The Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEHPON) has urged the incoming 10th National Assembly to promptly pass the Occupational Health and Safety Bill into an Act, for the benefit of Nigerian workers.
In 2022, the over 3.3 billion individuals in employment contributed approximately 2.1% of all global deaths and 2.7% of the global disease burden due to workplace risks. Unfortunately, a significant number of deaths and disabilities resulting from workplace incidents impact workers in low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria.
Dr. Musa Shaibu, the President of SOEHPON, made this plea during a road walk organized by the Society to commemorate the 2023 Workers’ Day and World Day for Safety and Health at Work. He stated that research has shown that an unsafe and unhealthy work environment, characterized by the absence or inadequacy of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), poor workstations, long working hours, high work burden, and work-related stress, are associated with a high prevalence of accidents and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and Obesity.
Shaibu emphasized that the Bill is a crucial legislation that supports and facilitates the delivery of occupational health and safety, which is the right of all workers. He urged the incoming 10th National Assembly to prioritize the passing of this bill into an Act for the benefit of every Nigerian.
Established in 1978, SOEHPON has been at the forefront of advocating for the health and safety of Nigerian workers through various awareness programs, capacity building for young professionals, conferences, workplace visits, and road walks.
“We strongly recommend that all organizations prioritize the implementation of adequate systems supported by firm management commitment to promote and safeguard the health and safety of their workers. Mere declarations of commitment without the necessary systems in place can only be considered as empty promises. Workers’ unions should educate and align their members to fully utilize occupational health programs and facilities in their workplaces for the sake of their own safety, health, and well-being,” Shaibu emphasized.
“Workers should understand that only complete compliance with corporate occupational health and safety procedures and guidelines will ensure their safety and well-being at work. I also appeal to the executive branch of government at all levels to ensure strict enforcement of relevant laws regarding workers’ health and safety. Regulators of such laws must be adequately trained and empowered for effective implementation,” he advised.
Juliet Okoro, the Director of Corporate Services at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, reiterated the importance of prioritizing safety in the workplace. She highlighted that the oil and gas industry has made the safety of their workers a top priority by implementing necessary structures and equipment. “I urge organizations to ensure that their workplaces are safe for their staff, as it is a guaranteed way to enhance productivity,” she appealed.