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BEDC harps on data collection 

Data collection on work-related accidents and diseases is very important for analyzing and preventing accidents and occupational diseases at the workplace, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) has said. 

Electricity distribution

Data collection on work-related accidents and diseases is very important for analyzing and preventing accidents and occupational diseases at the workplace, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) has said.

BEDC Safety Manager, Gilbert Nweke, said this at the World Safety Day 2017, held at Oba Akenzua Hall, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin.
He however said that to realise this objective, there is the need to upgrade recording and notification systems of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) data collection and analysis at national level.

“Maintaining data integrity is very crucial for setting priorities and raising national and workplace preventive programmes. When the national record keeping and notification systems have been skillfully upgraded, it will be easier to harmonise with the global data collection and analysis system for purposes of preventing accidents and monitoring the extent of progress made in this regard” he remarked.

Nweke listed sources of OSH data collection to include accident reporting, employees, workers union police, Federal Road Safety Corps and other law enforcement agents, hospital sources and insurance.

He said BEDC is statutorily required to report any incident/accident occurrence to Nigerian Electricity Regulations Commission (NERC), and the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).

He added that the company has an obligation to forward preliminary accident report to NERC, while final detailed investigation report is expected within four weeks of the incident.

Among safety measures adopted by BEDC are; monthly safety meetings, fire simulation / drill being conducted in each Business Units, safety inspection by MD/CEO and team visits to BU’s, and the fencing of distribution substations across all business units.

Nweke hinted that the company had concluded work on a Safety Handbook that will soon be made available to the public.

BEDC it will be recalled has demonstrated commitment to health, safety and environmental protocols within the workplace including: systematic management of occupational health and safety; injury management (including return-to-work programs); and systematic identification, assessment and control strategies for hazards.

The company has equally demonstrated  best-practice approaches and achievements in health, safety and environmental management, which may include: improved efficiency and ability to identify and abate unsafe conditions and practices; elimination of or reduction in hazards and/or exposures, accidents, injuries or fatalities and leadership in fostering timely and safe return to work. Others are solutions to a specific safety management problem or significant safety program improvement; increased safety knowledge, skills or awareness within the workforce through program communication; implementation of effective safety and health resourcing strategies.

BEDC recently partnered with the World Safety Organisation (WSO), Nigeria office to mark the World Safety Day.

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