By Edward Oseghe
As the global community marks the 2026 International Labour Organization’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the World Safety Organization (WSO) Nigeria has called for a broader definition of workplace safety, urging employers to prioritise mental wellbeing alongside physical protection.
In a goodwill message to safety professionals and industry stakeholders on Tuesday, the Country Director of WSO Nigeria and Executive Director of SafERR Global Networks, Amb. Dr. Soji Olalokun, said this year’s theme, “Let’s Ensure a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment,” reflects a growing global consensus that workplace safety must extend beyond visible hazards.
While reaffirming the importance of protective equipment and traditional safety measures, Olalokun noted that these alone no longer address the full spectrum of workplace risks. He highlighted the increasing impact of psychosocial factors such as stress, bullying, role ambiguity, and weak support systems, warning that these issues require urgent and structured responses.
“Every worker deserves to return home safe—not only physically, but mentally,” he said, urging organisations to treat psychological safety with the same seriousness as physical hazards.
Olalokun pointed to WSO Nigeria’s impact over the past decade, noting that since 2013, the organisation, in partnership with SafERR Global Networks, has delivered accredited safety training and advocacy to more than 3.5 million people across sectors including oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and the public sector.
He added that ongoing collaboration with regulators and industry stakeholders has supported the integration of psychosocial risk assessment into Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) systems nationwide. Through its ambassadorial and volunteer programmes, the organisation has also built a network of advocates promoting safety awareness and behavioural change at the grassroots.
He further noted WSO Nigeria’s role in advancing discussions on mental health, workplace stress, and bullying—issues that are gaining prominence in policy and practice both locally and globally.
Olalokun attributed this progress to the combined efforts of partners, members, volunteers, and government institutions, stressing that workplace safety must be treated as a shared responsibility.
He challenged organisations to assess whether their environments genuinely support employee wellbeing, asking whether workers have the clarity, respect, and support needed to thrive.
Reaffirming its commitment, WSO Nigeria pledged continued investment in training, advocacy, and tools to help organisations identify and manage psychosocial risks.
Looking ahead, he announced that Lagos will host the 2026 International Safety Conference and World Safety Awards from September 10 to 11, bringing together global experts, regulators, and industry leaders to advance workplace safety.
He stressed that truly safe workplaces protect both the body and the mind.
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