Vivo Energy Ghana, the distributor and marketer of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, has reaffirmed its commitment to workplace safety and operational resilience, highlighting emergency preparedness as a critical pillar of business continuity within Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The company made the call during its annual Safety Day and Awards Celebration held in Accra under the theme, “Prepare to Respond,” which focused on strengthening emergency response capabilities across its operations and stakeholder network.
The event also recognised employees, contractors and operational teams that demonstrated exceptional performance in Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality (HSSEQ) management.
Awards were presented for Green Band Status achievement and maintenance, Best HSSEQ Contractors, Retail Sites and Drivers, as well as Special HSSEQ Recognition Awards for outstanding safety interventions and reporting.
A key highlight of the ceremony was Vivo Energy Ghana’s achievement of more than 5,600 consecutive days without a workplace injury, underscoring what company executives describe as a deeply embedded culture of safety and accountability.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Christian Li, attributed the milestone to the collective efforts of employees, contractors and business partners who have consistently upheld the company’s safety standards.
“Achieving over 5,600 Goal Zero days without harm is a significant accomplishment, but it is also a reminder that safety is an ongoing journey.
Safety is not simply a compliance requirement; it is a core value that guides how we operate, make decisions and engage with our stakeholders.” he said.
Christian Li noted that while preventing incidents remains the primary objective, companies operating in high-risk industries such as petroleum distribution must be equally prepared to respond effectively when emergencies arise.
According to him, effective safety management requires a dual approach that combines proactive risk prevention with robust emergency response systems capable of minimising the impact of unforeseen incidents.
“In any emergency situation, the speed and effectiveness of the response can determine whether an incident is contained or escalates into a major event,” he stated.
He disclosed that the company continues to invest significantly in safety training programmes, emergency response infrastructure, fire prevention and control systems, as well as regular simulation exercises designed to strengthen preparedness across its operations.
Mr. Li further urged employees and contractors to remain vigilant, adhere strictly to safety protocols and foster a culture in which preparedness becomes a shared responsibility.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, also underscored the importance of strengthening safety management systems across the petroleum value chain, describing preparedness as a non-negotiable requirement for sustainable industry operations.
She added that activities within the downstream petroleum sector inherently carry significant operational risks, including fires, explosions and transportation-related incidents, making comprehensive risk management and emergency planning essential.
“Safety leadership extends beyond preventing accidents. It also requires organisations to establish effective systems that enable rapid and coordinated responses when emergencies occur,” she said.
Prof. Klutse noted that weaknesses in risk assessment processes, transport safety management and operational controls continue to contribute to preventable incidents globally, reinforcing the need for continuous improvement in safety practices.
She called on industry players to increase investments in workforce training, emergency response planning, risk assessment systems and compliance with HSSEQ standards to strengthen sector-wide resilience.
The EPA Chief Executive commended Vivo Energy Ghana for embedding safety into its corporate culture through values such as Safety, Excellence, Caring, Respect and Integrity.
She further praised the company’s achievement of more than 5,600 injury-free days, describing it as a reflection of strong leadership commitment, operational discipline and workforce accountability.
Prof. Klutse encouraged employees to report unsafe practices promptly and intervene when potential hazards are identified, stressing that sustained safety performance requires organisations to move beyond reactive approaches and institutionalise preparedness as part of everyday operations.
“As organisations continue to pursue operational excellence, preparedness must become routine and complacency must have no place in our systems,” she said.
