The Federal Government says a safe and healthy working condition is fundamental for decent work and the foundation upon which policy guidance for the return to work must be based.
This assertion was made by the Honorable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, SAN at the 10th International Safety Conference and Awards 2020.
According to the Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Yerima Peter Tarfa, PhD, the COVD 19 pandemic has brought a lot of changes to the work place and challenged established norms about how employees can deliver on their employment obligations.
He says some of the changes that have occurred are expected to remain in place long after the pandemic is over.
Keyamo maintained that several measures and strategies need to be put in place to ensure that the work place is safe and secure.
These measures according to him include elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment.
The Minister assures participants that the present administration is working tirelessly to tackle the challenges that confront our nation at this time and is determined to address these challenges.
Government, according to him is ready to partner with all stakeholders in the different sectors to find a lasting solution.
Furthermore, Keyamo said, while the infection rate continues to rise globally, some countries including Nigeria are working to sustain declining rates and reactivate the economy.
He therefore challenged members of the Occupational Safety and Health Association to come up with ideas that will help develop a safer and secure work place.
Present at the conference were the Minister for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehinare, Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammadu M. Abubakar, HRM King Alfred Papareye Diete-Spiff, Amayanabo of Twon Brass; Former Military Governor of Old Rivers State, Director Legal Department, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Barr. Ifeoma Ndukwe (FOSHA), and representative of the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing.
Also at the event, the Hon. Minister of State, Festus Keyamo, SAN and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Yerima Peter Tarfa, PhD. were inducted as Honourary Fellow, Occupational Safety and Health Association UK among others.