APM Terminals Apapa, on Monday, reinforced its commitment to workplace safety in commemoration of the 2024 Global Safety Day.
LEADERSHIP reports that the contest has brought together employees, management, and stakeholders to highlight commitment of the terminal to death.
Held under the theme: ‘Learning Is Easy If We Are Curious,’ the event emphasised how leveraging insights from past incidents and near-misses drives continuous improvement in safety practices.
In a recorded message, APM Terminals CEO, Keith Svendsen, drove a powerful point: “Our commitment to a safe work environment transcends policies; it’s a value that guides every action, every single day.”
His remarks emphasised that safety is integral to APM Terminals’ operations, ensuring employees feel valued and protected.
Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, spoke to the role of curiosity as a driver of engagement and knowledge, explaining that, “When we engage with people, we learn what needs to be known. This knowledge empowers us to solve problems, hone skills, and reduce workplace risks.”
The event celebrated the next generation’s role in safety awareness, with children of employees participating in a safety slogan competition, emphasising the value of nurturing safety consciousness from an early age.
Knudsen awarded prizes to winners, encouraging employees to adopt a childlike curiosity.
Let’s be like these children — eager to learn and understand. Safety is not only about us; it’s about those waiting for us at home, he said.
APM Terminals Apapa Training manager, Chima Anyanwu, echoed this sentiment, urging a culture of openness to learning. Curiosity drives technological advancement and innovation, ultimately enhancing safety, he said, inspiring employees to actively engage with and refine safety protocols.
Reminding the audience, especially, the frontline workers that they had a role in safety, Health, Safety and Environment manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Felix Ugwuagbo, said: “Safety is not just the job of HSE teams — each person can make a difference. Start with curiosity; be inquisitive about how tasks are done and explore if there’s a safer way. Ask questions; don’t hesitate to raise concerns or seek clarity on safety measures. Seek improvement; always look for ways to enhance safety, no matter how small the change may seem. Cultivate a proactive mindset; being curious and engaged is key to creating a safer work environment for everyone.”
General manager, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Abdul Ibrahim Sani, praised APM Terminals Apapa for its safety leadership. APM Terminals’ commitment to safety is clear in today’s celebration, he noted, calling the terminal a model for others across the country.
Adding his support, Port manager of Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Adebowale Ibrahim, described APM Terminals as one of Nigeria’s safest, best-organised terminals.
APM Terminals is setting the standard. Keep up the great work — together, we can make Nigeria’s workplaces safer, he said, reflecting on the company’s impact on national terminal safety.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony, recognising employees who exemplify a commitment to safety. This acknowledgment reinforces APM Terminals’ dedication to a proactive safety culture, celebrating those who prioritise safe practices in the workplace.