The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has urged chemical handlers, warehouse operators and other industry stakeholders to strengthen occupational safety practices and adopt global best practices in chemical warehousing to reduce workplace accidents, safeguard investments and protect the environment.
The call was made during the 2026 Chemical Handlers Stakeholders Workshop, where Occupational Safety expert, Mr Adeyinka Adebiyi, delivered a lecture on “Occupational Safety and Best Practices in Chemical Warehousing.” The session focused on practical measures that businesses handling hazardous chemicals should implement to ensure safe operations and regulatory compliance.
Speaking during the workshop, Adebiyi described warehouses as strategic business assets that require proper planning, organisation and continuous safety management. According to him, a warehouse is more than just a storage facility; it is an essential part of the supply chain, and poor safety practices can lead to costly accidents, product losses, environmental pollution and threats to human life.
He stressed that companies must ensure warehouses are designed and maintained to minimise risks associated with the storage and handling of hazardous chemicals. This includes proper housekeeping, organised storage systems and clear access routes that allow workers and emergency responders to move safely within warehouse facilities.
A major focus of the lecture was the importance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which provide critical information on the properties, handling requirements, storage conditions and emergency response procedures for chemicals.
Adebiyi explained that every hazardous chemical stored in a warehouse must be accompanied by its appropriate MSDS and that warehouse personnel should be familiar with the information contained in the document before handling any substance.
He noted that compliance with safety regulations is not optional, warning that warehouses that fail to display appropriate safety information, maintain emergency procedures or provide the necessary protective measures cannot be considered compliant with established occupational safety standards.
The safety expert also emphasised the importance of clearly displayed warning signs and safety notices throughout warehouse facilities. According to him, workers should be able to easily identify hazardous areas, emergency exits, firefighting equipment and designated storage sections without confusion.
He further highlighted the need for warehouses to have effective fire prevention and emergency response systems, noting that chemicals must be stored according to their compatibility to prevent dangerous reactions that could result in fires, explosions or the release of toxic substances.
Beyond infrastructure, Adebiyi said employee training remains one of the most effective tools for preventing workplace accidents. He encouraged employers to invest in regular safety training programmes that equip workers with the knowledge needed to identify hazards, use equipment correctly and respond appropriately during emergencies.
He also stressed the importance of providing workers with suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ensuring that it is worn whenever hazardous chemicals are being handled.
Addressing manual handling practices, Adebiyi demonstrated proper lifting techniques to participants, advising workers not to lift heavy materials with their backs. Instead, he recommended bending the knees, keeping the back straight and lifting with the legs to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
The workshop also examined the safe use of mechanical handling equipment within warehouses. Participants were advised to receive adequate training before operating forklifts and other material handling equipment, while employers were encouraged to carry out routine maintenance and inspections to ensure machinery remains safe and efficient.
According to the speaker, warehouses should also maintain clearly marked pathways for workers and equipment to prevent collisions and improve operational efficiency. Separate movement routes for personnel and machinery, he said, contribute significantly to reducing workplace incidents.
Adebiyi further underscored the importance of proper warehouse layout and storage arrangements, noting that chemicals should be stored in designated compartments based on their characteristics and hazard classifications. He warned against improper stacking and overcrowding, which can obstruct movement, damage products and increase safety risks.
Emergency preparedness was another major aspect of the presentation. He urged organisations to ensure that emergency exits remain visible and unobstructed at all times, while evacuation routes should be clearly marked so that workers can safely exit the facility during emergencies.
According to him, every warehouse should have established emergency procedures that employees understand and practise regularly through safety drills.
The occupational safety expert noted that adopting best practices in chemical warehousing delivers benefits beyond regulatory compliance. Safe warehouse operations reduce financial losses arising from damaged products, workplace injuries, operational downtime and environmental incidents while improving productivity and protecting corporate reputation.
He encouraged organisations to view occupational safety as a business investment rather than a regulatory obligation, adding that companies with strong safety cultures are better positioned to achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.
The workshop forms part of LASEPA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental protection, improve workplace safety and promote responsible chemical management across Lagos State. Through continued stakeholder engagement and capacity-building programmes, the agency aims to encourage greater compliance with safety standards among businesses involved in the handling, storage and transportation of hazardous chemicals.
Participants at the workshop were reminded that effective chemical warehousing depends on continuous risk assessment, proper staff training, adequate safety infrastructure and strict adherence to established operational procedures. These measures, LASEPA says, remain critical to protecting workers, preserving the environment and ensuring the safe growth of industries that rely on chemical products.
