By Kadiri Christopher
The Management team of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, Plc , led by the Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Engr. Jonathan Lawani, recently paid a visit to two critical units within the Benin South Region, Etete and GRA Business Units as part of the safety enlightenment for technical staff across the company.
They engaged directly with frontline field workers to address concerns, challenges, and solutions pertaining to safety protocols and practices.
Present at the meeting were key personnel including the Head of Health, Safety and Environment, Mr. Gilbert Nweke, the Acting Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Evelyn Gbiwen, the Head of Network Operations, Engr Kingsley Atseyinku, the Regional Head of Benin South, Mr. Gboyega Agunlejika and the Regional Head, Technical of the Region.
During the dialogue which fostered an open exchange of ideas, the technical officers, who are the front line field workers of BEDC Plc candidly expressed challenges such as limited availability of Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, logistical constraints, sharp practices by the officers themselves in a hurry to meet deadlines, and instances of Negligence by the officers involved. The officers also mentioned the network configurations as one of the challenges, citing bad practices during construction, including the presence of another network.
Speaking further, the officers stated that the network configuration has made it very dangerous and also highly volatile to break down.
In response, these insights prompted proactive measures from management, including an immediate commitment to allocate additional PPE to meet minimum safety requirements, which include, safety helmets, safety belts, hand gloves, operating rods etc.
On their part, Both the Chief Technical officer, the Head of Networks Operations and the Head of HSE underscored the personal responsibility of each field officer in adhering to all laid down safety regulations and procedures, emphasizing that safety is not merely a corporate obligation but a personal commitment with far-reaching implications for individuals, families, the company, and the nation as a whole.
The head of HSE, Mr Nweke, emphasized the criticality of proper grounding of lines, highlighting that adherence to safety procedures, including the use of PPE, must be coupled with grounding to ensure comprehensive safety measures.
He further charged the safety officer of the region who was also present at the meeting, to ensure the officers are always kitted and follow all other procedures before they work on any line.
Looking ahead, Engr. Lawani pledged to enhance the process of line approval, construction, and commissioning to prioritize safety at every stage.
This proactive approach underscores BEDC’s holistic commitment to safety, by charging the two Business Head, Technical to take charge of their networks, recognizing that safety must be ingrained in the design, construction, and operation of electrical networks.
As a tangible demonstration of appreciation for the field officers’ dedication, Engr. Lawani made a personal donation towards their transportation expenses, further illustrating BEDC’s recognition of the invaluable contributions of its frontline workforce.
BEDC Plc’s unwavering dedication to safety serves as a testament to its commitment to excellence, ensuring the well-being of its workforce and the communities it serves.
It was further revealed that additional PPE is set to be distributed across business units nationwide as BEDC reaffirms its position as a leader in prioritizing safety within the electricity industry
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