The Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEHPON) has reiterated the crucial role of media collaboration in improving workplace safety, particularly within the informal sector.
This was the focus of the second annual virtual media conference themed “Amplifying Impact: The Role of the Media in Promoting Occupational Health Practices.
According to the SOEHPON’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Charles Babajide Onigbogi, the conference was to foster collaboration to elevate the organization’s initiatives and promote best practices in occupational health.
The keynote speaker Charlie Peckam, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), provided practical strategies for leveraging media to enhance worker health and safety.
Peckam emphasised proactive storytelling, building strong media relationships, and the development of readily available media toolkits to quickly disseminate crucial information.
“Develop Media Toolkits, equip your clinic, department or institution with basic media-ready resources that can be deployed quickly when needed. Be Proactive with Storytelling, you don’t have to wait for a crisis or invitation rather, create media-worthy stories that showcase impact. Let there be a well built relationship with Journalists before breaking news hits.” he highlighted.
Peckham also highlighted the importance of ethical considerations and the need for combating misinformation.
On his part, SOEHPON President Dr. Musa Shaibu underscored the organization’s 2024-2026 strategic objectives, prioritizing the expansion of occupational health awareness and protections to informal workers, including bricklayers, mechanics, and market sellers.
He reiterated the vital need for partnerships between SOEHPON, the media, Nigerian workers and the government to achieve this goal.
The event also announced the SOEHPON Media Excellence Awards, which is intended to be an annual event to recognize and honour journalists who promote and contribute to increasing the public’s awareness and understanding of occupational and environmental health increasing public awareness of workplace health.
The event which brought together key stakeholders including media professionals, SOEHPON members, and representatives from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine featured robust Questions and Answers session moderated by Lanre Ajayi.
Lateefah Ibrahim