The Group Managing Director of Chemstar Paints Industries Nigeria Limited (Paints & Chemicals), Mr Adedayo Paseda, has said the company remains fully committed to prioritising the health, safety, and general well-being of its workers. He stated this while declaring open the company’s Health and Safety Week 2025, which held over three days at the company’s premises in Lagos.
Mr Paseda said that Chemstar Paints spends over N20 million annually on Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) insurance for its staff, aside from other emergency health matters not covered under the HMO scheme. He said the company considers staff welfare and healthcare not just a responsibility, but a core part of its operational values.
Speaking during the event themed “Health is Wealth,” Paseda stressed the need for employees to be conscious of their health and to live responsibly. He pointed out that the company’s yearly health and safety initiative has helped many staff members to become more aware of their physical and mental health conditions, adding that early detection of health issues could save lives and increase productivity.
The GMD explained that Chemstar Paints has made significant investments in safety tools and kits including helmets, nose masks, safety boots, and other protective gear that help staff remain safe while carrying out their duties. According to him, both office and factory workers are regularly trained on how to use these items correctly.
He said, “We are concerned about promoting our staff’s health and mental health. Through this yearly health and safety exercise, every staff member knows his or her health status. This helps each person to take the right steps in managing their health, either by adjusting their diet, starting medication, or making lifestyle changes as recommended by medical professionals.”
During the event, hundreds of employees took part in several activities, including medical check-ups, where they were tested for blood pressure, blood sugar, and other vital health indicators. The health talk session provided education on topics like stress management, nutrition, physical activity, and preventive healthcare.
Also featured in the programme were an investment education session and a fire safety lecture and practical drill handled by officials from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. The fire safety training was led by the Chief Fire Officer, Mrs Johnson Funmilayo, and Deputy Director of Training, Mr Babajide Adepoju.
Mr Paseda noted that the fire safety session was a very critical part of the programme, as it equipped workers with knowledge on how to respond during fire outbreaks, operate fire extinguishers, and identify fire hazards. He said the importance of fire drills cannot be overemphasised, especially in a manufacturing environment like Chemstar, where chemical materials are used in production.
The GMD praised the officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service for their support and urged employees to take the lessons from the exercise seriously. He said the safety of workers is not just about rules but about daily habits and practical understanding of risks.
Staff members who participated in the various sessions said they found the programme beneficial and eye-opening. Some of them who were diagnosed with minor health concerns expressed gratitude to the management for the opportunity to undergo tests they might not have done on their own.
Chemstar Paints, which is known for its range of quality paints and protective coatings, has built a reputation over the years for promoting staff development and welfare. The annual Health and Safety Week is part of its wider corporate social responsibility focus, ensuring that its workforce is not only productive but also healthy and well-protected.
The 2025 edition marks another milestone in the company’s commitment to workplace safety, employee welfare, and proactive health awareness. Mr Paseda assured that the management would continue to make staff health and safety a top priority and improve on the programme every year.
