Global Safety Body- Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) have tasked businesses in both private and public sectors of West Africa to prioritize the safety of their workers.
This was the fulcrum at this year’s two-day IOSH West African Conference with the theme, “A Brighter, Safer Future – for Workers, for Businesses, for West Africa”, which was held virtually via Swapcard network on September 16 and 17.
In his opening address delivered virtually, the IOSH President, Jimmy Quinn, harped on the contributory role of workers’ physical and mental health in transforming the economy of West Africa.
“IOSH understands that any recovery must be measured in the long term- and prosperity in West Africa can only be achieved if businesses can, not just survive but prosper.”
“However, businesses can only be successful if workers’ physical health and mental health are protected from harm. By business, I’m not just referring to those in the private sector but also those in the public and voluntary sector,” he said.
He called on businesses and organizations to value their workforce and human capital and consciously make plans to ensure their adequate protection at work.
“Organizations play a important factor in the economy so it’s critical that workers in those sectors have adequate protection in their workplaces too.”
“This fundamental principle should be part of any business planning and it will enable all other economic and social benefits to accrue to our communities and to our national and regional economies,” he added.
Also, in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases in some parts of the region including Nigeria, IOSH, has urged organizations to judge for themselves and not wait for the government in reviewing their Covid-19 measures to enable them remain effective in the marketplace and also avoid virus transmission.
In his words, the IOSH Head of Health and Safety, Ruth Wilkinson said, “As with all other health and safety risks, a business’s number one priority must be the prevention, management and control of these effectively and putting in place proportionate measures to prevent workers from coming to harm.”
“So, we recommend that employers shouldn’t simply wait for any Government directive or advice around Covid safety measures; they should be regularly reviewing their risk assessment and monitoring their Covid arrangements and controls to ensure they continue to be effective and taking action to amend these measures where necessary,” he said.
