Safety experts harp on compliance with global standards

FOLLOWING projection that Nigeria could emerge one of the world’s leading economies by 2030, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has harped on the need for professionals to adhere to global safety standards.

   According to the association, compliance with global standards would engender safety of lives and property in the quest for accelerated development and growth.

   Speaking Tuesday in Lagos at the opening ceremony of the association’s second Professional Development Conference and Exhibition (PDC), organised by the Nigeria chapter, the President Kamil Abiodun said the association was determined to increase its advocacy to ensure that professionals in the industry comply with standards to prepare the country ahead of the projected booming economy.

   He said the essence of the conference, which was tagged “Compliance and Intervention for Survival”, was not only to increase its advocacy in Nigeria but also across other African countries.

   “As part of our commitment and reachout strategy, ASSE increased collaboration with other professional bodies. The intent is to increase advocacy and promote good safety culture nationwide”, Abiodun said.

  He stressed that professionals must turn the tide by charting a more creative part towards improving the safety culture of all workers in Africa particularly in Nigeria.

   Abiodun said the association was ready to educate safety experts to see that the root cause of safety issues are embedded in the architectural designs, stressing that that results to an unsafe environment.

   He noted that safety must be incorporated into every design to avoid human errors adding that the nation must ensure that its equip it safety professionals to ensure safety of properties and human lives.

   In a goodwill message by the Director General of Lagos State Safety Commission, Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi enjoined safety professionals to imbibe a proactive approach towards ensuring compliance as a tool to enable survival across the nation.

   The ongoing conference and exhibition, which was powered by Nile Support Services, gathered safety experts from across the globe, including Julius Rhodes from Chicago, United States; Managing Consultant, Kaygrill Services Nigeria Limited, Kaizer Ebi; ASSE past president, Rick Pollock; Prof. Kerry Gardiner, amongst others.