Following training by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) and in line with industry regulations, codes of practice and guidelines, AIA has set up a six member health & safety committee with representation from the directors, admin and studio staff. This committee is responsible for setting standards on health, safety and welfare at AIA, a task it has embarked on with much gusto and resulting to the birth of a draft policy that is under review pending approval and adoption.

The AIA workplace safety and health policy seeks to provide a legal framework for promoting and safeguarding high standards of health and safety at the work place and project sites. The immediate benefits are many and include:

• Preventing avoidable workplace injuries arising from unsafe project sites;
• Ensuring employees and other consultants have appropriate protective gear;
• Having personnel drawn from AIA staff trained as first aid officers and fire marshals equipped with first aid kits and appropriate fire fighting equipment to respond to emergencies when and if they arise;
• Avoiding frivolous law suits arising from carelessness and none conformity.

The policy is all about safe practices for all stakeholders. Through periodic reviews, the committee will ensure the adopted standards remain relevant to the needs of an architectural and project management firm.