British American Tobacco Nigeria (BAT Nigeria) is highlighting a significant milestone on World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The company has achieved four consecutive years with no Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) across all its operations.
This achievement is a testament to BAT Nigeria’s employee-first approach, where Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) is a core business priority, not merely a compliance requirement.
“Employee safety and operational excellence are two sides of the same coin,” says Hasnain Ishtiaq, Operations Director at BAT West and Central Africa. “This zero-harm record reflects the strength of a united culture driven by innovation and leadership.”
BAT Nigeria’s safety success is underpinned by a robust EH&S system that aligns with international standards, including ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. The company employs a multi-faceted approach, ranging from proactive risk assessments and digital safety reporting mechanisms to regular audits and an ongoing commitment to improving workplace safety as operations evolve.
In 2024, the company achieved over 90% participation in its Pulsar behavioural safety programme, showcasing strong employee engagement. Furthermore, BAT Nigeria successfully passed the rigorous Willis Property Fire Safety Audit, demonstrating compliance with global protocols in this critical area.
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Beyond the factory floors, BAT Nigeria’s safety initiatives span its fleet operations and administrative offices. Enhanced digital tools for near-miss reporting have resulted in a 12% increase in safety awareness reports this year.
Also, BAT Nigeria partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to licence all forklift drivers at the Lagos depot according to national standards, promoting safer logistics practices. The company has also expanded digital work permits and upgraded hazard reporting systems for high-risk tasks, and it is intensifying contractor training in specialised areas like confined spaces and elevated work.
Health remains a central focus through BAT Nigeria’s Occupational Health Management Programme. Employees benefit from onsite clinics, regular health screenings, and wellness campaigns that address prevalent issues like malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. These health initiatives even extend to employees’ families across West and Central Africa.
As the company celebrates this remarkable achievement, it stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for organisations striving to create safer and healthier workplaces. With its unwavering commitment, BAT Nigeria continues to pave the way for a future where every worker returns home safe and well.
