INTERVIEW WITH DMITRO NAZARENKO, ACTING HEAD OF THE ODESA BRANCH OF THE SE «USPA», FOR THE “LABOUR PROTECTION” MAGAZINE
Today, the port is one of the Ukrainian facilities most frequently targeted by enemy attacks. Despite this, it continues to receive and dispatch cargo, while its administration ensures both operational continuity and the safety of its employees.
On 2 September, the Odesa Sea Port marked the 231st anniversary of its official founding. Over the years, it has become not only the heart of the city, but also a source of national pride. The port is a key trade and economic hub whose performance is crucial to the stability of the country's economy. We discuss current challenges and priorities with the newly appointed Acting Head of the Odesa Branch of the SE «Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority» (SE «USPA»), Dmytro Nazarenko.
Mr. Dmytro, you took charge of the Odesa Sea Port Authority during martial law. This is a tremendous responsibility. In conditions where air-raid sirens sound regularly, the main priority is to ensure quick and reliable shelter for employees. How is the protection of personnel from air attacks organised at the enterprise?
The safety of people is the most important aspect of our work. That is why stationary shelters have been arranged throughout the port. They are kept in proper condition and supplied with everything necessary. Recently, we installed a modular shelter for visitors near the main checkpoint. In addition, ten modular shelters are already operating within the port, installed with the support of the Ukrainian Foundation Charity Fund. Given the size of the port area and the short flight time of ballistic missiles, we place these shelters directly next to workplaces so employees can reach cover quickly. This significantly reduces risks and allows faster response to emergency situations.
Our magazine has repeatedly written about the port’s social support for its employees. Has this tradition been preserved during the war?
Absolutely! Today, more than ever, our employees need special support. Despite the daily threat from the enemy, who deliberately targets port infrastructure, they continue to perform their duties - courageously, selflessly, and with unwavering faith in Ukraine. The port is currently gradually restoring the social guarantees for employees that were temporarily suspended at the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In addition, the branch management and the port trade union, together with our partners – stevedoring companies and the Independent Volunteer Organization Charity Fund have resumed bus routes to transport employees to and from work. We also receive assistance from international partners. For example, in cooperation with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and with the support of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the port received more than 300 window structures free of charge to help restore office premises damaged by missile strikes. We are grateful to all our partners for their support in these challenging times and for their attention to our people.
In September 2025, the branch successfully confirmed the compliance of its Occupational Health and Safety Management System with the international standard ISO 45001:2018. What does this mean for the enterprise?
It means that occupational health and safety remain one of the key areas of our activity, even under wartime conditions. Protecting the lives and health of our employees is an absolute priority. Auditors from Bureau Veritas Certification Ukraine once again confirmed the effectiveness of our system. This strengthens partner confidence and enhances the port’s business reputation. We continuously work on improving the management system and implement new measures, including modern technologies.
What specific occupational safety measures are being introduced now?
We respond to real threats that may affect our employees. With the threat of enemy shelling, we develop clear action algorithms, increase the number of shelters, and conduct additional training in pre-medical emergency care. By the way, almost all port administration employees have now completed such training — more than once and with different specialists: representatives of the Red Cross, SAR company instructors, paramedics of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and doctors from our port medical unit. This work has also been carried out at port enterprises. We also plan to equip our medical and sanitary unit with an ambulance vehicle. Unfortunately, due to more intensive shelling this year, the number of injured and killed at port enterprises has increased.
And what is the situation with workplace injuries not related to the war?
Let me show you an injury rate chart prepared by the Occupational Safety Department (see diagram), covering the period from Soviet times to today. What do we see? The injury rate has significantly decreased, primarily due to modern cargo-handling technologies and equipment, as well as greater responsibility among employees and management. Importantly, the statistics also include incidents involving employees of enterprises that were previously part of the state-owned port. The only occupational accident in 2024 did not involve a docker-mechanic or a fitter, but an accountant at one of the port enterprises. The woman stood up from her chair, fell, and broke her arm. This clearly shows that occupational safety concerns everyone without exception.
So this must also be taken into account when developing injury prevention measures?
Yes. That is why our task is to continue preventive work not only in areas of high hazard but also with office staff. In September, our accountants and economists underwent separate occupational safety training, and earlier — other office employees as well. We continuously improve working conditions, restore workplaces, offices, and buildings damaged as a result of enemy attacks. To ensure access to high-quality drinking water, the port’s water kiosk — which had not been functioning for a long time due to technical issues — has been repaired. Thanks to the work of the Odesa branch of SE «USPA» specialists, it is now fully operational: all necessary inspections were conducted and the water quality was confirmed safe. Among recent measures, we are updating the declaration of conformity of the material and technical base regarding our high-risk works and equipment. As required by the established procedure, we conducted an internal audit, and based on its results, management decisions were made to improve procedures for equipment operation and maintaining it in proper condition. A recent simple yet effective solution is the preparation, by Occupational Safety Department specialists, of a standard-form checklist for every newly hired employee – essentially a roadmap listing the specific procedures required for authorising them to work independently (see checklist). The head of each unit completes all procedures specified in the checklist and reports this to the Occupational Safety Department. The effectiveness of this simple measure was immediately appreciated both by safety specialists and by unit managers: the former are confident that everything will be done properly, and the latter know exactly what to do without wasting time on unnecessary doubts or guesswork.
This year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work is held under the slogan “Revolutionary approaches to health and safety: the role of AI and digitalisation at work.” What work in this direction is being carried out at the Odesa branch of SE «USPA»?
Although the port is a highly serious enterprise, we approached the topic of artificial intelligence with a bit of Odesa humor by using this technology to create visual safety campaigns focused on personal safety. Our employees welcomed this initiative, especially women and young staff members. Offices and buildings (not only within the port) are being filled with eye-catching illustrations created by Occupational Safety Department specialists with the help of AI.
The port also handles hazardous cargo. How do you ensure environmental safety
We regularly conduct oil spill response drills and use modern skimmers to clean the surface of seawater. We practise crew actions during the reception of liquid pollutants and conduct fire-tactical exercises on vessels. This enhances the readiness and coordination of units, improving personnel actions in the event of possible emergencies. In addition, control over compliance with proper sanitary conditions within the port has been strengthened. Since July 2025, a joint commission on the maintenance and improvement of the port territory has been operating. It conducts daily inspections of cleanliness and compliance with sanitary standards. Following these inspections, responsible persons are identified and assigned to promptly eliminate any deficiencies.
Winter is ahead. How is the port preparing for operations during the autumn–winter period?
We act proactively. A commission has been established to oversee winter preparation, repair volumes and inventory needs have been determined, and equipment requirements identified. Administrative buildings are being inspected, and stocks of anti-icing materials are being monitored. Particular attention is given to timely procurement, as tender procedures require time. Our goal is stable and safe operation throughout the 2025–2026 autumn–winter season.
And finally, a traditional question: what are your immediate plans?
Despite all the challenges of our time, we are moving forward with confidence. Our course is simple and clear: restore, strengthen, develop. Our priority tasks include implementing planned infrastructure projects, modernising the material and technical base, strengthening international cooperation, and introducing advanced technologies. We are opening our doors to new partners and young professionals. Our goal remains unchanged — a strong, modern, and competitive port.
The “Labour Protection” magazine congratulates the staff of the Odesa Branch of the SE «USPA» on the 231st anniversary of the Odesa Sea Port. We wish you peace, good health, joy, fulfilment of all hopes, success, and safe work!
Prepared by Serhii Kolesnyk, special correspondent