NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL) has continued its commitment to staff health and wellness with its monthly health walk, bringing together employees for a physical exercise and health awareness activity on Saturday 26 September 2026.
The walk took employees from Lumley to the Aberdeen Beach Roundabout and back to Lumley, as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to promote physical fitness, mental wellbeing and a healthy workplace environment.
The exercise was followed by a health talk delivered by NP Sierra Leone’s Resident Medical Doctor, Dr. Abdul Kalokoh, who spoke on the topic, “Workplace Hazards”.
Dr. Abdul Kalokoh highlighted the need for employees to recognize workplace hazards beyond the commonly identified physical risks associated with petroleum operations. He said workplace hazards could include risks linked to oil, electricity, machinery and other equipment, while also stressing the importance of paying attention to less visible factors that could affect employees’ health and wellbeing.
He identified employees’ mindset as an important area that requires attention in addressing workplace health risks. According to him, the mindset employees bring into the workplace could influence both their mental and physical wellbeing.
Dr. Abdul Kalokoh said negative attitudes towards work could contribute to stress and other health challenges. He linked workplace pressures and attitudes to health concerns such as hypertension, while encouraging employees to maintain a positive mindset.
According to him, employees should not view the workplace solely as a means of earning money or obtaining a position, but should also seek happiness and peace of mind while carrying out their responsibilities.
Dr. Abdul Kalokoh further explained that maintaining the right mindset could help prevent mental health disorders and reduce stress in the workplace. He encouraged employees to approach their duties positively and pay attention to their mental wellbeing.
The company doctor also identified physical wellbeing as an important component of workplace health, noting that a lack of regular exercise could contribute to physical health problems, particularly among employees who spend long periods working in offices.
He therefore encouraged employees to maintain physical activity and fitness as part of efforts to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce workplace health risks.
Dr. Abdul Kalokoh also urged staff to remain conscious of workplace hazards and take appropriate precautions, stressing the importance of awareness of both visible and less obvious risks.
Speaking about the health walk, NP Sierra Leone Human Resources Manager, Georgiana Williams, said the initiative formed part of the company’s broader health and wellness programme aimed at boosting employee morale and creating a healthier and happier workplace.
She said the programme is particularly important for employees who spend long hours at work and may have limited opportunities during their busy schedules to engage in physical exercise. Regular physical activity, she explained, could improve employees’ mental and physical wellbeing while enhancing productivity.
According to the HR, improved mental health could enable employees to meet deadlines, fulfil their commitments and make better decisions, contributing to the overall success of the organisation.
She said the Human Resources Department is responsible for supporting employees throughout their employment life cycle, from joining the organisation until their departure through resignation, retirement or other circumstances. Employee wellbeing, she noted, is therefore an important responsibility of the department.
Georgiana Williams explained that NP’s wellness initiatives extend beyond physical activities such as health walks. She said the company has mechanisms through which employees could access medical support and consult a doctor when necessary.
She also said NP(SL) organizes monthly opportunities for employees to relax and interact in informal settings, providing opportunities for junior staff to engage with senior staff and Management outside the formal workplace environment. Such activities, she said, helps employees socialize and strengthen relationships across different levels of the organisation.
She added that NP(SL) recognizes the importance of employees’ family and personal lives and provides support that enables staff to spend time with their families, including maternity and paternity leave arrangements.
She further said the company recognizes employees who have made significant contributions over the years through long service awards, explaining that such recognition helps employees feel appreciated and strengthen their sense of belonging to the organisation.
On inclusivity, Georgiana Williams said NP(SL) also considers employees who might not be physically able to participate fully in activities such as the health walk. She explained that the company has employees with physical challenges and sought to ensure that its wellness programmes remains inclusive.
The Human Resources Manager said employees with physical limitations were encouraged to participate in ways suited to their abilities, with appropriate support where necessary, as the company sought to ensure that all employees could participate in and benefit from its wellness initiatives.
The monthly health walk and accompanying health talk therefore formed part of NP Sierra Leone’s broader approach to employee wellbeing, combining physical activity with awareness of workplace health risks and measures to promote a healthier and more inclusive workforce.
