By Victor Ahiuma-Young

Stakeholders gathered in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a few days ago to deliberate on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in commemoration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

The event, organised by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), was themed: Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work. 

It was hosted by the Fund’s Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Department to explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization and their roles in enhancing workers’ safety and health.

Among the participants were members of the National Assembly, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and representatives of Organised Labour.

Speaking at the event, NSITF’s Managing Director, Olawaseun Faleye, advocated the adoption of AI and digitalization to improve workplace safety in Nigeria.

However, he cautioned that while embracing technology, care must be taken not to overlook the fundamental principles that underpin occupational safety and health.

Faleye explained that AI would bring innovations to workplace safety by transforming prediction, prevention, and protection strategies, which in turn would enhance overall safety and well-being at work.

The Managing Director stressed the “need for continuous learning and adaptation, investment in training and education to ensure workers are proficient in utilising these tools. It is also important to ensure appropriate compliance with ethical standards and that proper safeguards are in place.”

He called for a reaffirmation “of our commitment to workers’ safety.”

Faleye commended NECA for its continued support and also praised the HSE team for their dedication.

He added that the topic was timely and pivotal in reshaping workplace safety standards.

Earlier, while welcoming participants, the Fund’s Executive Director of Operations, Mrs. Mojisolaoluwa Alli-Macaulay, described the gathering as one of experts, practitioners, and stakeholders aimed at brainstorming on best practices and the challenges of adopting AI and digitalization for worker safety and well-being.

She stated that the goal was to “equip OSH professionals with the knowledge and skills required to leverage AI and digitalization, while also addressing associated challenges for a safer and healthier Nigerian workplace.”

In his goodwill message, NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, lamented that “the workplace environment in Nigeria is not in the best state.”

According to him, the event was an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to workers’ safety and to deepen collaboration among stakeholders.

“AI has come to stay and is reshaping how we address safety in the workplace,” he said.

The Director-General reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to creating a safer and healthier work environment for Nigerian workers, noting that free training programs were ongoing in that regard.

Similarly, in a goodwill message, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards, David Idris Zakarias, praised the NSITF Managing Director for his courage and determination in improving the Fund.

He stated that AI had the potential “to transform the way we prevent, monitor, and respond to hazards.”

The Committee Chairman advocated for a worker-centred approach, saying: “Behind every tool and innovation are humans. An innovation can only be measured by the lives it actually protects.”

He concluded by affirming that the House remained steadfast in “our collective pursuit of safety in the workplace.”