Speech by: The National President of Construction & Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) – Comrade Engr. Ayodeji Adeyemo PhD FNSE
The International Workers Memorial Day celebration each year offers us the opportunity not only to have a sober reflection and to honour all workers who lost their lives, or those who were injured in the performance of their work, but to advocate for a better working environment for all workers.
As you know, our theme this year is “MAKE IT HAPPEN.” This is an effort to celebrate and raise awareness of occupational health and safety (OHS) as a basic right.
We must be informed as workers in the construction industry. We must also let our management and government know that unsafe and unhealthy working environments shall never again be tolerated or accepted.
It is important however to note that on 10 June 2022, the International Labour Conference (ILC) adopted a resolution to add the principle of a safe and healthy working environment to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. With this, Occupational Health and Safety is now secured as ILO’s fifth Fundamental Principle and Right at Work which all workers must enjoy.
We, therefore, urge our Government and employers to deliver a healthy and safe work environment for workers.
Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) today in furtherance of our campaign against the use of Asbestos materials call on our government, the stakeholders in the construction and allied industry to join us in this campaign.
As you are aware, if you breathe asbestos fibers, you may increase the risk of several serious diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and cancers of the digestive system.
It is therefore the right of workers to be safeguarded against these materials that endanger their health in workplaces.
As I congratulate all workers on this day celebration, let us make occupational health and safety (OHS) a basic right.
MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Solidarity forever!
