By: Felix Ikpotor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has join the global community in marking the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work under the theme, “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment for All.”
HYPREP in a statement by its Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zanbbey, said the theme is both timely and necessary, as it emphasizes that workplace safety extends beyond physical hazards to include the mental, emotional, and social well-being of every worker.
He stated that the project is committed to advancing environmental safety and a strong health and safety culture among the people.
”At the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), we remain committed to advancing environmental restoration and a strong health and safety culture across the Ogoni cleanup project. Our approach recognizes that sustainable outcomes can only be achieved when the well-being of our workforce, particularly our community workers, is fully protected,”.
Zabbey noted: “Since the inception of the Ogoni cleanup in 2017, following the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), HYPREP has made measurable progress in restoring degraded land, mangroves, and livelihoods, while safeguarding public health in Ogoni. Across remediation sites, shoreline cleanup operations, mangrove restoration efforts and construction project sites, we have consistently embedded robust Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) systems into all phases of our interventions”.
He highlighted that one of the project’s most notable achievements is its strong safety performance.
” Having previously recorded and celebrated 5 million man-hours without a fatality, we have now surpassed that milestone, achieving over 9 million man-hours without a fatality. This accomplishment reflects deliberate planning, strict compliance with safety protocols, continuous monitoring, and a commitment among all stakeholders, ” he added.
”While we celebrate this progress, we must acknowledge that safety goes beyond preventing physical injuries. According to the International Labour Organization, approximately 840,000 deaths occur globally each year due to psychosocial risks at work. This highlights the urgent need to address workplace factors such as excessive workload, poor work organization, harassment, job insecurity, and inadequate work-life balance, ” he said.
The PC said HYPREP recognises that project staff as well as community workers operate in challenging environments that may expose them to both physical and emotional stress, adding; “In response, we have taken proactive steps to promote a healthy psychosocial working environment, including strengthening staff welfare systems, encouraging open communication, integrating psychosocial risk assessments into our HSE framework, and conducting regular awareness programmes”.
He stated that in HYPREP’s offices and across all project sites, the Project is also ensuring reasonable work schedules, adequate rest periods, and access to medical and psychological support services.
Zabbey maintained that the Ogoni cleanup is a human-centred project aimed at restoring the environment, rebuilding community livelihoods, and securing a healthier future for present and future generations.
”As we reflect on this year’s theme, I urge all project stakeholders to prioritize psychosocial well-being as a critical component of workplace safety. Let us continue to work safely, remain vigilant about our health, and support one another, ” he admonished.
