ONE incidence that is occurring with greater intensity in Nigeria is that of workplace mortality. Many otherwise able-bodied men and women that appeared healthy while leaving home for work hale and hearty in the morning only have their death announced late in the day on the premise that they slumped at work and died. A recent case is that of a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, , Justice Lokulo-Sodipe who slumped and died in his office a fortnight ago, aged 67. While there may be no accurate figures, the growing rate of unexpected natural deaths in Nigeria is worrisome and it is one that requires serious attention in order to stem the dangerous tide.

THE very first step to redressing the ugly development is to recognize the prevalence of  workplace mortality in the country and identify possible causes towards finding solution to the menace. In recent years, many young professionals and politicians have lost their lives to sudden death. The stories are the same–while engaged in a productive activity, they slump and die sometimes before they reach the hospital–generating so many unaddressed questions.

ON the possible causes of the widespread workplace mortality, experts on health, based on researches conducted, have identified stroke and heart attack as the major causes of over 93.7 percent of the sudden and unexpected deaths (SUD) in the country. These, The Hope observes, are due to many factors ranging from existing health conditions, lifestyles, over-age and excess workload. Some public officials carry too much load more than what their health and age could   bear. As a matter of fact, some falsify their age to remain in service and this in turn puts much pressure on their health while trying to meet the daily but heavy  demands of work they sign up to do.

THE  World Health Organization (WHO) defines sudden deaths as death occurring within 24 hours of an abrupt change in one’s previous clinical status, adding that it was becoming prevalent in sub-Sahara African countries like Nigeria. Renowned cardiologist and Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) boss, Kingsley Akinroye, defines sudden death as an “unexpected natural death due to cardiovascular disease, which occurs within one hour of the onset of symptoms,” and that a major proportion of sudden death “is of cardiac (heart) origin.

SUDDEN  death is said to occur when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the blood flow to the heart, preventing oxygen from getting to the heart. In addition, apart from hypertension, which is a chief agent for stroke and heart attack resulting in workplace mortality, other factors that may cause sudden death include aggressive lifestyles, cigarette smokings alcoholism,  obesity and diabetes, among other non-communicable diseases, which are unfortunately on the increase in Nigeria. Available record further revealed that hypertension-related disorders “constituted a large proportion of cases” especially in people over 40 years.

SINCE sudden death is fast a daily routine across Nigeria, even with prominent figures becoming victims of the new trend, the need to face  the silent killers headlong is urgent. Therefore, to address the increasing rate of Nigerians dying from this preventable disease, awareness about the condition needs to be promoted among Nigerians, particularly those in the age bracket of 15 – 45 years.

Most experts suggest that Nigerians should be more health conscious and do routine medical checks. A healthy lifestyle is also highly recommended. People are advised to eat right, reduce excessive refined sugar, their salt and fat intake while increasing their vegetable and fruit intake. Besides, they must stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, reduce weight and exercise regularly. People should guard against obesity as well as maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.

MANY Nigerians are in the habit of not going on their annual leave required to regenerate their bodies. This should be discouraged and people must be made to observe their annual leave as a matter of necessity. Public health facilities and services that are grossly inadequate should be made available in all public institutions. Also, periodic medical checks should be emphasized and promoted. People that enjoy fast foods, processed, as well as canned foods are enjoined to reduce their intake and patronize vegetables and fruits.

THE Hope maintains that workplace mortality is real and urges people to take responsibility by preventing it through keeping a healthy lifestyle.