BEDC harps on data collection in curbing workplace accidents

The management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has stated that data collection on work related accidents and diseases is very vital for analyzing and preventing accidents and occupational diseases at workplace.

The BEDC Safety Manager, Mr. 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 realize this objective, there is 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 harmonize with the global data collection and analysis system for purposes of preventing accidents and monitoring the extent of progress made in this regard,” he said.

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.