Posted on: Tue 08-08-2023

The Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEHPON) received a rude shock in the sad news of the premature death of a young and promising Nigerian, Dr. Vwaere Diaso, in an avoidable elevator accident at the Doctors' Quarters of the General Hospital, Lagos Island. 

The news had it that her death was the result of multiple injuries she sustained in the accident which occurred on 1st of August, 2023 when the said elevator taking her to the ground floor, failed, crashing to the ground floor from the 10th floor of the building. 

This is a very unfortunate but avoidable fatality. We share the grief and pains of the immediate family, her colleagues and indeed all workers and we pray for the repose of her soul. 

This accident requires a very thorough investigation to unravel the immediate and remote causes as we do not believe that an elevator car, in a good state of maintenance, can fail and crash land in this manner. Whereas the social media is awash with all kinds of speculations and information, we at SOEHPON, will patiently wait for the outcome of a formal inquest into this accident. This inquest must be expeditiously, independently, and transparently carried out in the shortest possible time.

Furthermore, SOEHPON hereby call on relevant Stakeholders as follows: 

1. The Lagos State Government to immediately commence diligent professional and administrative investigation of this accident to unravel the remote and immediate causes, with the findings and corrective measures made public. All players found culpable in this accident must receive appropriate sanctions. 

2. The 10th National Assembly to prioritize the Bill on Occupational Health and Safety in the Workplace and ensure it is expeditiously passed into Law as an Act of Parliament. 

3. The Executive Arms of Government at all levels to empower relevant Agencies to monitor and ensure that all Work and living environments support the Health and Safety of all Nigerians in line with global best practices. 

4. Management and Employers of Labour in all Sectors at every level of Government as well as Corporate Organizations to fully uphold Occupational Health and Safety as a key component of their operations.

5. The various Trade Unions to prioritize the Health and Safety of their Members in the list of their demands to their employers and Management. 

6. We call on all Stakeholders to carry out a proper risk assessment of all such premises and facilities and immediately emplace corrective measures to forestall any repeat of this unfortunate occurrence. 

As we mourn the demise of our young colleague, our recommendation to all Nigerians is to prioritize Health and Safety in the workplace and living environments. 

May God grant the soul of Dr. Vwaere Diaso an everlasting rest in peace and the family, colleagues, and friends the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. 

For and on behalf of: Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria, SOEHPON

Signed:

Dr. Musa Shaibu

Dr. Ayo 

Dr. Charles Ongbogi 

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