LSC, IFMA Commence Sensitization On Occupational Safety Risk Assessments For High-Rise Buildings

The Lagos State Safety Commission as part of its ongoing 2022 Zero Accident Campaign (ZAC) is set to commence sensitization and occupational safety risk assessment of high-rise buildings across the state. This is to proactively address the ineffective safety management system in place across such facilities within the State. 

Over the years, the lack of leadership commitment to safety issues, non-compliance to safety standards and guidelines, poor emergency preparedness plans have contributed to accidents such as fires, building collapses at high rise buildings. The Director-General/CEO Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, stated that in line with the Commission's mandate which is to ensure the safety of lives and properties in the State, the sensitization and commencement of risk assessment at high rise buildings will help to reduce to a significant level physical injuries, fatalities and property damage that may lead to lawsuits, reputational damage, and huge compensation.  

He added that sensitization is one of the germane steps to be taken, as this will reawaken the awareness of relevant stakeholders on the need for adequate safety protocols at high rise facilities. According to him, accidents at high-rise buildings often lead to fatalities, serious physical injuries, and loss of properties, which are avoidable if effective safety management systems are in place.  

He further stated that the scope of the assessments will include risks associated with fire, vertical transportation equipment, explosions arising from chemical/hazards storage, persons trapped in lifts and disease outbreaks amongst others. While seeking for the cooperation of the owners, occupants, and residents at high rise buildings towards the success of the exercise, he expressed his confidence in collaboration with IFMA as the capable Association to co-drive this to a success.  

In his remarks, The President of IFMA, Nigeria Chapter, Mr. Segun Adebayo, commended the Lagos State Safety Commission for the laudable collaboration and assured them of their readiness to co-operate and work with the professional and technical team to achieve the purpose and objective of the task. He agreed that the laudable initiative is in line with the renewed purpose of the Association as regards strategic collaboration with public institutions towards an excellent operation of facility management practice in the built environment.  

He further explained that “The collaboration of LSC and IFMA Nigeria will help in improving the occupational health and safety of occupants in high rise buildings and also reduce risks associated with the built environment. It is expected that this risk assessment exercise will lead to various implementable recommendations proffered by accredited professionals.” 

He added that with the combined expertise of professional members and the leverage on technical acumen and global exposures, IFMA Nigeria will be co-driving this impactful sensitization and development of an applicable Risk Assessment framework. IFMA will also put together templates to identify the hazards associated with high-rise buildings and determine the risk level of the hazards. They would also evaluate and analyse the identified hazards and review the risk assessment and risk management process of high-rise buildings within the state. 

It is hoped that the State will soon record minimal challenges related to high-rise buildings after the sensitization is conducted and risk assessments completed.