The Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL) in partnership with the International Alliance of Waste pickers (IAWP) has organised a Train-the-Trainer programme on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to improve safety practices among waste pickers across the state.
Speaking at the training on Thursday in Lagos, the President of ASWOL, Mr Friday Oku, said the programme was aimed at equipping members with knowledge on health risks associated with waste picking and measures to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
Oku explained that waste pickers were constantly exposed to hazardous materials and harmful chemicals, making safety education and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) critical to their wellbeing.
“We are here for a train-the-trainer programme on occupational health and safety.
“The objective is to train our people to understand the health and safety implications of the work we do as waste pickers.
“We come in contact with hazardous and harmful chemicals daily, and it is important that our members know the risks and how to protect themselves,” Oku said.
He noted that the association was also intensifying efforts to expand its membership base by registering waste pickers across local governments in the state to ensure wider access to training and welfare programmes.
“We are going from one local government to another to register our members, and the registration is free. Only those who want an identity card pay a small token,” Oku said.
He noted that the training was helping to bridge the safety and health gap within the sector, particularly in addressing poor compliance with PPE usage among waste pickers.
“Many of our members do not know how to use PPE properly. Even when gloves, boots or overalls are provided, some people do not use them.
“This programme is helping them understand that using PPE is compulsory for their safety, he said.
Oku called on the government to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of safety standards in the waste management sector, adding that regulatory support would encourage better compliance among workers.
He also appealed for increased private sector support, saying that waste pickers often lack the financial capacity to purchase protective gear.
“Some of the PPE we are distributing today were donated by Coca-Cola, and we appreciate that support. We need more organisations, especially in the food and beverage sector, to support us,” he said.
He added that ASWOL had earlier distributed boots and gloves to members in April and was now providing overalls as part of its ongoing efforts to promote safe working conditions for waste pickers in Lagos.
He expressed gratitude to partners for making the training a success. Newsmen reports that the training had over a 100 participants in attendance. Highlight of the event was the sharing of food items for Christmas from Coca-Cola.
Some dignitaries that graced the occasion were from LAWMA, LAGRA, Sweep Foundation and NASWDEN.
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