April 28 is the international day for safety and health at work. The day was marked in the election administration. Deputy Chair of the Central Election Commission, Giorgi Sharabidze, awarded certificates to election administration staff who completed training in fire safety and first aid. As Giorgi Sharabidze noted, this day, established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), is dedicated to the idea of “a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental right,” which the election administration fully shares and supports. He added that creating a safe, decent, and healthy working environment for every employee is a priority for the election administration.

A total of 45 election administration employees completed the fire safety and first aid course. The training covered topics such as rapid and effective response in critical situations, safe use of fire extinguishers, and practical methods of providing first aid. As part of the training, employees acquired practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. A new component was a fire safety simulation conducted using VR (virtual reality) technology. The VR environment enabled participants to experience crisis scenarios in a highly realistic setting, learn the correct use of fire extinguishers, and identify evacuation routes without any physical risk.

Phase I of the fire safety and first aid trainings was conducted on April 22–24.

The course was planned and delivered by the CEC’s Human Resources Management and Labour Safety Department in cooperation with the Occupational Safety Training Hub. Providing relevant training and instruction for employees in this area is stipulated by the Organic Law of Georgia on occupational safety. Informational meetings and trainings on labour safety issues are held regularly in the election administration.