The Nigerian government says it has commenced the development of the Construction and Allied Works Safety Regulations.
This, it says is aimed at promoting the safety and health of workers in the industry.
In a statement signed by the Head and Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr Olajide Oshundun said the document would essentially regulate operations and activities within the construction industry which will significantly reduce the incidences of incessant building collapses across the country.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ms Kachollom Daju, speaking as she flagged off a workshop in Abuja on the Development of the Construction and Allied Works Safety Regulations, disclosed that the Regulations would also ensure that adequate controls and emergency preparedness are put in place to reduce the impact of such incidences in cases where such occurrences cannot be prevented.
The resulting document from the workshop according to the Permanent Secretary, would be validated by stakeholders and thereafter presented to the Federal Executive Council for approval.
She declared that the Federal Government remained committed to promoting the safety and health of workers across all sectors through “Strengthening the National Occupational Safety and Health Legislative framework” with the collaboration of stakeholders, especially following the amendment of ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work to include a safe and healthy work environment.
“The safety and health of workers in this industry is considered to be of great importance for achieving successful project delivery be it large, medium or small,“ she said.
Daju also noted that the Construction industry plays a significant role in the economic growth of any nation, generating various forms of employment across its value chain comprising activities such as “Designs, alterations, maintenance, repairs, mechanical and electrical engineering.”
She also identified the Construction Industry as one of the largest, and also one of the most hazardous sectors globally, as the workers are exposed to a vast array of occupational hazards.
She stated that Government would continue to sensitise stakeholders (employers, employees, clients, professionals, contractors,and other government agencies) of their legal responsibilities and obligations according to the nature of works performed, as the issue of safety and health is of interest to all.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment she said, would ensure adequate enforcement of the provisions of the Regulations and all other existing subsidiary Regulations of the Factories Act CAP F1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, for a safe and healthy workplace for all workers in Nigeria.
The Director, of the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Ministry, Lauretta Adogu, had stated that the Construction and Allied Works Safety Regulations would be used to ensure the safety and health of workers in Construction, in both the public and private sectors.
She explained that the Regulations would provide a framework for safety and health in the Construction industry, to be adhered to and enforced, to prevent accidents and diseases and harmful effects on the health of workers, arising from employment in Construction; ensure appropriate design and implementation of construction projects, among other provisions.
Participants at the workshop include representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria employment Consultative Association (NECA) as well as Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment among others.
PIAK
