Electricity Industry Safety Concerns: 59 Workers Killed in Accidents
A recent report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission revealed that at least 59 electricity workers lost their lives in accidents between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. 23 of these fatalities occurred in the first quarter of 2024 alone, with 31 other workers sustaining injuries.
The report highlighted major causes of casualties, including wire snaps, illegal access, acts of vandalism, unsafe conditions, and falls from height. It also identified specific distribution companies with high casualty rates, emphasizing the need for better safety measures in the sector.
Experts in the industry, like Adetayo Adegbemle, have expressed concerns over the lack of Personal Protective Equipment for workers and called for stronger regulatory interventions to improve safety standards. Adegbemle stressed the importance of sanctioning non-compliant companies to ensure a safer working environment.
Tragic incidents, such as the deaths of Ikeja Electric worker Tunde and two Benin Electricity Distribution Company employees, highlight the pressing need for enhanced safety protocols and increased awareness within the electricity industry to prevent further loss of life.