By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The issue of health and safety standards at workplace has been a thorny discourse for some time across the globe.

In fact, the International Labour Organisation, ILO,  Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) were declared as Core Conventions in June 2022 by ILO to show the importance the global community attaches to the issue of occupational health and safety.

According to the ILO,  a safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at  work. Thus, all members have an obligation arising from the very fact of membership in the ILO to respect, to promote and to realise, in good faith and in accordance with the ILO Constitution, the principles concerning this fundamental principle and right.

“Despite this important decision and the significant progress in occupational safety and health, OSH, work-related accidents and diseases still occur too frequently, with devastating impacts on workers, enterprises and entire communities and economies.  

In ILO 2024 reports, 2.93 million workers die annually as a result of work-related issues, 395 workers suffer non-fatal injuries at work globally in a year, 2.41 billion workers are exposed to excessive heat each year, and $361 billion could be saved globally by implementing improved safety and health measures to prevent injuries from excessive heat in the workplace.

No wonder the issue of occupational safety and health, OSH, took centre stage at this year’s Dockworkers Day celebration few days ago in Lagos, where the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, told the stakeholders at the event that  dockworker’s job is mostly full of risks and hazards.

Hazardous docks

Addressing the gathering with the theme: Safety First, Efficiency Always,, the President-General of MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, demanded stiffer penalties for employers who breach or fail to comply with minimum safety standards in the sector.

Prince Adeyanju also called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,  NIMASA  to focus on regulating and compelling terminal operators to ensure that the health and welfare of dockworkers were prioritized. 

According to him: “The work of dockworkers is mostly full of risks and hazards. They face hazards every day, from heavy machinery to harsh weather conditions and exposure to hazardous cargo etc, this is why it is important to ensure that Dock workers get the necessary training, are provided with necessary equipment and support to perform their duties safely and efficiently.  

“I wish to note that we have experienced numerous accidents largely attributed to lack of personal protective equipment, PPE, and adequate rest period. Let it be emphasized that the non-provision of PPE is a clear violation of safety regulations as provided for by the fundamental conventions on occupational safety and health —International Labour Organisation, ILO.  

“As a union, we strongly urge the terminal operators to prioritise the safety and well-being of dockworkers by providing adequate Personal Protective Equipment. We further advocate for employers to provide group life insurance coverage to all Dockworkers, recognising the inherent risks associated with cargo handling and their unique operations. This policy will provide financial security and support to workers and their families in the event of accidents or fatalities.  

“Also, it is important to restate the popular saying that ‘health is wealth’. It is on this premise that we advocate the need for HMO for all Dockworkers in their places of work that will provide health insurance coverage for them and their immediate family.  

“MWUN will continue to advocate for better working conditions, improved safety standards, and fair compensation for all Dockworkers and other categories of our members. We will also work closely with other stakeholders, including Terminal Operators, Shipping companies and Government Agencies, to ensure that our ports are safe, efficient, and productive.  

He added: “As we celebrate Dockworkers’ Day today, let us remember the importance of Safety and efficiency in all our operations. Let us renew our commitment to prioritizing the safety and well being of all dockworkers. And let us work together to build a Maritime industry that is safe, efficient and prosperous for all.  

NIMASA, NPA, TOAN stance

On its part, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, declared that the safety of Dockworkers at workplace was a right and not a privilege.

It implored employers to improve workplace safety for the Nigerian dockworker.

Speaking, NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, declared that efficiency in the workplace could only be guaranteed when the safety of dockworkers was assured.

The Director-General whose address was delivered by the Agency’s Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jibril Abba, assured stakeholders that under his leadership, the Agency will endeavour to create an environment that enables maritime labour to function according to international best practices.

He said: “NIMASA is committed to supporting you with the tools, resources, and training necessary to enhance efficiency. By working smarter, we not only boost our productivity but also ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of our Maritime industry on the global stage.”

Hinting on the unveiling of  a Reviewed Minimum Standard  for Dock  Labour Industry booklet, Abba said: “It is very instructive that we have concluded, as part of the activities of this great day, to launch a document that encapsulates our commitment as an Agency to ensuring that Nigerian Dockworkers are treated fairly by the terminal operators and stevedoring companies.

“This document codifies the implementation of approved conditions of service and collective bargaining agreements on minimum standards.”

On his part, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, who was represented by the General Manager of Marine and Operations, NPA, Dr. Charles Okaga, among others, called on other government agencies to support Dockworkers in capacity-building for effective port terminal operations.

Similarly, on her part, Chairperson of the Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, STOAN, Princess Vicky Haastrup, described Dockworkers as unsung heroes but commended NIMASA for recognising their contributions.