59 electricity workers die on duty in two quarters

At least 59 electricity workers died in the line of duty between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has said.

A report by the commission confirmed that 23 of the workers lost their lives in 55 accidents in the first quarter of 2024.

The NERC disclosed that 31 others sustained injuries in the 55 accidents.

“The total number of accidents in 2024/Q1 was 55 which resulted in 31 injuries and 23 fatalities,” the report revealed.

It stated that the number of deaths recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023 was 36; which was 13 more deaths compared to 23 in Q1 2023.

In the last quarter of 2023, 54 accidents and 30 injuries were recorded in the Nigerian electricity supply industry.

The commission stated that it had launched investigations into all the accidents and would continue to work with all sector stakeholders to improve the overall health and safety of the NESI.

According to NERC, the details of the major causes of casualties (deaths and injuries) recorded in Q1 2024 are wire snaps – six deaths and six injuries; illegal/unauthorised access – five deaths and two injuries; acts of vandalism – two deaths and five injuries; unsafe acts/conditions – 10 deaths and 12 injuries; falls from height – two injuries.

Out of the 54 casualties reported in the quarter, the licensees with the highest number of casualties were Eko Disco, 13; Benin Disco, eight; Jos Disco, six; and Aba power, six.

“Cumulatively, Discos accounted for 96.30 per cent of casualties recorded in 2024/Q1 continuing a trend observed in previous quarters (98.48 per cent in 2023/Q4) that the distribution segment is the biggest contributor to safety issues experienced in the NESI (Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry,” the report partly read.

The commission disclosed that it had initiated investigations into all reported accidents and would enforce appropriate actions against licensees where necessary.

“Furthermore, the commission continues to closely monitor the implementation of licensees’ accident reduction strategy for the NESI while the sector’s health and safety code is undergoing a review process. The commission also implements various programmes aimed at improving the health and safety performance of the NESI.

“In March 2024, a quarterly peer review meeting was held with the compliance and regulatory officers of licensees to discuss the reporting obligations of licensees as well as health and safety matters,” NERC said.

The commission said it oversees settlement processes between licensees and families of accident victims in the industry to ensure transparency of the settlement process and to help the victim’s family secure fair compensation for losses suffered.

An expert in the electricity industry, Adetayo Adegbemle, expressed worries over the loss of lives in the industry.

Adegbemle, who is the Convener and Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria, a power sector policy advocacy organisation, lamented that most of the Discos staff lack basic Personal Protective Equipment.

“This is a serious issue that’s been bothering me. Many Discos’ staff across the country lack basic Personal Protective Equipment. I have personally taken this up with many of the Discos. Honestly, I believe our regulators need to intervene in this,” he stated.

Adegbemle called for more safety campaigns and the push for regulatory interventions to curb the situation.

“I am sure if the Discos are sanctioned effectively, there should be a turnaround. And if a Disco catches their technical staff without PPEs, and they are sanctioned as well, there will be some sanity,” he maintained.

In September 2021, The PUNCH reported that an Ikeja Electric worker identified simply as Tunde fell from a pole on Palace Way, Abule, Arepo, in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

It was gathered that Tunde and his colleagues went to disconnect the power supply in the community when the incident happened.

In December 2020, two employees of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company were electrocuted in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

PUNCH gathered that the victims were at work when power was suddenly restored to the line, and they died on the spot.