The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has concluded its two-day annual staff training programme for the Department of Dietetics, focusing on food safety, environmental health and workplace safety.

The training was organised under the theme, “Food Safety in Environmental Health,” with the aim of strengthening staff knowledge and practical skills in maintaining a safe hospital environment.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the Department of 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 members to apply the knowledge acquired during the programme to their daily responsibilities, noting that the training was designed to strengthen their competence in workplace safety, environmental hygiene and the prevention of occupational hazards within a hospital setting.

During a session on electrical safety, Engr. Okoh Ifeanyi, Team Lead, Electrical Systems and Machinery, UBTH, advised participants to use appropriate protective equipment, avoid water spillage around electrical appliances and promptly report electrical faults.

He further stressed that electrical power supplies should be switched off immediately whenever water spillage occurs around electrical equipment to minimise the risk of accidents.

Similarly, the Head of the UBTH Fire Service Unit, Mrs. Magdalene Okpere, highlighted the importance of fire prevention and timely intervention during fire emergencies.

Her presentation included practical demonstrations on fire response procedures and the proper handling and use of firefighting equipment to prepare staff for emergency situations.

Other resource persons delivered 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.

Special attention was given to high-risk operational areas, particularly kitchen activities, electrical installations and LPG systems, where strict adherence to safety procedures is essential to preventing workplace accidents and fire outbreaks.

The interactive sessions also provided participants with practical knowledge and safety measures applicable to their daily duties.

The training is expected to strengthen the capacity of UBTH’s dietetics personnel to maintain higher operational standards while promoting environmental health and occupational safety.

Through initiatives of this nature, UBTH continues to reinforce the importance of a safe and hygienic healthcare environment for patients, healthcare workers and other hospital users.

UBTH has concluded its 2026 two-day Department of Dietetics staff training, focusing on food safety, environmental hygiene, fire prevention and workplace safety.