The Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE) Applauds Akwa Ibom State Government for Prioritizing Health and Safety Training for Government House Staff
The Akwa Ibom State Government has received commendation from the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE) for its unwavering commitment to the health and safety of its workers. The government’s initiative to provide essential training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Immediate Life Support (ILS), and Environmental Health Safety to Government House staff has been lauded by NISafetyE.
This comprehensive three-day training program was conducted at the Akpan Isemin hall within the Government House premises. The event saw the participation of seasoned subject matter experts who brought their wealth of knowledge to the table.
Engr. Ekong, a notable figure, is recognized as the first Akwa Ibomite to hold both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Safety Engineering. He has also achieved the esteemed position of National Chairman within NISafetyE, currently serving as its 3rd National Chairman.
During the workshop, Engr. Dr. Akaninyene Ekong, FNISafetyE, who served as one of the facilitators, addressed the participants on the crucial topic of “Avoiding Injuries in the Workplace and Enhancing a Safe Working Environment.” He emphasized the importance of taking the knowledge gained from these basic safety trainings and implementing it in the workplace and society as a way of life.
Engr. Dr. Ekong stressed that occupational illnesses are health issues associated with work, urging workers to identify potential sources or situations that could lead to such illnesses or injuries in their work environments. He explained that these health hazards can manifest as either acute (occurring shortly after exposure to a hazard) or chronic (occurring after prolonged or repeated exposure).
In an interactive session, Engr. Ekong outlined common health problems caused by work, including stress, depression, anxiety, musculoskeletal disorders, heat strokes, human behavior issues, and upper limb disorders resulting from repetitive movements. He emphasized that these issues can be effectively controlled if workers adhere to expert recommendations and safety rules at their workplaces, following the hierarchy of controls method: Eliminate, Substitute, Isolate, Engineering control, Administrative control, and Personal Protective Equipment.
Furthermore, he urged all employers to prioritize the health and safety of their workers by providing a safe system of work, safe equipment, information, instruction, training, and supervision, aligning with International Labour Organization guidelines.
Lastly, Engr. Ekong encouraged participants to register for the upcoming 8th National conference, scheduled for October 26th to 28th, 2023, at Villa Hilton Hotel Uyo. The conference’s theme is “Safety and Loss Prevention in Construction Projects: the Safety Engineering Approach.”
This commendable initiative by the Akwa Ibom State Government, in collaboration with NISafetyE, exemplifies a strong commitment to ensuring the well-being of workers and fostering a culture of safety in the region.
Israel Ekong
Special Adviser, Media & Publicity
Office of the National Chairman, NISafetyE
06:09:23
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