The Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL) on Thursday held a Train-the-Trainer programme on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to promote safety among waste pickers in Lagos State.
Speaking during the training, ASWOL President Mr. Friday Oku said the programme is designed to equip members with knowledge of health risks associated with waste picking and measures to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
“Waste pickers are constantly exposed to hazardous materials and harmful chemicals, making safety education and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) essential,” Oku said.
He added: “We are conducting this train-the-trainer programme to help our members understand the health and safety implications of their work. We come into contact with hazardous substances daily, and it is important that our members know the risks and how to protect themselves.”
Oku also hinted that the association is intensifying efforts to expand its membership base by registering waste pickers across local governments in the state 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,” he said.
He emphasized that the training helps bridge the safety and health gap within the sector, particularly in addressing poor compliance with PPE usage. “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 is helping them understand that using PPE is compulsory for their safety,” he said.
Oku urged the government to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of safety standards in waste management, adding that regulatory support would encourage better compliance among workers. He also appealed for increased private sector support, noting that waste pickers often lack the financial capacity to purchase protective gear.
“Some of the PPE we are distributing today were donated by Coca-Cola, and we appreciate that support. We need more organizations, especially in the food and beverage sector, to assist us,” he said.
He added that ASWOL, which had earlier distributed boots and gloves to members in April, is now providing overalls as part of ongoing efforts to promote safe working conditions for waste pickers in Lagos. Oku expressed gratitude to partners for making the training a success.
It was reported that over 100 participants attended the training.
