APM Terminals harps on employees’ safety at workplace

APM Terminals Apapa has emphasised the need for workers who expose themselves to front-line activities to be safety conscious and adapt to best practices as they carry out their businesses.

Speaking at the terminal’s yearly Global Safety Day, the Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen, said while the management staff had more influence over work design control, the colleagues at the quayside, yard, workshop and other units were faced with the highest potential for injury. Over 60 employees and contractor staff with outstanding safety records were recognised during an onsite event.

Knudsen said safety was a joint effort and a continuous process that required sharing of ideas on how to keep safe at work place.

“I want to encourage you to continuously learn safety and adapt to best practices. Safety is not what we learn once; it is a continuous process. Do not hesitate to wave me or other management team members down to share your ideas, suggestions and the challenges you are facing when carrying out your duties.

Our priority is to make sure everyone coming to work in our terminal returns home to his or her families safe and sound,” he said.

Also speaking, the Head of Safety, APM Terminals Apapa, Felix Ugwuagbo, said while safety remained a key priority at the terminal, all employees including senior management team members must be diligent in observing relevant safety measures at all times.

An employee, Keni Ebiowei, who shared his experience at the event, emphasised the need for every worker to take responsibility for safety at the terminal.

The Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, Olufunmilayo Olotu, commended APM for raising the bar in port operation and safety in Nigeria.

“It is not every time we get to see handlers and drivers; hence, we are using this opportunity to celebrate those who are not always visible. Thank you for keeping the port safe and for ensuring that we are having safety practices that are of global best standards,” Olotu said.

Presenting certificates of recognition to outstanding workers, the Controller, Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Yusuf Ibrahim Malanta advised: “While you are being recognised today for your safety achievements, you are also setting the bar higher and must outperform yourself tomorrow.”