APM Terminals Sensitizes Port Truck Drivers on Safety

TRUCK Drivers at the Apapa Port have been enjoined to maintain high level of safety practice in carrying out their operations and in secure work environment.

Chief Operating Officer and Head of Terminal, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, gave the charge during a sensitization exercise for truck drivers at the port.

Knudsen said safety remains the operator’s watchword.

He said, “We want everyone that come to work in our premises to be safe and return home without any accident.

Head of Safety, APM Terminals, Apapa, Felix Ugwuagbo, said we want truck drivers to be reminded of the relevant safety rules and encourage them to abide by the rules.

“Most of you have wives and children and if you get injured, you won’t be able to work and provide financial support for your family members. So please obey safety rules to be able to work effectively,” he said.

Ugwuagbo highlighted the importance of the safety rules instituted at the terminal and which he said the truck drivers must adhere to.

“Truck drivers are very important to us. Without truck drivers, containers cannot be moved. Truck driving is a very delicate job in that, if care is not taken, anything can happen. The terminal is not a place you walk around as you please. It is a place that has heavy containers, equipment, and other heavy objects.

“We consider safety important and that’s why we lay strong emphasis on the safety of individuals that work in the terminal. We cannot do it alone, and that is why we say truck drivers must be aware of our safety rules.

“For instance we emphasize the need to moderate your speed when you are driving within the terminal because you must be mindful of other drivers and of heavy equipment.

“Another rule is that smoking is not allowed in the terminal. One of the reasons why smoking is prohibited is because there are combustible items in the terminal and even in some of the containers that you carry.

He said “we don’t allow people to walk or wander around the terminal. You are required to stay in your truck when you are inside the terminal. This is also a major safety requirement to avoid accidents and injuries in the terminal.

Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu, commended APM Terminals Apapa for engaging the truck drivers. She described the sensitization as the first of its kind in the industry.