Ayodele Olalere
In order to ensure safety of workers in work places both in the public and private sector, in the wake of COVID-19, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Wednesday, vowed to enforce occupational safety guidelines in work places, saying safety of workers can no longer be taken for granted.
The governor gave the threat at the maiden edition of the Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference organized by the Lagos State Safety Commission in commemoration of this year’s ‘World Day for Safety’, held at Landmark Events Centre, Oniru.
“We will ensure strict enforcement of safety rules and guidelines that are geared towards making the workplace safe and hazard free,’ Sanwo-Olu said.
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The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Engr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, however, gave the assurance that the state will continue to work tirelessly to make Lagos safe and secure for all residents by developing a virile health and safety system responsive to any emergency.
“With the challenges we have faced in the health sector in the face of this global pandemic, we are now more resolute and committed to develop a health system that is more efficient and responsive in dealing with any epidemic or pandemic that may occur in the future.
“In Lagos, we have put in place strategies and initiatives to ensure the delivery of safety measures ahead of whatever crisis we might be confronted with in any sector of the economy,” he said.
In his keynote address, the Director General/CEO, Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), Mr. Lanre Mojola, mentioned that the hazards of work related accidents and illness which are caused by unsafe conditions acts and practices, call for the need for countries to deliberately put health and safety systems in place to change the narrative.
He pointed that as a responsive government, the state is charged with providing regulations and laws required to ensure that workers can discharge their duties in a safe and conducive manner
He assured that the Commission will keep to spreading the message of safety, mentioning that “it is only a safer Lagos that can guarantee the attainment of a greater Lagos.”
According to him, the COVID-19 has given rise to numerous unparalleled challenges globally and put to test existing protocols on safety and health in the workplace.
“Governments, organisations and workers have been forced to think outside the box and develop new methods of work to remain productive and adjust to new reality which we call the new normal,” he said.
