Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd. (SLICGL) has taken a significant step towards enhancing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Sri Lanka by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). This collaboration was inked on 20th November 2024 and aims to enhance safety standards for workers across different industries, underscoring SLICGL’s commitment as a responsible corporate citizen by prioritizing worker protection. As an established leader in providing specialized insurance solutions, SLICGL has long been a trusted partner to businesses seeking robust safety protection. Through this partnership, SLICGL expands its role in ensuring comprehensive, tailored insurance coverage while emphasizing the critical importance of expert guidance and support to foster a culture of safety.
The first milestone event marking this strategic collaboration was the National Occupational Health & Safety Conference 2024, held on 28th November at the Shangri-La Colombo. Themed ‘Climate Change and Occupational Safety & Health (OSH)’, this conference highlighted the evolving risks faced by workers, particularly in light of climate-related challenges. Sri Lanka Insurance General (SLICGL) proudly served as the official insurance partner for the event. The Group CEO emphasized the crucial connection between occupational safety and health (OSH) and insurance, particularly as industries navigate the increasing risks associated with climate change.
In his address, Chandana L. Aluthgama elaborated on how Sri Lanka is among the top ten countries most at risk from extreme weather events, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. With 81.2% of the population lacking adequate adaptive capacity for disasters, SLICGL’s partnership with NIOSH becomes even more vital. Furthermore, employers, in many cases, lack group health or occupational safety insurance policies to support their workforce. With a focus on creating climate resilient workplaces to protect workers from extreme weather conditions, the collaboration focuses on improving the resilience of workplaces, protecting workers from climate induced risks and ensuring long-term financial protection in the event of workplace accidents or illnesses.
“Workplace accidents are an unfortunate reality in high-risk industries like construction, mining and manufacturing,” said Aluthgama. “However, the impact on workers, their families, and employers can be significantly reduced through comprehensive insurance solutions that offer financial protection, improve worker wellbeing, and drive workplace safety initiatives.”
Key Benefits of the SLICGL-NIOSH partnership will ensure: Financial Protection for Workers: Comprehensive coverage for medical expenses ensures workers are financially protected during illnesses or accidents; Improved Worker wellbeing: Access to health benefits and compensation promotes a sense of security, morale, and job satisfaction, boosting employee retention; Increased Productivity: Healthy, protected workers perform better, which enhances overall productivity and workplace efficiency; Enhanced Safety Measures: Insurance incentives encourage businesses to implement better safety protocols, reducing risk and insurance claims; and Legal and Compliance Benefits: By ensuring worker safety, employers can minimize legal liabilities and comply with national and international regulations, boosting their corporate reputation.
Through this collaboration, SLICGL is proving tailored, purpose built insurance solutions that can protect both businesses and workers, ensuring a safer and more secure work environment. This MoU will facilitate value added services such as safety audits, risk assessments, and compliance training to help businesses align with national and international safety standards.
NIOSH members will also receive discounted access to specialized insurance products, including health and safety policies, injury insurance schemes, and environmental liability coverage.
By embracing a sustainability driven approach to its product offerings, SLICGL is not only addressing the immediate needs of high-risk industries but also contributing to the long-term health and safety of Sri Lanka’s workforce. With this strategic initiative, SLICGL continues to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility and its role as a leader in fostering a safer, more resilient industrial landscape.
