LAGOS PARTNERS UK ON WORKPLACE SAFETY

The Lagos State Government is set to partner the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the United Kingdom on workplace safety.

The Director-General, Safety Commission, Hon. Hakeem disclosed this on Wednesday at a 2-day training on ‘Knowledge Transfer and Workplace Safety’ organised by the Commission for members of staff at Alausa, Ikeja.

He stated that IOSH is partnering with the State Government to train 500,000 people on safety and health in the workplace, adding that safety measures must be put in place by organizations and failure to comply will attract sanctions.

Dickson said his intention is to leave a sustainable legacy, to promote positive enlightenment and capacity to ensure right competency to push health and safety to where we want it to be within the State.

According to him, “Our aim is to develop safety consciousness in all sector to save lives and properties; while our intention is moving the agency from its embryonic level to a more matured level. Hence, we are collaborating with IOSH to bridge the gap ”.

Alan Stevens, Head of Global Engagement and Partnership (IOSH UK) remarked that Lagos partnership with IOSH is the largest body on Health and Safety in the world that has a clear strategy through 2022 and beyond, which is focused on collaboration to enhance and influence professionals globally.

“We are keen to share best practice so everyone goes home safely. We are here also because we respect and admire the vision and determination of Hon. Hakeem Dickson and the Lagos State Safety Commission and we are determined to support in every way possible to ensure that the vision becomes reality”, he said.

The Head of Service, represented by PS, Public Service Office, Mr. Samson Ajibade, while welcoming the IOSH delegates, stated that safety is a global phenomenon that should be taken seriously and also decried the rate at which industries neglect safety in the workplace which often leads to loss of lives or permanent disability.

He urged IOSH to extend the training beyond Lagos and across sectors, adding that safety and security of lives and properties is one of the mandates of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.