ISPON: Safeguarding workplace and environment

The Institute of Safety Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) is a statutory body established under the authority of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Enacted by the National Assembly through Act No. 2 of 2014, it is mandated to lead, regulate, and enforce safety management and practice throughout Nigeria.

The institute serves as the cornerstone of occupational health, safety, and environmental (HSE) practices. It services cut across diverse industries, ensuring that workplaces are productive, compliant, and, most importantly, safe.

Core mandates and objectives of ISPON

The safety organisation has specific objectives to promote, advance, and standardize safety practices in Nigeria. These objectives include:

1. Training and certification: It organizes and conducts professional examinations, awarding certificates and diplomas that qualify individuals to practice as safety professionals in Nigeria. The Institute also advises employers on the qualifications required for practicing safety management.
2. Standard setting: In collaboration with relevant government agencies, ISPON sets and periodically updates the standards for safety practices. This ensures that safety professionals meet the necessary knowledge and skill benchmarks for effective hazard management.
3. Promotion of safety culture: The Institute actively works to embed a positive occupational health, safety, and environmental culture within organizations, both in the public and private sectors. By fostering strong safety practices, institute reduces loss-producing events and improves productivity.
4. Professional regulation: The agency maintains a comprehensive registry of safety professionals in Nigeria. The Institute regularly updates and publishes this list to ensure transparency and promote accountability among safety practitioners.

Collaborative efforts and industry support

According to its coordinator in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Ita U. Benson, ISPON collaborates extensively with institutions, government agencies, and organizations across all sectors of the economy.

This partnership approach ensures that safety management practices are both comprehensive and tailored to the specific needs of industries. It provides leadership in workplace supervision and hazard management. Thus,  the institute helps organizations enhance their operational efficiency while safeguarding employees and the environment.

Key areas where the body has made significant impacts include:

• Construction industry: ISPON enforces safety standards on construction sites, ensuring compliance with building codes and reducing the risks of accidents and fatalities.
• Oil and gas sector: Given Nigeria’s reliance on petroleum resources, ISPON plays a critical role in implementing safety measures in oilfields, refineries, and offshore platforms, minimizing environmental hazards and protecting workers. This helps to ensure a more robust Nigerian petroleum landscape.
• Manufacturing and industrial operations: ISPON assists manufacturers in adopting global best practices for hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation, thereby reducing workplace incidents.

Relevant statutory frameworks and ISPON’s role

Workplace health and safety procedures are important for the well-being of both employees and employers. This is because human loss is immeasurable and intolerable. As, such loss or injuries can employ major loss to the families.

The Institute’s activities are guided by its enabling law, the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria Act 2014 (Act No. 2). This legal framework empowers ISPON to:

• Advise and collaborate with employers and government agencies on safety-related matters.
• Regulate the training and registration of safety practitioners in Nigeria.
• Promote advancements in safety management across industries.

Instances where ISPON can provide impactful interventions include:

1. Disaster response: In emergencies such as industrial accidents or environmental spills, the institute can offer expert guidance to mitigate impacts and prevent future occurrences.
2. Policy advocacy: The Institute can influence government policies to prioritize safety in national development plans.
3. Community safety campaigns: ISPON’s outreach initiatives help educate the public on safety measures, reducing accidents in non-industrial settings.

Contact and reach

ISPON’s headquarters is located at:

#59 Edet Akpan Avenue (Four Lanes), Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

For inquiries and further information:

• Phone: 09153145877, 08088606738, 08033780702
• Email: isponakwaibomstate@gmail.com
• Website: www.ispon.gov.ng