HAKEEM Dickson, Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, on Monday said the high rate of workplace hazards was a cause for concern.

He spoke at a news conference in Lagos.

Dickson said that safety was one of the most vital aspects of human life which must not be compromised.

“You would also have observed series of incidences that have been happening recently which include: gas explosions, fire incidences, building collapse, workplace incidences, among others.

“These incidences are of grave concern to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, and this is why we have continued to sensitise the public and engage stakeholders to bring safety to their consciousness and make it a lifestyle.

“This is why we would be having an all stakeholder’s conference tagged ‘Lagos Vision Zero’, a transformational approach to prevention that interprets the tripod stand of safety, health, and well-being at all levels at work.

“It was borne out of the need to reduce to the barest minimum, hazards in the workplace and ensure zero injury, zero accident, and zero death and promote well-being and health.

“We believe that all injuries and ill health caused are preventable and have a belief that zero harm is possible,” he said.

Dickson said that the cost of an accident could be lawsuits, penalties or fine, damaged reputation, loss of productivity, manpower and equipment.

According to him, safety is not just a priority, but a value.

The Director-General said that the Lagos Vision Zero conference would hold from June 26 to June 28 in Lagos with the theme, ‘A Mindset Change towards Zero Harm’

“At the end of the programme, it is expected that a workplace safety template will be developed for the state, and by extension guarantee the wellbeing of all workers in Lagos State.

“We are calling on residents to support the state government by keying into the vision so that we can reduce unsafe acts and promote wellbeing in the workplace,” he said. (NAN)

– Mar. 19, 2018 @ 13:58 GMT |