Dare Babalola
The Lagos Waste Management Authority has intensified efforts to safeguard its frontline sanitation workers with a comprehensive health and safety training programme for highway sweepers in Lagos.
The exercise, which took place on Friday along the Ikate–Elegushi corridor of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, was aimed at improving the efficiency and safety consciousness of personnel responsible for keeping major roads clean across the state.
This was contained in a statement by Mukaila Sanusi, Director, Public Affairs of LAWMA, on Saturday.
Speaking during the training, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of its workforce.
He noted that highway sweepers operate under demanding and sometimes hazardous conditions, making it imperative for the authority to prioritise their safety and wellbeing.
According to him, the training focused on the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and safety boots. Participants were also educated on the safe handling and disposal of hazardous waste materials, a key component of maintaining a healthy work environment and preventing occupational risks.
Gbadegesin explained that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy by LAWMA to strengthen safety protocols and ensure that all sanitation workers are well-equipped and professionally trained to carry out their duties effectively.
He emphasised that equipping workers with the right knowledge, tools, and protective gear would not only reduce exposure to health risks but also enhance productivity and service delivery across the state.
The LAWMA boss further highlighted that the training underscores the agency’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards while ensuring that personnel tasked with keeping Lagos clean are adequately protected.
He added that the authority would continue to invest in regular capacity-building programmes and safety awareness initiatives to sustain a strong culture of safety within its operations.
Gbadegesin also commended the dedication of the highway sweepers and urged them to consistently adhere to safety guidelines, particularly in the proper use of protective equipment while on duty.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by LAWMA to improve waste management operations and reinforce public health standards in Lagos State.
