FortisTCI Delivers Occupational Health and Safety Training for TCI Electricians

Thirty-four licensed electricians in the Turks and Caicos Islands received Occupational Health and Safety training at FortisTCI, in a joint undertaking between the Company’s Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) department, the TCI Electricity Board, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation.

Twenty-seven electricians on Providenciales attended the first training session held at the FortisTCI headquarters.

The training was held at the FortisTCI Providenciales headquarters on Saturday, February 26, with 27 electricians, followed by a second session on Saturday, March 19 in Grand Turk with seven electricians.

Acting Energy and Utilities Commissioner Dr. Eric Salamanca delivered opening remarks at the session on Providenciales. FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, and Senior Vice President of Operations Devon Cox, also attended the session to provide brief remarks.

Providenciales electricians captured in a group photo with FortisTCI Manager of Environment, Health and Safety, Marcus Francis.

They applauded participants for their commitment to workplace safety. The training was delivered by FortisTCI Manager of EHS, Marcus Francis, Manager of Engineering and Substation Operations Maintenance, Hortnel Johnson, and Senior EHS Officer Rikardia Pardo.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation, James Astwood, delivered opening remarks and supported electricians who participated in the Grand Turk session.

Grand Turk electricians captured in a group photo with FortisTCI Manager of Environment, Health and Safety, Marcus Francis (second left back row), and Executive Assistant of Operations Sanderlye Methelus (second left front).

The training covered three modules: hazard management, job safety planning, and emergency planning and response. Participants examined topics such as the compliance requirements for electrical safety, common workplace hazards, their classification, and mitigation methods.

The electricians also learned the core components of building a job safety plan, the rudiments of workplace emergency planning, and effective response in an electrical emergency. The sessions began with an overview of FortisTCI, the company’s Environment, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS), and efforts to sustain a strong safety culture.

Commenting on the training, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, stated: “FortisTCI welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with key stakeholders for the common cause of improving electrical and workplace safety throughout the country.

Training is essential to developing a safe workplace and public space. Therefore, I commend participants for improving their knowledge and skills. Local contractors who work with FortisTCI are already part of our ongoing training and compliance program. We look forward to additional opportunities to partner and enhance workplace safety in TCI.”