1. Introduction and Commitment

At Onzako Tours, our unwavering commitment is to the health, safety, and well-being of our guests, employees, and all partners involved in our operations. This policy outlines our systematic, proactive approach to maintaining a secure environment across all our safari operations, partner accommodations, and excursions in Uganda. We rigorously adhere to national and international safety regulations, as well as the highest industry best practices.

2. Policy Objectives

The core objectives of the Onzako Tours Health and Safety Policy are to:

  • Provide a secure and superior safari experience for every participant.
  • Ensure comprehensive and continual compliance with all applicable health and safety legislation.
  • Foster a proactive safety culture through continuous training and awareness programs.
  • Establish and maintain robust emergency response protocols to effectively mitigate foreseeable risks.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

The successful implementation of this policy requires clear commitment and dedication from all parties:

  • Management: Oversee policy implementation, ensure strict regulatory compliance, and allocate necessary resources for safety measures.
  • Employees: Strictly follow established safety protocols, immediately report potential hazards, and actively participate in mandatory safety training.
  • Guests: Adhere to all safety instructions provided by guides and staff, and respect all operational and conservation guidelines during activities.

4. Operational Safety Procedures

Risk Management and Hazard Prevention

We manage safety proactively by:

  • Risk Assessment: Conducting periodic, in-depth risk assessments to identify, evaluate, and control potential hazards.
  • Safety Briefings: Providing clear, detailed, and mandatory safety briefings for all employees and guests before activity commencement.
  • Mitigation: Implementing targeted protective measures to mitigate risks associated with wildlife, terrain, and vehicle operations.
  • Action Plans: Ensuring all operational sites and vehicles have readily accessible, current Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).

Emergency Preparedness and Response

We maintain a high state of readiness to manage any emergency:

  • Equipment: Mandating that all safari vehicles are equipped with comprehensive medical kits and reliable emergency communication tools (e.g., satellite phones, radio).
  • First Aid: Deploying staff trained and certified as first aid responders at key operational bases and within all safari groups.
  • Protocols: Developing, documenting, and clearly communicating precise emergency evacuation procedures.

5. Specific Safety Protocols

Health and Hygiene Protocols

We maintain stringent standards for public health and sanitation:

  • Sanitation: Enforcing strict hygiene and disinfection measures across all partner safari lodges and remote destinations.
  • Facilities: Guaranteeing access to safe, clean drinking water and maintaining high standards for sanitation facilities.
  • Food Safety: Ensuring all partner lodges adhere to the highest standards for safe food handling, preparation, and storage.

Vehicle and Equipment Safety

Safety is paramount in the maintenance and operation of our assets:

  • Inspection: Conducting regular, documented maintenance and comprehensive safety inspections of all safari vehicles and equipment.
  • Mandates: Enforcing the mandatory use of safety belts and other required protective measures by all vehicle occupants.
  • Instruction: Providing thorough instructional briefings on the proper and safe usage of all equipment before guests engage in related activities.

Fire Safety Measures

Fire prevention and readiness are critical across all partnered locations:

  • Maintenance: Ensuring fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and natural firebreaks are regularly inspected and maintained at all partnered lodges and camps.
  • Training: Providing comprehensive fire prevention and emergency fire response training for all relevant staff members.
  • Restrictions: Strictly restricting the use of open flames and smoking to designated, controlled areas only.

6. Policy Management and Review

Environmental and Wildlife Conservation

Our safety policy fully integrates with our commitment to conservation:

  • Wildlife Distance: Ensuring guests and staff maintain a respectful and safe distance from all wildlife at all times.
  • Prohibitions: Strictly prohibiting the feeding, harassment, or disturbance of any animals or their natural habitat.
  • Sustainability: Adhering to ethical and sustainable waste management practices to minimize environmental impact.

Safety Training and Awareness

We promote continuous development in safety practices:

  • Mandatory Training: Requiring all employees to attend regular, comprehensive health and safety training sessions.
  • Guest Briefings: Providing detailed, activity-specific safety briefings to guests before they engage in any safari activity.
  • Refinement: Continuously evaluating and refining safety measures based on staff feedback and periodic assessments.

Incident Reporting and Monitoring

A formal system is in place for managing and learning from safety incidents:

  • Reporting: Ensuring all accidents, injuries, and near-miss incidents are promptly, accurately, and thoroughly reported and documented.
  • Audits: Conducting periodic safety audits and operational assessments to measure the policy’s effectiveness objectively.
  • Enhancement: Actively utilizing feedback gathered from guests and staff to enhance safety policies and procedures.

Policy Review and Compliance

This Health and Safety Policy will be formally reviewed annually, or as necessary due to changes in regulatory requirements, operational scope, or identified areas for improvement, to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.