MORE than 200 bodaboda riders in Arusha have received special health and safety training to improve their ability to identify accidents and health risks in their daily work.

In collaboration with the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA), the training was organised recently by Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML).

The training is part of the safety and health education programmes for various groups of small-scale entrepreneurs that took place during the just-ended OSHA exhibitions.

Dr Kiva Mvungi, GGML's senior manager of health, safety and environment urged the motorcyclists to develop the habit of regular health checks, including for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, so that they can do their jobs with peace of mind.

Kulwa Simba, miner’s health and safety officer, said the training was designed to help riders identify risks and protect themselves to avoid unnecessary accidents. Motorcyclists were also taught how to help someone involved in a bodaboda accident. This was a significant change as there was a prevailing culture of accepting accidents as part of life. However, we emphasised the importance of safety and reminded riders that they have families, relatives and friends who depend on them. So it is important to be careful.

In addition to the training, the Geita-based miner distributed some protective equipment to the participants, including 300 reflective vests.

Deogratius Ndejembi, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister (Labour, Youth, Employment and Disabled) lauded participants for recognising the importance of the training and turning out in large numbers, where he urged them to use the knowledge they had gained to improve the way they approached road safety.

"After this training, I don't expect any of you to join the ranks of motorcyclists who break the rules of the road, including overtaking other vehicles without caution. Let me assure you that your government under our President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, appreciates you and will continue to provide you with training and capital opportunities to enable you to improve yourselves economically," he said.

OSHA Chief Executive Officer, Khadija Mwenda, also congratulated the trainees for dedicating themselves and their time to the day's training.

Okelo Costantine, President of the Bodaboda Union in Arusha District, thanked the government for continuing to fight for the youth to be able to do their work in peace and for providing them with various opportunities, including training.

The training covered various topics, including how to identify safety and health hazards in transport activities and how to provide first aid to victims of road accidents.