5 BIG CONSTRUCT: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS PLEDGE TO ENFORCE SAFETY BEST PRACTICES IN THE SECTOR

No less than 200 construction firms have recently resolved to upgrade the welfare of their staff as well as the potency of their project delivery and service through the inculcation of standardized safety best practices in the country.

The Construction companies resolved to eradicate hazards present in the construction sites during The Big 5 Construct Event which was held recently at the Landmark Center, Lagos.

Since its inception, the Big 5 Construct Nigeria is the largest gathering of the construction and infrastructure community in Nigeria which connects suppliers with quality buyers from across Nigeria and the West African region as well as promoting innovation, sharing cutting-edge knowledge, and accelerating business. Hence it is the biggest event that assembles top stakeholders, and captains of industries from the Building/construction sector to discuss and deliberate on issues pondering on standards as well as modern innovations and prospects for improved, standardized and qualitative service delivery in the sector.

Illuminating the company’s representative, stakeholders as well as delegates on the need to improve their standard of operation as far as Occupational Safety and Health Best practices in concerned, the Regional Administrator of the Occupational Safety and Health Association- Nigeria region, Engr. Emmanuel Uwalaka pointed out the difference between hazards and risk in the Building/construction sector as well as the modalities that are needed in other to prevent/address such occurrences if or when they occur.

In his presentation titled “Strategies of Achieving Safety Best Practices in the Construction Industry”, Engr. Uwalaka itemized the common causes of fatalities and Injuries in the sector which according to him can be duly avoided if proper regulations, as well as adherence to stipulated safety guidelines, are upheld. He also emphasized that it is the responsibility of the management staff of firms r to not only provide all the materials and modalities to ensure the safety of their staff but also enforce regulations that will bring about complete adherence alongside compliance in the long run.

“As an employer, it is important to understand who is responsible for health and safety in the workplace and what actions you can take to ensure the health and safety of your employees, contractors, and others who may be affected by your operational activities,” He said.

He also called on the stakeholders present as well as heads of organizations to key into the National Safety Advocacy project (NSAP 2021-2023) which according to him will not just help them develop their service standards in terms of Health and Safety, but will  empower them to also contribute to the development and localization of safety best practices and structures for the benefit of the general public.’

Responding to the charge, the Construction firm’s representatives attested that there is a gap that needs to be bridged urgently in terms of safety localization in the sector. They also noted that the sector being a backbone of the national economy needs to be revamped as this will not only bring about better and safe service delivery during project construction but will see that the welfare of the workforce is improved substantially thus boosting their continence while they go about their productive activities while on site.

OSHAssociation has never relented in ensuring that all sectors are reached out to with the gospel of safety and its best practices. To this extent, the Association has been conducting seminars, training programs, and advocacy campaigns as well as participating in conferences and external events all in its bid to see that the general public starting from stakeholders down to the least of Nigerians are enlightened on the benefit of safety adherence.

MARITIME SAFETY: Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) equipped their Staff with the Workplace Safety Knowledge

In fulfillment of its mandate stunting fatalities, accident, and incidents across all sectors of the nation’s economy as well as extensive safety advocacy, the Occupational Safety and Health Association in collaboration with the Spring Creek Integrated recently organized a one day Health and Safety Awareness Course for the management staff of the Nigerian Shippers council through the virtual platform.

Declaring the safety awareness training open, the Executive Director of OSHAssociation United Kingdom, John Flynn FOSHA, said that the issue of safety remains an issue of critical concern across all sectors, especially the maritime sector. While itemizing some of the key issues of safety concern, John Flynn opined that more efforts are required as regards policies and regulations development, which will go a long way to revamp the sector by instilling a substantive level of safety consciousness and confidence in the mind of workers in the sector.

