The Department of Family Medicine at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, hosted a one-day seminar for the management and staff of the hospital on April 28, 2025 at the hospital’s mini-auditorium with the theme, “Ensuring Workplace Safety in a Digital Age: The Role of Health and Safety in a Changing Work Environment.”
In his opening remarks, Dr. Olanrewaju Oyegbade, Head of the Family Medicine Department, emphasized the importance of aligning the seminar with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Established in 2003, the observance honors workers who have lost their lives on the job and reinforces the urgent need to prevent workplace accidents and occupational diseases.
Addressing participants, the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, emphasized that initiatives such as this seminar are vital for safeguarding lives, particularly for workers exposed to occupational hazards. He stressed the need for continuous education to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all members of staff.
The keynote address, delivered by Engr. Nsikan-Abasi M. Ikono, focused on the evolving challenges of workplace safety in the digital age. He noted that while traditional workplace safety primarily addressed physical hazards, the digital age introduces new risks that must be proactively managed. He encouraged healthcare workers to embrace digital transformation while upholding the highest standards of safety and professional dignity.
Additional presentations were delivered by Mrs. Adebukola Afolabi from the Nursing Services Department, Mr. Adesuji Adejuwon, Director of Environmental Health, and Dr. Temitope Ojo from the Community Health Department.
The seminar concluded with an award presented to the keynote speaker in recognition of his outstanding contributions.
