British American Tobacco Nigeria’s Unwavering Commitment to Employee Wellbeing: A Four-Year Milestone of Zero Lost Time Injuries
British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has reached a remarkable milestone in its commitment to employee wellbeing, achieving four consecutive years without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI) across its operations. This accomplishment underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to fostering a work environment where safety is not merely a policy but an integral part of the organizational culture. Coinciding with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, this achievement serves as a testament to BATN’s proactive approach to safety management and its commitment to creating a safe and healthy workplace for all its employees.
This remarkable achievement is a direct result of BATN’s "people-first" approach to business, recognizing the interconnectedness of employee safety and operational excellence. By prioritizing the well-being of its workforce, BATN has cultivated a strong and united culture driven by innovation, leadership, and shared responsibility. The company firmly believes that a safe and healthy workforce is essential for achieving sustainable business success. This philosophy is embedded within the organization’s DNA, influencing every aspect of its operations.
BATN’s robust health and safety systems are anchored on internationally recognized standards, including ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. These systems provide a framework for proactive risk assessments, utilizing digital safety reporting tools, and conducting rigorous audits. The company’s commitment to these standards demonstrates its dedication to maintaining world-class safety practices and continuously improving its safety performance. Through meticulous risk assessments, potential hazards are identified and mitigated, ensuring a safe working environment. The digital reporting tools facilitate efficient communication of safety concerns and enable prompt action. Regular audits ensure compliance with established standards and identify areas for potential improvement.
Employee empowerment and engagement are central to BATN’s safety culture. The company actively encourages employees at all levels to take ownership of their wellbeing and that of their colleagues. This participatory approach to safety management fosters a sense of shared responsibility and promotes a culture of proactive hazard identification and mitigation. Over 90 percent of BATN’s workforce actively participates in the Pulsar behavioural safety programme, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a safe working environment. This programme reinforces safe behaviours and promotes continuous improvement in safety practices. The high level of participation reflects the company’s success in creating a safety culture that empowers employees to take ownership of their safety and the safety of their colleagues.
Further demonstrating its commitment to safety, BATN has successfully passed the stringent Willis Property Fire Safety Audit, reinforcing the effectiveness of its fire safety measures. The company has also recorded a significant 12 percent increase in near-miss reporting, driven by enhanced digital tools and a proactive safety culture. This increase in near-miss reporting highlights the growing awareness among employees of the importance of reporting potential hazards, contributing to a safer work environment and preventing potential accidents. The proactive reporting culture allows the company to identify and address potential safety risks before they escalate into accidents.
BATN’s dedication to safety extends beyond its internal operations, encompassing its entire logistics chain. The company has partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps to ensure that all forklift drivers meet national licensing standards. This collaboration reflects BATN’s commitment to promoting safety across its supply chain and ensuring the highest standards of road safety. Furthermore, BATN has implemented digital work permits, expanded contractor training for high-risk tasks, and strengthened hazard reporting protocols, further enhancing safety measures throughout its operations. These comprehensive safety measures demonstrate BATN’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all individuals involved in its operations, both internal and external.
Beyond safety, BATN places significant emphasis on employee health and wellbeing. The company’s Occupational Health Management Programme offers comprehensive services, including regular health screenings, wellness campaigns, and onsite clinics, addressing various health concerns such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. These services are not only available to employees but also extended to their families across West and Central Africa, demonstrating BATN’s holistic approach to employee wellbeing. By providing access to quality healthcare, BATN ensures that its employees and their families can maintain optimal health and wellbeing.
BATN’s exemplary safety culture not only safeguards lives but also contributes to operational resilience and sustainability. By prioritizing its people, their health, and the environment, BATN sets a formidable example for other organizations. In a world grappling with evolving safety challenges, BATN’s commitment to safety and health stands as a beacon of best practice. The company’s achievements demonstrate that prioritizing employee wellbeing not only fosters a positive and productive work environment but also contributes to long-term business success. By creating a culture of safety and health, BATN is building a resilient and sustainable future for itself and its stakeholders.
