By Abbas Nazil
Dockworkers in Nigeria have renewed their appeal for improved health and safety measures due to the hazards they face at work.
They expressed the appeal through their umbrella union, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), during Dockworkers’ Day celebrations in Lagos.
The dockworkers called for stricter enforcement of occupational safety standards in the maritime sector to protect workers from workplace risks.
The event, themed “Safety First, Efficiency Always,” brought together industry stakeholders, government agencies, and union leaders to address the safety challenges faced by dockworkers.
Prince Adewale Adeyanju, MWUN President-General, demanded severe penalties for employers who fail to comply with safety regulations.
He also called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to regulate terminal operators more effectively, ensuring the health and welfare of dockworkers are prioritized.
According to Adeyanju, dockworkers are exposed to significant risks, including heavy machinery, harsh weather, and hazardous cargo.
He underscored the importance of providing proper training, equipment, and support to minimize these risks.
“Numerous accidents have occurred due to the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adequate rest periods,” he said, stressing that failing to provide PPE violates international safety regulations, including conventions established by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The union also called for the introduction of group life insurance policies to provide financial security for dockworkers and their families in the event of accidents or fatalities.
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) should also be engaged to offer comprehensive health insurance coverage for dockworkers and their families, Adeyanju added.
He reaffirmed MWUN’s commitment to advocating for improved safety standards, better working conditions, and fair compensation.
The global significance of occupational safety and health was emphasized, referencing the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) declaration of occupational safety as a fundamental right at work.
Despite progress, work-related accidents and diseases remain prevalent, with devastating impacts on workers and economies.
ILO’s 2024 report revealed that 2.93 million workers die annually from work-related issues, while 395 million non-fatal injuries occur each year.
Related Posts
Additionally, 2.41 billion workers are exposed to excessive heat, with $361 billion in potential savings if safety measures are implemented.
NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba, affirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring workplace safety for dockworkers.
Mobereola emphasized that safety is a right, not a privilege, and noted that workplace efficiency depends on prioritizing dockworker safety.
He announced the unveiling of a reviewed “Minimum Standard for Dock Labour Industry” booklet, which codifies approved conditions of service and collective bargaining agreements.
“This document encapsulates our commitment to ensuring fair treatment of dockworkers by terminal operators and stevedoring companies,” Abba stated.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) also pledged its support, with the Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, represented by General Manager of Marine and Operations, Dr. Charles Okaga, calling for capacity-building initiatives to enhance port terminal operations.
Meanwhile, the Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) Chairperson, Princess Vicky Haastrup, commended dockworkers as “unsung heroes” and applauded NIMASA for recognizing their contributions to the maritime sector.
Dockworkers face unique challenges due to the hazardous nature of their work, and stakeholders at the event agreed on the need for collaborative efforts to improve safety standards.
NIMASA pledged to provide tools, resources, and training to enhance worker efficiency and ensure the sustainability of the maritime industry.
By prioritizing safety, the agency hopes to boost productivity and maintain the industry’s competitiveness on the global stage.
The call for better safety measures reflects broader concerns about workplace health and safety worldwide. The ILO’s core conventions, including the 1981 Convention No. 155 and the 2006 Convention No. 187, highlight the importance of creating safe working environments.
These conventions were declared fundamental in 2022, reinforcing global commitments to improving occupational health and safety standards.
However, the high incidence of workplace injuries and fatalities underscores the need for urgent action.
As MWUN continues to push for reforms, it has vowed to collaborate with terminal operators, shipping companies, and government agencies to create safer, more efficient ports.
The union’s advocacy aims to ensure that dockworkers are adequately protected, their contributions recognized, and their well-being prioritized.
Dockworkers’ Day 2024 highlighted both the risks inherent in dock work and the need for systemic changes to protect workers.
With industry stakeholders rallying around the call for safety and efficiency, there is hope for meaningful progress in addressing the challenges faced by dockworkers in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
