Doha, April 27 (QNA) - Primary Health Care Corporation has underscored the importance of fostering safe and healthy working environments to protect staff and ensure continuity of services, marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work observed annually on April 28.

The organization said the occasion aims to raise awareness of preventing occupational injuries and accidents, while promoting a culture of safety that extends beyond physical protection to include employees' psychological and social wellbeing.

PHCC's Director of Occupational Health and Safety Dr Maryam Al Muslemani said that in light of current regional developments, the organization has adapted this year's theme to focus on emergency readiness under the slogan "Ready and Safe".

She noted that preparedness is no longer optional, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, emphasizing the need for regular staff training on emergency response procedures. Clear guidance and easy access to information during crises, she said, are essential to safeguarding lives.

Al Muslemani also highlighted the importance of psychological support as a core pillar of workplace safety, especially during emergencies. Exposure to stressful situations, she said, can have lasting effects on staff, including anxiety, stress and sleep disturbances, potentially impacting their performance.

She called for comprehensive mental health support systems, including confidential communication channels, counseling services before, during and after emergencies, and fostering a workplace culture built on empathy and mutual support. Leadership, she added, plays a crucial role in providing reassurance, maintaining clear communication and recognizing staff efforts.

Integrating psychological support into emergency planning, she said, strengthens institutional resilience, reduces long-term impacts of crises, and helps employees return more quickly to stable performance levels.

Al Muslemani concluded that ensuring a safe working environment is a shared responsibility requiring collective commitment across all levels of an organization. (QNA)