NIGERIA— The Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEPON) has recently made a compelling appeal to the incoming 10th National Assembly to prioritize the enactment of laws that support and facilitate health and safety in the workplace.
This call to action came during a roadshow organized by SOEPON to commemorate the 2023 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, centered around the theme “A Safe and Healthy Working Environment is a Fundamental Principle and Right at Work.”
Dr. Musa Shaibu, the President of SOEHPON, urged the incoming National Assembly to carefully review the Bill on Occupational Health and Safety as part of their legislative agenda.
He emphasized the importance of organizations embracing unequivocal management commitment to promote and protect the health and safety of their workers, urging leaders to take proactive measures in this regard.
Juliet Okoro, the Director of Corporate Services Administration at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), stressed the significance of creating a safe work environment for employees.
She underlined the management’s strong focus on workplace safety within the oil and gas industry, mentioning the presence of safety booklets and regular sensitization efforts to ensure employee well-being.
Dr. Ofili Anthony, the Team Lead of Occupational Health Services at Medbury Medical Services, emphasized the need for a concentrated focus on occupational health and the provision of adequate medical support across all workplaces in Nigeria.
SOEHPON’s roadshow, which aimed to reach workers across Lagos state, was part of a broader sensitization campaign.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated that 2.78 million lives are lost annually due to occupational and work-related illnesses, emphasizing the urgency and significance of promoting occupational health and safety.
However, scholars have noted that the enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) legislation in Nigeria, particularly in the construction industry, is weak.
Inadequate inspectorate departments contribute to the poor enforcement of sanctions.
According to a National Occupational Safety and Health Information Report from 2018, Nigeria had only 39 factory inspectors overseeing 5,888 registered factories.
The decline in trade union activity, which traditionally played a vital role in advocating for better working conditions, has been identified as a contributing factor to the increased number of unaccounted workplace-related injuries.
This decline is attributed to factors such as diminishing membership and the impact of globalization.
The 2030 agenda for sustainable development includes a sustainable development goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
This goal encompasses not only communicable and non-communicable diseases but also health issues arising from workplace hazards.
Independent organizations like SOEPON and the Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) Nigeria play a crucial role in raising awareness and addressing safety hazards within the country.
Through concerted efforts and increased awareness, Nigeria is striving to create a safer and healthier working environment for its workforce, aligning with global goals for sustainable development and prioritizing the well-being of its citizens.
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