The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has organised the first quarter health and safety training for sanitation workers in the state, aimed at prioritising their health, safety, and overall well-being in the course of duty.
Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted that the Authority recognised the health hazards associated with manual sweeping, hence the decision to roll out a comprehensive health and safety training program, which covered critical areas like proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), among others.
This is contained in statement released by the waste agency while the MD said, “Our sweepers are the unsung heroes who keep Lagos clean. Like any other occupation, we recognise the hazards associated with this kind of job.
“Thus, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to prioritise their safety is paramount. This training empowers them to become active participants in their own well-being, creating a ripple effect of safety awareness throughout LAWMA.”
Speaking further the LAWMA boss stated that the Authority’s commitment towards its sanitation workers was beyond physical safety, adding that the recent distribution of LAG-ID cards to sweepers, in collaboration with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), would give them access to a comprehensive healthcare plan and other vital services.
“The LAG-ID card is a game-changer for our sweepers. It empowers them to prioritise their health, secure in the knowledge that they have access to quality care.
“This, in turn, translates to a more motivated and productive team, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and healthier Lagos for all. With the cards, they can also have access to financial services like loans”, he noted.
In a related development, LAWMA has begun deploying additional mechanised sweeping machines at strategic locations in the state, to complement efforts of its sweepers, significantly improving efficiency and for easier coverage of the city.
Dr. Gbadegesin said, “Mechanisation is a strategic step towards modernising our operations and alleviating the physical demands on our sweepers.
“This, coupled with the training program, embodies our unwavering commitment to a robust, technology-driven approach that prioritises both productivity, achieving our goal of a clean environment.”
He assured that job losses would not be suffered by sweepers operating in areas where mechanised sweeping programme is introduced, appealing to motorists to drive with caution especially with the arrival of the rains, and shun littering, for a cleaner environment.
