Leading with Safety: BAT Nigeria's Employee-First Approach on World Safety Day
At British American Tobacco Nigeria (BAT Nigeria), safety isn’t just a policy; it’s a way of life. As we mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) as a core business priority. Our employees are our greatest assets, and we believe that every team member deserves to return home safely to their families each day. This belief has delivered outstanding results: BAT Nigeria has recorded zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI) for the fourth consecutive year across all operations; a powerful testament to our people-first culture.
This remarkable milestone is rooted in our robust EH&S systems, which are aligned with international standards such as ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. Through proactive risk assessments, digital safety reporting, and ongoing audits, we foster a workplace where safety evolves with our operations. Our philosophy empowers every employee to take ownership, not just for themselves but also for their colleagues.
In 2024, BAT Nigeria achieved over 90% participation in its Pulsar behavioural safety programme, reflecting deep employee engagement. We also passed the rigorous Willis Property Fire Safety Audit, demonstrating our readiness and compliance with global fire safety protocols.
Our approach goes beyond factory floors. From fleet operations to administrative offices, safety is integrated into every layer of our work environment. We’ve introduced enhanced digital tools for near-miss reporting; resulting in a 12% increase in reports, signalling stronger safety awareness and responsiveness.
Looking to the future, BAT Nigeria continues to invest in health and safety innovations. This year, we partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to license all forklift drivers under national standards, promoting safer practices in logistics. We've also expanded the application of digital work permits and upgraded hazard reporting for high-risk tasks while intensifying contractor training in areas like confined spaces and elevated work.
Health remains an essential pillar of our strategy. Through our Occupational Health Management Programme, employees benefit from onsite clinics, regular screenings, and wellness campaigns addressing malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and COVID-19; extending care to families across West and Central Africa.
Additionally, our Ibadan Factory is driving sustainability through solar energy integration and advanced waste recycling systems, reinforcing our environmental responsibility.
Commenting on these milestones, Hasnain Ishtiaq, Operations Director, BAT WCA, noted,
“Employee safety and operational excellence are two sides of the same coin. This zero-harm record reflects the strength of a united culture driven by innovation and leadership.”
As the world navigates ever-evolving workplace safety challenges, BAT Nigeria is not only setting the benchmark; we’re also proving that a zero-harm workplace is achievable and sustainable. When we prioritise our people, health, and the planet, we don’t just meet targets; we secure lives and build a resilient future.
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Source: Legit.ng
