By Our Correspondent
Lagos, Dec. 21, ’25 (TNZ) The Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL) has organised a Train-the-Trainer programme on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to improve safety practices among waste pickers across the state.
TheNewsZenith reports that ASWOL staged the training in partnership with the International Alliance of Waste pickers (IAWP).
Speaking at the opening of the training, on Thursday in Lagos, the President of ASWOL, Mr Friday Oku, spoke on the aim of the programme.
Oku said thr training aims to equip members with knowledge on health risks associated with waste picking and measures to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
He explained that waste pickers were constantly exposed to hazardous materials and harmful chemicals.
”This makes safety education and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) critical to their wellbeing.
“We are here for a train-the-trainer programme on occupational health and safety.
“The objective is to train our people to understand the health and safety implications of the work we do as waste pickers.
“We come in contact with hazardous and harmful chemicals daily, and it is important that our members know the risks and how to protect themselves,” TheNewsZenith quotes Oku as saying.
Read Related News:
According to ASWOL chief, the association is also intensifying efforts to expand its membership base.
”ASWOL is registering waste pickers across local governments in Lagos State. This is to ensure wider access to training and welfare programmes.
“We are going from one local government to another to register our members, and the registration is free. Only those who want an identity card pay a small token,” Oku said.
He noted that the training was helping to bridge the safety and health gap within the sector, particularly in addressing poor compliance with PPE usage among waste pickers.
“Many of our members do not know how to use PPE properly. Even when gloves, boots or overalls are provided, some people do not use them.
“This programme will help them understand that using PPE is compulsory for their safety,” TheNewsZenith quotes him as adding.
He called on the state government to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of safety standards in the waste management sector
Oku added that regulatory support would encourage better compliance among workers. (TNZ)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share stories of local happenings with TheNewsZenith on WhatsApp: +2348033668669. For more scintillating news, visit our website: www.thenewszenith.com. Also follow us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thenewszenithOnline, Facebook: www.facebook.com/@thenewszenithonline & Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@thenewszenithonline
