By Emmanuel Elebeke

A Chartered Safety and Health practitioner, Augustine Chineke Obute has advocated prioritization of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management in the workplaces especially in construction, Oil and Gas organizations.

Obute with about 20 years of experience in construction, oil and gas, roads and general infrastructure and consulting organizations proffered a framework to help industry practitioners anticipate potential workplace hazards or near-miss incidents and implement immediate corrective measures through the extensive integration of technology into operations.

Obute who made this known during his interaction with some industry experts recently reeled out the unique challenges construction, oil and gas companies and other high-risk industries were facing in managing occupational health safety and environment (OHSE) concerns effectively due to the nature of their products and market dynamics.

While highlighting the vitality of HSE principles in workplaces, Obute stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety and comfort of all involved, employees and other interested parties, preserve the ecosystem, and ensure environmental sustainability.

Currently serving as a Health Safety and Environment Manager at CEVA Logistics (Project logistics/Oil & gas Construction), Obute said with increased sensitization and awareness on safety, health and environmental issues, construction, oil and gas companies were facing growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices throughout their supply chains.

According to him, “We should note with concern that construction, Oil and Gas companies are greatly faced with numerous operational hazards and risks, including machinery accidents, chemical exposures, fire outbreaks, and unwarranted injuries.

“Handling and containing these challenges need vigorous safety procedures, training and refresher training programs, corrective and preventive actions, safety resources allocation, to minimize the likelihood of accidents and injuries in the workplace.

“Don’t forget that the health and safety of workers and clients is crucial for maintaining trust and integrity in the market. Adequate HSE applications help companies ensure the wellness of the workers. It is also highly needed in our desire to achieve environmental sustainability, which has become a growing concern for construction, oil and gas consortiums as they seek to minimize their carbon footmark, reduce waste, and adopt eco-friendly practices to meet customer expectations, aspirations and regulatory demands. Reduce costs, reduce risks, lower employee absenteeism and turnover rates, reduce threat of legal action against the company, increased productivity and profitability because employees are healthier and motivated, improve company’s corporate image and reputation. Employers must comply with duty of care as a moral and legal obligation to ensure the safety or well-being of workers, contractors, visitors other interested parties.

“The fact remains that workplace accidents have continued to pose serious risks to employee well-being and organizational productivity. Safety is not only priority but a core value. So, the importance of building a strong safety culture has never been more critical” he noted.

Obute, who was passionate about creating safer workplaces and committed to staying ahead of evolving HSE standards stresses the need of cultivating a strong safety culture in workplaces with organizations demonstrating a commitment to safety at an equal level of priority given to production, services, and profit making.

However, Obute with a background in workplace safety, health and environment was capable of bringing practical experience in planning, developing and implementing Occupational Health & Safety procedures required for HSE international Management System Standard. He has a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a master’s degree in public health.

He endeavors to keep abreast of all latest standards in workplace safety & health through his IOSH professional body membership (CMIOSH), CPD, HSE Executive and have completed a number of relevant courses to this end, such as: Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health International General Certificate (NEBOSH), ProQual NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice, City & Guide NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice, IOSH Managing Safely from Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, OSHA Outreach 30-Hour Construction, OSHA 132 hours, Lead Auditor in ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001, NVQ Assessor showcasing his capability to mentor and assess upcoming safety professionals. Accredited Ethics & Compliance Investigator, Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the work Environment, Certificate award of Safe Steady Progress Champion from Qatar Energy LNG SCORE, Emergency Response Team Leader and other OHSE certifications indeed complemented weighty understanding of international HSE Management System Standards, enabling him to design and implement robust safety procedures across diverse industries.

He has extensive experience in developing, planning, implementing and maintaining policies and procedures to keep employees safe and healthy in the workplace.

His experience in carrying out hazards’ identification and risk assessments, safe work procedures, method statements and site standard operating procedures demonstrates his ability to achieve an organization’s internal processes and procedures with legislative obligations.

Obute, who is highly proactive and articulate in communication, possesses excellent leadership management and persuasive skills to bring about changes in the work culture particularly on HSE issues; ability to manage relationships with all personnel.

Above all, he has a proven track record of contributing to projects in an incident free and effective manner, reduction of Lost Time Injuries (LTI), Medical Treatment Cases (MTC), Lost workday case (LWDC) etc. achieved by exemplary leading, training rewards and mentoring. As a team player, he has liaised with various divisions, wrote reports and participated in group project meetings.

Finally, Obute believes that safety personnel must be up to their game and always ready to conduct, inspect, report accurately, train, retrain and sensitize employees on safety tips and the use of a safety awareness training, toolbox, task instruction, pre-task briefing etc.

As Nigeria continues to develop its infrastructure and expansion of industries, the importance of occupational safety and health cannot be overstated. Obute’s contributions to workplace safety, health and environment are paving the way for safer workplaces not only in Nigeria but across the globe. His devotion to excellence coupled with his enormous qualifications and experience makes him a genuine asset to the HSE community. Obute’s work serves as a reminder that through the right leadership, commitment, and expertise; it’s feasible to create an environment where employees can thrive without compromising their health and safety.