While charging the management staff to ensure health and safety compliance in the council, the OSHAssociation Executive Director expressed his optimism that the continued Safety Capacity Development training will help the council as far as Occupational Safety and Health best practices and its localization is concerned in the country. According to him, the Association training is specifically tailored to suit industrial needs and peculiarities as far as Health and Safety are concerned in the Maritime Sector.

“OSHAssociation provide safety training programmes tailored to the needs of ships, shipyards, and their workers. No matter what your workday looks like, our training not only suits the industry but instills a substantive level of consciousness in the mind of the workers of the sector and ensures that they are equipped with all the fundamental and vital knowledge to see that they carry out their activities safely. He said.

Similarly, the Regional Administrator of the Association, Engr. Emmanuel Uwalaka gave a brief erudition on the strides and achievement of the Association in public sector and it’s impact as regards effective safety advocacy across all sectors of the economy. While expressing his delight in the Continues Capacity training programmes which is being premiered, Engr. Uwalaka attributed the high rate of accidents and fatalities across the nation to a lack of compliance to set safety guidelines as well as deliberate ignorance and disregards to safety measures.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the Association, Dr. Chris Mitchell FOSHA educated the staff on the need for management staff to also be safety leaders in their workplaces. In his presentation on “Continuous Development and Improvement on Workplace Safety: A Gradual Journey to Health And Safety Skills in the Workplace”, Dr. Chris emphasized the need to enact a working organisational safety culture in a workplace which according to him is very vital because “actions driven by organizational believes can have a significant influence on the workers’ action.

While itemizing the reasons for resistance to achieving a safety culture include doubt, leadership, infrastructural, and motivation among others, Dr. Chris established that the characteristics of a positive safety culture must include value, personal safety, willingness, and safe behaviors adding that an individual can be committed to safety wholly especially if they are consciously competent, reward safe behaviors, looks at eliminating causes of hazards instead of placing blames, as well as demonstrating and active behavior towards coworkers.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ayoola Kolawole Ishola MOSHA; a Safety Engineer gave common examples of Shipping and Port Accidents including the modalities that ought to be implemented to prevent or address the situation as the case may be. Mr. Kola in his presentation titled “Workplace Health and Safety Best Practices in Shipping and Port Operations” explained that everyone (including the supervisor, the employer as well as the organization) has a critical role to play in terms of health and Safety at workplace.

OSHAsssociation has never relented in ensuring that the gospel of safety is localized extensively, especially through awareness, training and capacity development programmes for organizations across different sectors of the industry. This and many other strides have so far established the Association as the top training and impacting institution in Nigeria and beyond as far as Occupational Safety and Health are concerned.

– Team

Safety View Media

Rivers State Chapter of OSHAssociation Held Safety Workshop to emphasise the Role of Government and Corporate Organisations in Creating a Sustainable Environment.

Rivers State Chapter of OSHAssociation Held Safety Workshop to emphasise the Role of Government and Corporate Organisations in Creating a Sustainable Environment.

The need for collaboration towards revitalizing our environment and also ensuring safety measures in all sectors of the economy was the focus of the 2021 Rivers OSH Workshop, held recently at La Kings Hotel, Port Harcourt.

The workshop with the theme: Creating a Sustainable Environment; “The role of corporate Organisations and the Government”, brought together delegates from both the government and private sectors, alongside safety professionals to deliberate on challenging safety issues and proffer solutions towards creating a sustainable environment.

Speaking at the event, The Chairman of the Cross-River Chapter of OSHAssociation UK, Nigeria Region, Sir Alfred A. Mboto elaborated on the roles of the Government in ensuring public safety. According to him, safety is a paramount responsibility of the government towards the general public and it can only be achieved through proper restructuring and the enactment of policies that would drive the safety of all.

 

Similarly, the President of OSHAssociation UK – Nigeria Region, HRH Dr Amb. Aderemi Olusegun, in his opening speech, noted that government and corporate organisations have roles to play towards ‘Creating a Sustainable Environment’ because Rivers State is a frontline oil producing environment battling with so many negative consequences of environmental degradation viz; oil pollution of the environment, gas flaring, alongside air pollution.

