By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has successfully concluded its two-day annual staff training programme, held from November 12 to 13, 2026, with a focus on “Food Safety in Environmental Health.”
Speaking at the event, the Head of Department, Nutrition and Dietetics, UBTH, Mr. Udoh Jimmy, welcomed participants and emphasised the importance of continuous professional training in promoting workplace safety, professionalism and improved service delivery. He urged staff to apply the knowledge acquired to their daily responsibilities.
He explained that the programme was designed to strengthen staff expertise and practical competencies in workplace safety, environmental hygiene and the prevention of occupational hazards, particularly those associated with hospital operations.
In a session on electrical safety, the Team Lead, Electrical Systems and Machinery, UBTH, Engr. Okoh Ifeanyi, highlighted the need for appropriate protective equipment, caution around electrical appliances and prompt reporting of electrical faults. He also advised staff to immediately switch off power supplies in the event of water spillage around electrical equipment.
Similarly, the Head of the Fire Service Unit, UBTH, Mrs. Magdalene Okpere, stressed the importance of fire prevention and prompt response to emergencies. Her presentation featured practical demonstrations on fire safety, equipping participants with essential knowledge of emergency response procedures and the proper use of firefighting equipment.
Other resource persons delivered comprehensive sessions on general safety protocols, industrial and occupational safety, electrical and machinery systems, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) management, industrial wellness, environmental hygiene and facility management. Particular attention was given to high-risk areas, including kitchen operations, electrical installations and LPG systems.
The interactive sessions, which included practical fire safety demonstrations, provided participants with actionable safety measures for preventing workplace accidents, reducing occupational hazards and averting potential fire outbreaks within the hospital environment.
The training underscored UBTH’s commitment to continuous capacity building, environmental health and institutional safety, while equipping personnel in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics with practical knowledge and strategies to maintain high operational standards and ensure a safer environment for staff and patients alike.
Discover more from DE-PATRIOT
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.