Prioritising Safety in the Steel Sector for Worker Well-being and Industry Growth
The Ministry of Steel Development has recently reaffirmed the paramount importance of prioritising safety within the steel sector. This renewed emphasis is intended to safeguard the lives and resources of employees at mining sites and to instil a culture of safety and compliance within the industry.
Dr. Mary Ogbe, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development/Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, articulated the significance of this initiative at a workshop in Abuja. This event marked the commencement of a series of engagements with industry stakeholders as part of the ministry’s proactive initiatives.
The workshop centred on cultivating awareness about safety and adherence to safety protocols within Nigeria’s metal sector, aligning with the ministry’s mandate to ensure optimal safety and to minimise harm within the metals industry. Stressing the pivotal role of safety in the steel and metal industry for national industrialisation and development, Dr. Ogbe urged participants to prioritise the principle of “Safety First, Safety Always” in their daily operations.
The principle of “Safety First, Safety Always” strives to avert accidents by promoting safe work practices and procedures. Dr. Ogbe highlighted the wide-ranging implications of accidents and injuries and disclosed the ministry’s aim and commitment to achieving zero harm. This objective is not merely an ambitious aspiration but a necessary and attainable goal for every organisation.
Representatives from the Ministry of Environment and the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency also voiced their support for the workshop, underscoring the importance of prioritising safe practices in the steel sector for the well-being of workers and the environment.
Engr. Frederick Ewa, the director of the Metallurgical Inspectorate and Raw Materials Development (MI&RMD) department, underscored the necessity of safe working procedures to fulfil the presidential mandate in the steel sector. He urged employers to prioritise the health and safety of their employees, as unsafe practices could lead to significant human, economic, and social losses.
In view of the myriad risks faced by workers in the industry, the ministry emphasised the imperative nature of safe working measures. The objective of the workshop is to ensure that every operation and process in the metal industry is free from accidents.
In conclusion, this workshop signifies a significant stride towards enhancing safety awareness and compliance within the steel sector. By prioritising safety, the industry can create a safer and more productive work environment, ultimately fostering industry growth and development.