 

The Regional President, represented by the Regional Administrator, Engr. Emmanuel Uwalaka explained that the Government at all levels, alongside corporate organisations, have a great obligation towards the public by entrenching safety, health and a conducive environment in their affairs and daily operations. According to him, good governance will foster sustainability values that “will, in turn, assist corporate bodies and businesses to thrive and ensure employees safety”.

As part of the mandate of OSHAssociation towards building a strong network of safety advocates and raising safety Ambassadors from various sectors, the event featured the induction of new members and Fellowship Investiture of top executives as members of the Association, including the induction of corporate membership of the Center for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (COHSE), UNIPORT.

OSHAssociation is constantly thriving towards safety awareness and Advocacy in all sectors, especially considering the swelling number of industrial hazards encountered in workplaces. Working diligently to its mandate by increasing safety education among Nigerians, OSHAssociation is steadfast in collaborating with relevant institutions and private organisations towards the pursuit of a safe, healthy and secured environment for all through a preventive awareness approach.

Given the above development, OSHAssociation is committed to spreading safety awareness education to the entire states in Nigeria, partnering with government and private institutions to drive the mission in the region.

For more information and partnership, kindly contact the Nigeria Regional Office via nigeria@oshassociation.org and visit www.nigeria.oshassociation.org

 

The meeting came to conclusion with networking and photography of delegates; while the next meeting will be scheduled as the need arises.

For more information, visit www.nigeria.oshassociation.org  or email: nigeria@oshassociation.org

 

 

*Media Team*
OSHAssociation Nigeria

 

OSHA Association For Occupational Safety And Health Of Nigeria (OSHAssociation) Hosts Safety-Related Organisations To Drive Health, Safety And Environment (HSE) Sector Skills Council (SSC) In Nigeria

OSHA Association For Occupational Safety And Health Of Nigeria (OSHAssociation) Hosts Safety-Related Organisations To Drive Health, Safety And Environment (HSE) Sector Skills Council (SSC) In Nigeria

As part of its efforts to enhance Occupational Safety and Health Education in Nigeria while still driving proactive awareness in the area of Health, Safety, Security and Environment across all sectors of the economy, OSHA Association for Occupational Safety and Health of Nigeria as mandated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has hosted HSE related organisations in a bid to pilot the formation of Sector Skills Council for Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in Nigeria in line with the provisions enshrined in the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). The meeting was held at the Enterprise Technology Center, Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja recently.

The meeting with the theme: “Sector Skills Council (SSC) Members Meeting for Health, Safety and Environment” brought together stakeholders from several HSE related organisations such as Nigerian Environmental Society, Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON), Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Navy amongst others; including other delegates who joined the meeting via the Online OSHA ZOOM PLATFORM.

The opening remarks were made by the Regional President of OSHA Association, HRH Dr. Amb. Aderemi Olusegun who enjoined the delegates to take the formation of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) on HSE seriously as it is in the best interest of the general public and the Nigerian Economy. He further appreciated the commitment of the members who attended the last inaugural meeting held on 9th September 2021. He further assured all stakeholders the need to work together to develop the safety consciousness of Nigerians in various sectors, so as to reduce the high rates of injuries and deaths at workplaces.

 

Speaking on the need to enhance safety in all sectors, while explaining the role of OSHA Association in the delivery of HSE programmes, Prof. Rabiu AbduSSALAM Magaji as the HSE SSC team lead and the Chairman of the OSHA National Safety Advocacy Project (NSAP, 2021-2023) disclosed that the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), which is the board spearheading all technical education has shown serious interest in inculcating HSE SSC into the NSQF.
While explaining the conditions and requirements of establishing Sector Skills Council, Prof. Magaji affirmed that the NBTE has mandated OSHA Association to work closely with all the HSE related organisations and NGOs to ensure successful coordination and the formation of the HSE SSC. He further encouraged the stakeholders to be part of the success train of the HSE SSC formation for the benefit of Nigerians.

