As part of its Covid-19 awareness and sensitization programme, the Lagos State Safety Commission has trained workers and other stakeholders in the public transportation sector on hygiene management and workplace safety.
Tagged “Hygiene Management after the ease of COVID-19 lockdown”, the training sessions were held at the Ojota new Garage and the Oshodi-Ikotun Motor Park, Bolade, Oshodi
Addressing the transport workers, the Director General of the Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola said the training became imperative considering the peculiarity of their daily routine which involve interactions with the public.
He explains that the training was also aimed at enhancing their understanding about the safety protocols and etiquettes and to ensure that the workers wear their face masks and recommended safety protocols issued by the State Government
“We have trained them on personal safety, works place safety which is road safety because they are always on the road. We also emphasised on domestic and public safety. With regards to personal safety we have trained them on hygiene management to ensuring that they washed thier hands and ensure thier garages and motor parks are clean always” Mr. Mojola said.
The training also highlighted issues around public safety on the road, situational awareness, hazard identification and more importantly the use of drug and alcohol which is absolutely no go area when it’s comes to transportation.” he said.
Mr. Mojola explained that part of the mandate of the Commission was to continue sensitisation and advocacy sessions across the State.
According to him “Our mandate is to ensure the safety of lives of Lagisians. How best is for us than to train these transport workers.The sessions have been very engaging and we have good questions and answers feedback sessions with them and we feel it’s something that we have started and we will continue to have more of this session on a regular basis.” He said
He however enjoined commuters to stay alert and ensure they board buses that are clean, wear their face masks and look out for drivers that are under the influence of drugs and alcohol and escalate to the Commission through their association or to the Government through the safety Commission.
The Head of Training Safety Commission, Mrs. Adeola Adebowale advised transport workers not to be complacent about the development on COVID-19, stressing that the pandemic is still in the air and adherence to all safety guidelines will prevent further spread of the virus.
Mrs. Adebowale who re-echoed the need to use face mask as part of measures put in place by the NCDC, also enlightened them on the consistent use of hand sanitizer, ensuring social distancing and fumigation of the parks as well as hand washing at all time.
In his remarks, the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mr Musiliu Akinsanya popularly called MC Oluomo, commended the State Government on efforts being made to tackle Covid-19 and urged members to be conversant with the safety guidelines and ensure compliance.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Ojota Motor Park, Mr IfeOluwa Adenusi, commended the Lagos State Government and the safety Commission in particular for the initiative which according to him will serve as further enlightenment measures for the transport workers.
The Safety Commission thereafter distributed safety kits which contain sanitizer, face masks, towels, soaps amongst others to the transport workers.
Yemisi Oreoluwa
