Effective Date: 25/02/2025
1. Purpose
Medina Remedies Limited is committed to safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, customers, and partners. This policy outlines our approach to maintaining safe operations in the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, in compliance with:
- Kenya’s Occupational Safety and Health Act (2007).
- Pharmacy and Poisons Board guidelines.
- International standards for pharmaceutical handling and storage.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All employees, contractors, and visitors at Medina Remedies facilities.
- Warehouses, offices, and transportation vehicles.
- Handling, storage, and distribution of pharmaceutical products.
3. Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Management | Ensure resources, training, and infrastructure to meet health and safety standards. |
| Employees | Follow safety protocols, report hazards, and use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). |
| Warehouse Staff | Adhere to safe handling practices for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. |
| Health & Safety Officer | Conduct risk assessments, audits, and incident investigations. |
4. Key Safety Procedures
A. Pharmaceutical Handling
- Storage:
- Temperature-sensitive products (e.g., vaccines, biologics) stored in climate-controlled environments.
- Regular monitoring of storage conditions (temperature, humidity) with calibrated equipment.
- Hazardous Materials:
- Segregate flammable, corrosive, or toxic substances in designated areas with proper labeling.
- Use PPE (gloves, goggles, lab coats) when handling hazardous products.
B. Workplace Safety
- Warehouse Operations:
- Ensure clear walkways, proper shelving, and safe use of forklifts/pallets.
- Conduct monthly fire drills and maintain accessible fire extinguishers.
- Office Safety:
- Ergonomic workstations to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
- Regular electrical equipment inspections to prevent hazards.
C. Transportation
- Secure pharmaceutical shipments to prevent damage or contamination.
- Train drivers on safe handling of medical products and emergency spill protocols.
5. Incident Reporting
- Immediate Reporting: All accidents, near-misses, or spills must be reported to the Health & Safety Officer within 24 hours.
- Investigation: Root-cause analysis conducted for incidents, with corrective actions implemented.
- Records: Maintain incident logs for regulatory compliance and trend analysis.
6. Training & Awareness
- Mandatory Training:
- Annual safety training for all employees (e.g., PPE use, hazard communication).
- Specialized training for warehouse staff on pharmaceutical handling and emergency response.
- New Employees: Induction program covering company safety protocols.
7. Emergency Preparedness
- Emergency Contacts: Display emergency numbers (fire, medical, poison control) in all facilities.
- Spill Kits: Maintain spill-response kits in warehouses and vehicles.
- First Aid: Trained first-aiders available on-site during working hours.
8. Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Audits: Quarterly safety audits to identify and mitigate risks.
- Regulatory Updates: Stay informed on changes to Kenyan health and safety laws.
- Feedback: Encourage employee suggestions for improving workplace safety.
9. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually or after significant operational changes.
10. Contact
For health and safety concerns:
Email: [safety@medinaremedies.co.ke]
Phone: (+254) 735 409 421
Signed:
Jamal Bare
Managing Director, Medina Remedies Limited
Date: 25/02/2025
Alignment with Kenyan Regulations:
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (2007): Workplace hazard controls and employee training.
- Pharmacy and Poisons Board: Safe storage and handling of pharmaceuticals.
- National Environment Management Authority (NEMA): Proper disposal of medical waste.