Similarly, The Regional Administrator of OSHA Association, Engr. Emmanuel Uwalaka enjoined the stakeholders, especially delegates from the private sectors to key in as they represent their Organizations so that they make it possible for the members of this meeting meet the requirements of the formation of the SSC as enshrined in the NSQF.

Meanwhile, the Registrar of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Mr. Benson Adam Otite, stated the need for all critical stakeholders to play their roles in the formation of the SSC and in the pursuit of HSE development in Nigeria. He however noted that for the benefit of professionalism and upcoming professionals all hands must be on deck to ensure that HSE is taken to the grassroots. He advised that International standards can be domesticated to drive HSE in Nigeria.

Similarly, Mrs Uwemedino O., representative of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), applauded OSHA Association for organizing the stakeholders meeting because HSE issues are not properly developed in the Country even though it cuts across all sectors of industries and sectors of the Nigerian economy. She also reiterated that SON is available for partnership and to support in the development of the new HSE SSC.

The meeting came to conclusion with networking and photography of delegates; while the next meeting will be scheduled as the need arises.

 

 

For more information, visit www.nigeria.oshassociation.org  or email: nigeria@oshassociation.org

 

*Media Team*
OSHAssociation Nigeria

 

Governor Ben Ayade Pledges To Improve Safety In Industries As He Bags OSHA Association Honourary Fellow Membership

Governor Ben Ayade Pledges To Improve Safety In Industries As He Bags OSHA Association Honourary Fellow Membership

In its effort to further increase safety awareness in the society and in different sectors with commitment towards ensuring the safety of lives and properties within different sectors and the society at large, OSHA Association for Occupational Safety and Health of Nigeria in collaboration with the Cross River State Safety Commission hosted Cross River OSH Summit 2021, held at Transcorp Hotels Calabar recently.

The event with the theme: ” Importance of Safety Culture in driving Industrialisation and Development”,  brought together top government officials alongside critical decisions makers from various sectors of the economy, with the major discussion being rolled out considering the high rates of deaths, fatalities and accidents occurring in the workplaces especially the factories and various technical workplaces.

Speaking at the event, The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, emphasised the serious need for Occupational Safety and Health to be factored in all workplaces and seek the Cooperation of OSHAssociation Nigeria towards building a robust safety culture that will help in ensuring the safety of lives and properties in the state.

The Governor was conferred with an International Honorary Fellow Membership of OSHAssociation UK, for his commitment and passion by setting up Cross River State Safety Commission to oversee and improve the safety awareness in the state and ensure compliance.

 

The Regional President of OSHAssociation HRH Dr Amb. Aderemi Olusegun appreciated the government of the Cross River State Government for their various commitments in driving safety awareness and pledged them OSHAssociation’s support and partnership towards achieving the target goal of zero fatalities at workplaces in Cross River State.

 

 

Occupational safety and health are now considered top priority and a huge value in various workplaces to ensure the safety of employees are guaranteed. During the panel discussion at the summit, the Regional President stressed the need to ensure all stakeholders are carried along in driving safety culture and compliance at workplaces.

As part of the mission of OSHAssociation towards building a strong community of safety advocates and Ambassadors in various sectors and the society, Membership induction of new members and Fellowship Investiture of top executives in the public and private sectors was presented, including Corporate Membership of Cross River State Safety Commission which is a strong organ of government piloting safety advocacy and compliance in the South-South state.

Also, To achieve the mandate of increasing safety awareness and education among Nigerians, OSHAssociation remains focused on collaborating with relevant institutions and private organisations towards the pursuit of a safe, healthy and secured environment for all through advocacy and preventive approach.

For more information, visit www.nigeria.oshassociation.org  or email: nigeria@oshassociation.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Media Unit*

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