The Lagos State Safety Commission has urged operators in the iron and steel industry to prioritise the health and safety of their workers, warning that strict adherence to occupational safety standards is critical to preventing workplace accidents, injuries and fatalities.
The call was made during a one-day capacity-building programme organised for managers in the sector to strengthen hazard identification, emergency response systems and safety compliance.
According to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Sunday, the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, stressed the need for management in the iron and steel industry to place workers’ safety at the centre of their operations.
Mojola, who was represented by the commission’s Technical Adviser, Seun Awojobi, spoke at the programme tagged, “Advanced Occupational Health, Emergency Response Systems, Industrial Hazard Identification and Control in the Iron and Steel Industry in Lagos State.”
He described the iron and steel industry as a critical sector that must prioritise the health and safety of its workforce.
Mojola noted that while hazards exist in every workplace, they could be significantly minimised when organisations recognised the risks and adopted global best practices to prevent injuries and fatalities.
“Safety is our collective responsibility and on no account should it be compromised,” he said.
He added that when management takes responsibility for the health and safety of workers, it enhances productivity, promotes organisational sustainability, builds trust and reduces liabilities.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to protecting residents, Mojola urged employers to provide adequate safety equipment and enforce its use to prevent accidents, incidents and avoidable litigation.
“Together, we can build a safe, secure and functioning economy,” he said.
A renowned safety and health professional, Jamiu Badmos, who delivered presentations on hazard identification, hazard control and emergency response systems in the iron and steel sector, commended the commission for organising the programme.
According to him, management at all levels must make safety a core organisational value.
Badmos cited International Labour Organisation statistics indicating that thousands of workers die annually due to unsafe and unhealthy working conditions, occupational diseases and workplace accidents.
He identified major hazards in the iron and steel industry as crane accidents, extreme heat exposure, fire outbreaks, electric shocks, working at heights, dust, noise pollution, vibration, horseplay, confined spaces, suffocation and gas poisoning.
The safety expert urged management to carry out periodic evaluations of hazard control measures and ensure that artisans working at heights use appropriate ladders rather than chairs or stools.
He also recommended the provision of hard hats, safety boots, eye protection devices and reflective jackets, as well as periodic atmospheric testing, risk assessments for hazardous gases, standby attendants, emergency rescue plans and strict compliance with occupational safety regulations.
Badmos further called on regulatory agencies to conduct regular safety audits, enforce stricter operational procedures and carry out unscheduled inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent avoidable accidents.
Another resource person and safety expert, Adeyinka Adebiyi, recommended stronger administrative controls, including maintaining order at entry and exit points, creating muster points, installing fire alarm systems, conducting periodic fire drills and placing safety signage in designated areas.
Adebiyi said employers had a responsibility to provide a conducive working environment, maintain equipment, ensure effective communication and continuously train workers on hazard identification, risk mitigation and emergency response procedures.
“Above all, staying well and alive is better than compensation. Prioritise your personal health and safety. Safety begins with you,” the statement read.
In her closing remarks, the Director of Safety Training and Sensitisation, Oluwatosin Sobola, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the programme and share it with their colleagues to improve safety practices across the industry.