In commemoration of the recent 2024 Global Safety Day, APM Terminals Apapa brought together employees, management, and stakeholders to reinforce its unwavering commitment to workplace safety.
The event, held under the theme “Learning Is Easy If We Are Curious,” emphasized how leveraging insights from past incidents and near-misses drives continuous improvement in safety practices.
In a recorded message, APM Terminals CEO Keith Svendsen made 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 underscored that safety is integral to APM Terminals’ operations, ensuring employees feel valued and protected.
Steen Knudsen, Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, spoke about the role of curiosity as a driver of engagement and knowledge.
He explained, “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.”
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The event also celebrated the next generation’s role in safety awareness, with employees’ children participating in a safety slogan competition, underscoring the value of nurturing safety consciousness from an early age. Knudsen awarded prizes to the 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.
Chima Anyanwu, Training Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, 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 frontline workers—of their role in safety, Felix Ugwuagbo, Health, Safety, and Environment Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, 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.”
Engr. Abdul Ibrahim Sani, General Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), 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, Adebowale Ibrahim, Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex Apapa, described APM Terminals as one of Nigeria’s safest, best-organized 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 recognizing employees who exemplify a commitment to safety, reinforcing APM Terminals’ dedication to a proactive safety culture and celebrating those who prioritize safe practices in the workplace.
