In commemoration of World Safety Day, Micura Services Limited recently organized an insightful Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Training Session focused on the theme: “Psychosocial Hazards”. The training, conducted in line with ISO 45001:2018 standards, took place at the company’s Head Office in Apapa, Lagos, and brought together staff across various operational levels for an important conversation on workplace wellbeing and safety.
The awareness session highlighted the growing importance of mental and emotional wellbeing in the workplace, especially within high-demand operational environments such as stevedoring, logistics, and port operations.
During the training, staff were educated on what psychosocial hazards are and how they affect both employees and organizational performance.
Psychosocial hazards refer to workplace factors that can negatively impact a person’s psychological and physical wellbeing due to how work is organized, managed, or carried out. These include:
- Excessive workload
- Poor supervision
- Workplace bullying or harassment
- Long working hours
- Job insecurity
- Poor communication systems
The training emphasized that while these hazards may not always be physically visible, their effects can significantly impact productivity, concentration, morale, and workplace safety.
As a company operating within the maritime and logistics sector, the training focused heavily on the realities of stevedoring operations and the psychosocial risks workers may encounter daily.
Some of the common workplace challenges discussed included:
- Fatigue caused by extended shifts
- Pressure to meet vessel deadlines
- Stress from operational demands
- Conflict between workers and supervisors
- Exposure to traumatic incidents or accidents
- Work-life imbalance
The session explored how these challenges can contribute to:
- Stress and burnout
- Reduced concentration
- Anxiety and emotional exhaustion
- Increased workplace accidents
- Reduced productivity and high absenteeism
Staff were reminded that maintaining mental wellbeing is just as important as physical safety in ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
A major part of the training focused on practical control measures and proactive approaches to reducing psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
Recommended measures included:
- Proper shift rotation and adequate rest periods
- Fair workload distribution
- Respectful leadership and communication
- Open reporting culture without fear or intimidation
- Improved welfare and rest facilities
- Counseling and worker support systems
The training also reinforced the importance of teamwork, empathy, and positive workplace relationships in building a healthier work environment.
Staff were encouraged to speak up about concerns affecting their wellbeing and safety. The session highlighted the company’s reporting procedures, including confidential reporting channels and communication with supervisors or HSE officers.
Employees were reminded that:
- Mental health challenges should never be ignored
- Fatigue can be just as dangerous as unsafe physical acts
- Respect in the workplace is non-negotiable
- Early reporting can prevent accidents and operational risks
One of the key messages from the training was:
“A safe mind equals a safe workplace.”
The HSE Training on Psychosocial Hazards reflects Micura Services Limited’s continued commitment to:
- Workplace safety
- Employee wellbeing
- Operational excellence
- Compliance with ISO 45001 standards
- Continuous improvement in HSE practices
At Micura, safety extends beyond physical protection, it includes creating an environment where employees feel supported, respected, and mentally equipped to perform their duties effectively.
As the company continues to grow within the maritime and logistics industry, initiatives like this reinforce the belief that a strong safety culture begins with people.
The World Safety Day training served as a valuable reminder that workplace wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility, from management and supervisors to operational staff.
By increasing awareness of psychosocial hazards and encouraging open communication, Micura Services Limited continues to take meaningful steps toward building a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace for all.