Yemisi Izuora
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), says it recently achieved a milestone of 365 days ‘Lost Time Injury’, translating to 1.6 Million safe man-hours.
The IBEDC in a statement by its Head, Branding and Corporate Communications Mrs, Angela Olanrewaju quoted the company’s Chief Technical Officer, Mr Ade Ayileka, to have said it meant that business had no time lost to injury with staff in 365 days.
“This safety achievement is a big milestone in the power sector considering the level of risks involved in the day-to-day activities and the extent of free access to electrical installations.
“The power sector by nature is fraught with high-level hazard and occupational risk. To achieve a year with no lost time Injury is definitely a milestone to recognise,” Ayileka said.
He said the company was determined to put safety at the forefront of all its operations, as its mission was to attain the vision zero incident by 2020.
According to him, the major milestone was achieved due mainly to the emphasis placed on safety within IBEDC which has formed part of its core strategic business goals consistently for over three years.
Ayileka said this also included, extensive customer education, sensitisation on safety and huge investment on safety gear and equipment for staff.
“To ensure we continue to keep safety as a culture as we work toward the International Standard Certification, which specifies requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management System, Ibadan Disco has obtained the services of an accredited environmental consultancy firm.
He said the firm- AMPAK Nigeria Limited was engaged for a health, safety and environment improvement programme.
Ayileka said the firm would help IBEDC consolidate its existing safety structure and recommend new measures to attain the International Safety Standard Certification- ISO 45001-2018.
He also appealed to customers to work in collaboration with IBEDC and its staff to attain this mission by not tampering with electrical installation, refrain from building any structure under powerlines and assaulting its staff.