World Safety Day : Zero offshore incidents need a culture of prevention – Says NIMASA

World Safety Day :
Zero offshore incidents need a culture of prevention – Says NIMASA

In commemoration of the 2023 World Safety Day, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA organised a safety workshop with the theme; ‘Zero offshore incidents, a culture of prevention’.

That was in line with International Labour Organisation, ILO declared theme; ‘A safe and healthy working environment as fundamental principles and right at work’.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR, who declared the workshop open said that NIMASA with responsibilities of Flag and Port State activities, which often take place offshore, is committed to the wellbeing of its staff.

He emphasised :  “As a regulator of safety in the maritime sector, the Agency is obligated to ensure not only the safety of those who work in the wider maritime sector but also the safety of its staff. Safety, like charity, should begin at home. We are committed to achieving safety standards acceptable globally”.

The DG, who was represented by the Head, Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards Department of the Agency, Mr. Taiwo Olaniyan stated further that the theme of this year’s World Safety Day provokes a response from every economic sector to ask the question on how to practically and rightly implement workers right to safety at work place.

The presentation on ‘Zero Offshore Incidents, a Culture of Prevention’ organised for the Agency’s Enforcement team highlighted the responsibilities of workers and employers in attaining a healthy and safe work environment, in order to achieve zero incidents, particularly during offshore operations.

Recall that in June 2022, safe and healthy working environment were included in ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work. This global social milestone elevates prevention of ill health, injuries and harm to the environment from codes of practices to international human right.

Operational staff of NIMASA during the commemoration of 2023 World Safety Day, at NIMASA headquarters in Lagos