KAIZEN PROJECT Activity Report Vol. 10 Building a Safer Workplace from the Ground Up　- Promoting Occupational Safety Awareness in Milne Bay Province -

I am working as a JICA Volunteer with the Provincial Works Supervision Unit in Milne Bay Provincial Government. As part of my duties, I regularly visit construction sites for roads and public facilities throughout the province.

During these visits, it is common to see workers carrying out their tasks barefoot or wearing sandals. In some cases, personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety helmets, is not widely used. These observations highlighted the importance of fostering a stronger culture of workplace safety.

After discussions within the office, it was decided to procure Japanese-made spiked safety boots using the department’s budget. However, equivalent products were not readily available in Papua New Guinea, so arrangements were made to purchase and ship them from Japan. After coordinating the packaging and international shipping process, the boots were sent via EMS and arrived safely in Papua New Guinea approximately six weeks later.

The boots are durable, provide excellent grip on slippery surfaces, and feature steel toe protection to reduce the risk of foot injuries. When they were distributed to staff members, they generated considerable interest and became an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety equipment.

Improving occupational safety cannot be achieved through a single training session or awareness campaign alone. It requires continuous effort, daily practice, and small but meaningful improvements that gradually build a culture of safety within the workplace.