OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY: LASG GIVES COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT NATCO
… Donates Personal Protective Equipment
Lagos State Safety Commission has reiterated its commitment to continue to proactively support Nigerian Artisans & Technicians stakeholders in putting precautionary measures in place to ensure everyone is safe at home and workplaces.
The Director-General, Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola stated this at the opening ceremony of 2024 Nigerian Artisans & Technicians Conference (NATCO) 2024 with the theme: “Enhancing Workplace Safety, Best Practice For Informal Sector”.
Mojola said he was delighted to be at the 4th edition of the NATCO Conference due to their footprints, significance and collaboration with all tiers of governments.
In his words, “From auto technicians, fashion groups, builders and traders group. It has been an amazing journey for you and we at Lagos State Safety Commission are proud to associate with you. Our role at the Safety Commission is simple. We protect lives and do so by ensuring that accidents that can lead to injuries and fatalities do not occur”.
The Safety Commission boss recalled that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimated that 395 million accidents occur annually, stressing, however, that out of this, nearly three million are fatal. He added that these numbers underscore the persistent challenges in safeguarding the health and safety of workers, globally, hence the need for Safety Commission to take action.
“We need to institute a culture of safety in everything we do. We need to seek insurance and use PPE to guard us when working at heights and confined spaces, improve welfare for workers and protect ourselves from musculoskeletal disorders during lifting operations, and of course, regular health checks to maintain well-being. For us to succeed, we need Leadership Commitment & Followership participation in areas of Safety. We need to imbibe the culture of See it, Speak it and Sort it”, he stated.
Donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Association on behalf of the State Government, Mojola commended NATCO for the initiative of the annual conference, assuring members of the State government’s continuous support.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Honourable Minister Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite commended the association for their consistency, especially in organising the Annual Conference.
The Minister, represented by Mrs. Popoola Esther Abimbola, said the association has been playing vital roles in developing the economy in the areas of innovation and collaboration of youths in different fields of endeavour, just as she promised that the FG would always hearken to their voice at all times.
Mr. Dayo Bello, the Convener of the conference, urged stakeholders to always play their role effectively to ensure sustainability in the new economic reality, adding that the organisers will continue to provide an opportunity to build a bridge between the informal artisans and technicians sector, as well as among the corporate sector, federal and state governments.
He stated that NATCO would serve as a hub for establishing valuable contact between local artisans, technicians and international visitors
According to him, “Beyond supporting the economy, NATCO will open doors of opportunities for local artisans and technicians to showcase various locally made and unique products. It would promote our diversity as a multicultural entity and preserve our cultural traditions”.