The Lagos Island branch of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has advocated for a proactive approach to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on occupational safety and health, citing reduced staff productivity, increased discomfort in workplaces, and negative impacts on economic development.
Additionally, NSITF has called for improvements in the working environment across industries, promoting both technological solutions and a strong cultural commitment to health and safety amid climate change concerns.
This call was made at the weekend to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024, with the theme ‘Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Occupational Safety and Health’, in Lagos.
During an awareness walk, the Deputy General Manager of the NSITF Lagos Island branch, Erebi Kia, highlighted the critical link between environmental changes and workplace productivity and safety, as well as their effects on economic growth.
Kia noted that climate change leads to fatigue and weakness among employees, inevitably impacting output.
To address these issues, Kia disclosed that NSITF is advocating for the adoption of alternative energy sources such as solar and compressed natural gas (CNG) for power generation, to help maintain a comfortable working environment while minimising carbon emissions.
She said implementing CNG generators is a sustainable choice, as it reduces air pollution and proves to be more cost-effective in the long term while highlighting the federal government’s increasing investment in CNG technologies.
The Assistant General Manager for Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), Adara Adenike, discussed the broader implications of climate change for occupational health and its huge implications on the economy.
She detailed how extreme weather conditions, like intense heat or heavy rainfall, could lead to more on-site injuries or even disabilities, particularly in industries such as construction.
She stated that the theme of the walk aims to underscore these risks and the vital proactive measures necessary to ensure productivity and economic development.
Adenike said by drawing attention to these urgent issues, NSITF hopes to foster a safer and more productive working environment across industries to contribute to the economic growth of the country.
