Lafarge Cement Wapco Emphasises The Importance Of Safety At The Workplace.
Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc, a leading manufacturer of cement in Nigeria has re-emphasized its commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its employees, contractors and stakeholders.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, George Lourandos made this commitment during activities to mark the company’s 2009 Health and Safety Month which held in its three locations in Lagos, Ewekoro and Sagamu, both in Ogun State.
Lourandos informed that the company and indeed all Lafarge companies worldwide regard safety as its number one priority. According to him, “We integrate health and safety objectives into our management systems at all levels by regarding Safety as the best indicator for performance of staff and contractors. Our Management is accountable for the prevention of injuries and occupational illnesses”.
“We want to see our staff and contractors leave home for work and return safe to their families. To this end, we are driving key messages and actions on Safety both during work and off-work”.
The Managing Director also revealed that it was the company’s quest at maintaining zero-injury and fatality during operation that made it to engage the services of DuPont, renown consultants on Safety and Protection.
According to Lourandos, the company, through an established Health Policy, has embarked on strategic actions aimed at safe guarding the health of staff. This include campaigns on Prevention of Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Hepatistis B, major conditions that can put an individual’s health at risk.
The emphasis of 2009 Safety activities was on the Control of Harzadous Energy; Mobile Equipment and Transportation; First Aid and Emergency Response. In this vein, trainings and demonstrations were held for Staff, Contractors and Suppliers in all three locations on Scaffolding Erection, Fire-fighting and Rescue while Open Safety Briefings were also held by the Plant Managers to discuss relevant safety issues.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA) delivered talks on “The Impact of Drugs and Alcohol on Driving” while the Nigerian Red Cross Society showcased demonstrations on Choking, Falling from Height and Exhaustion. Other highlights of the programme included Introduction of the Company’s Alcohol and Drug Policy.
