Artisans are superhero adjacent. At least, to some people with jobs that require them to be behind desks and laptops from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
They do the things that many people are either too afraid or unbothered to do. They have flexible schedules and sometimes make impressive amounts of money. Like every other profession, there are risks associated with being an artisan. The most prominent one that nearly all artisans have in common is frequently sustaining fatal injuries on the job.
In this article, four artisans in Nigeria share their work accident stories.
Segun, 28, Electrician
I install bulbs and other electric appliances in people’s homes and offices, so climbing is a normal part of the job. When COVID hit, and the lockdown started, I couldn’t go anywhere to work, so I was broke. As soon as the lockdown was lifted in May, I went back to work, but I noticed that I was fidgeting a lot. A client’s wife also noticed and joked that my village people were disturbing me. I laughed, but I was secretly concerned.
In July, I think my village people really meant business because I fell while installing a chandelier and needed stitches on my leg. I spent a lot nursing my injuries, and recovery took a while, but I’m fine now.
Kaffy, 30, Hairdresser,
I have been making hair since secondary school. After I graduated, I decided to learn how to do it professionally instead of going to university. My family was against it, but when they saw that I was very serious, they started supporting me. Two years later, I rented a small shop. Except for the occasional needle injury, I never sustained any notable injury while plaiting hair for my customers until 2022. I made braids for a customer, and she became anxious when it was time for the hot water part. I told her it would be alright if she stayed still.
As soon as she felt the steam from the hot water bowl I was holding her braids in, she jumped up, and the water poured on my hands and legs. I had very painful blisters from the incident and couldn’t work for about two weeks. It’s been two years, and I still say a silent prayer before I put anyone’s braids in hot water.
Mariam, 26, Kitchen Assistant
I work at a popular canteen in Lagos, and I help with ingredient preparation for the meals. So, you’ll find me chopping vegetables, peeling yam, or just cleaning up after the chefs.
In February 2024, a colleague lifted a pot of stew without napkins and dropped it when it burnt her hands. I was standing next to her, and it poured on me.
The burn injuries I sustained were terrible. I was in and out of the hospital for several weeks afterwards, spending my savings. After I returned to work, I was reluctant to work close to where the pots were for a while. I still give the colleague who dropped the pot side eye sometimes.
Ebuka, 23, Water Supplier
I came to Lagos in 2021 to work and live with an older family friend as an Nwa Boy—an apprentice. I noticed that some houses in the estate where my Oga’s house is don’t have clean water, and there was nobody to supply it. I told him that I wanted to start doing that for some extra money. He thought it was a good idea and gave me an old keke napep to deliver the kegs of water. I used to do my runs twice daily, 4:00am to 7:00am; and 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
The first time I got injured on the job was when I fell at a customer’s house during one of my 4:00 a.m. runs. I scraped my hand and sprained my leg. I still get injured from tripping on things at people’s houses when I go to give them water. I wish my customers would just pity me and clear their floors before I come.
Conclusion
Every artisan deserves optimal protection from the risks they are exposed to while working. Health Cash insurance by Casava ensures you are reimbursed for what you spend at the hospital to treat injuries sustained at work.
Erigbemi Sadeju is an experienced content and community manager across various industries, including insurance, finance, real estate, and advertising. Connect with Erigbemi and learn more about safeguarding your life and career with Health Cash at casava.com
