize Canadian-based sister company.

Contractors listen as Fortis Belize President and CEO Kay Menzies speaks briefly about the company’s commitment to health and safety.

Thirty-two contractors participated in the second Fortis Belize Contractor Safety Training on February 29, 2024, in San Ignacio.

Vice President of Operations Jose Riveroll said, "Safety is our number one priority, and building a strong culture of safety with our external partners and community is how we will achieve the highest level of safety adherence. It begins here with equipping those doing the job with the knowledge and skills needed to work according to industry best practices. Safety is truly everyone's business. Congratulations to this year's contractors for completing the one-day workshop."

Contractors engaged in Fortis Belize business are required to adhere to the company's health and safety policies. Attending the Fortis Belize Health and Safety Contractor Training provides a valuable opportunity to learn best practices for reducing job site risks. Fortis Belize conducts random spot checks and internal and external audits to ensure strict adherence to its protocols and alignment with OHSA 18001 Occupational Health and Safety and ISO 14001 Environmental Standards.

Here, participants work in groups to complete scenario exercises with the assistance of Fortis Belize staff.

Download the PDF