DIMO has been honored with the Special Award for Best Critical Risk Management Strategy at the recent National Occupational Safety and Health Excellence Awards. This recognition underscores DIMO’s steadfast commitment to ensuring occupational safety during the implementation of the Habarana Grid Substation project for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the largest substation project in Sri Lanka.
In collaboration with its principal partner Siemens, DIMO carried out a total Civil and Electrical work of 220/132/33kV Habarana Grid Substation project. DIMO also executed the entire design of civil works, on-site construction, installation, testing, and commissioning work of the project.
Throughout the project implementation, DIMO maintained an unwavering focus on occupational safety and health. This involved the identification and assessment of critical risks, analysis of job safety, enforcement of control measures, implementation of risk mitigation plans, issuance of safe work method statements, adoption of a work permit system, and implementation of operational controls. The company also implemented change management procedures and behavioral-based safety initiatives to ensure the highest safety standards. This approach allowed DIMO to successfully complete the project and hand it over to the CEB, reporting over one million safe man-hours without any fatalities or major accidents.
Gahanath Pandithage, the Group Managing Director/CEO of DIMO, stated that the company’s corporate purpose of fuelling the dreams and aspirations of communities reflects its commitment to the well-being of our stakeholders. This achievement exemplifies the company’s dedication to creating a secure workplace for its employees and implementing responsible projects at the national level, benefiting different stakeholders.
Wijith Pushpawela Executive Director of DIMO, who also oversees the Power and Energy arm of the Group said that while undertaking the civil and electric work of the Habarana Grid Substation project, the company performed a spectrum of activities, including the construction of the tower and transformer foundations, gantry tower erection, cable laying and installation of transformers. The importance of prioritizing safety in national-level projects like the Habarana Grid Substation is a crucial element. Occupational health and safety at the project site were integral features from inception, ensuring project efficiency and continuous progress in an accident-free working environment while minimizing direct and indirect costs associated with accidents, he added.
Organized by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, these prestigious awards honor fostering occupational well-being and safety within Sri Lankan industries.