Namibia’s strategic fuel infrastructure has reached a historic safety milestone, with the National Oil Storage Facility (NOSF) recording 1 004 consecutive days without a lost time injury (LTI).
This is the longest injury-free period in the facility’s history and a significant achievement for the country’s energy sector.
The milestone underscores the growing importance of operational excellence and risk management at the facility that plays a critical role in safeguarding domestic fuel security at a time when global energy markets remain volatile and supply chains face increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
Operated by the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), the facility serves as a key component of the country’s petroleum logistics network, ensuring the availability and reliability of fuel supplies that underpin economic activity across multiple sectors.
Acting terminal manager Victoria Nepembe said the achievement reflects years of disciplined safety management, strong leadership and a collective commitment by employees, contractors and stakeholders to maintaining world-class safety standards in a high-risk operating environment.
“Reaching 1 004 consecutive days without a LTI is more than just a number,” said Nepembe. “It demonstrates the commitment, awareness and accountability of everyone working at the facility and reflects a deeply embedded safety culture throughout our operations,” she said.
The safety achievement comes as Namibia’s energy sector faces rising international fuel costs, regional supply disruptions and the growing strategic importance of petroleum infrastructure in supporting national economic stability.
Industry experts note that safety performance has become a critical indicator of operational efficiency in the global oil and gas industry, where accidents can result in costly shutdowns, environmental damage and supply interruptions.
For NOSF, maintaining uninterrupted operations is particularly important, given its role in storing and managing strategic fuel reserves that support domestic fuel distribution and national energy security.
Nepembe attributed the record-breaking performance to a comprehensive safety management system, centred on Namcor’s safety philosophy: “I am SSHEQ and SSHEQ is me,” she said, referring to safety, security, health, environment and quality.
This slogan has been reinforced through a range of preventive measures, including mandatory personal protective equipment, regular training programmes, routine inspections, toolbox talks, risk assessments, emergency response drills, housekeeping initiatives and strict adherence to operational procedures. NOSF has also intensified efforts to ensure that both employees and contractors embrace the principle that safety is a shared responsibility and a non-negotiable aspect of daily operations.
The result has been more than three years without a workplace injury severe enough to cause an employee to miss work, which is a remarkable feat in an industry where workers routinely operate around hazardous materials, heavy equipment and complex industrial processes.
Beyond the immediate safety implications, the achievement carries broader business significance. As governments and investors place increasing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, strong safety records are becoming a key measure of corporate sustainability and operational resilience.
For Namcor, the milestone strengthens confidence in its ability to manage critical national infrastructure while maintaining international safety standards.
Nepembe added that the accomplishment belongs not only to the workforce but also to the wider network of stakeholders who support the facility’s operations through regulatory oversight, approvals and compliance processes. “This milestone strengthens the Namcor-NOSF position as a key contributor to Namibia’s fuel security while maintaining safe, efficient and reliable operations,” she said. “As a strategic national infrastructure facility, we remain committed to sustaining world-class safety standards as part of our operational mandate and long-term objectives,” Nepembe added.
The safety achievement also arrives at a time when Namibia is pursuing ambitious growth plans in the broader energy sector, including developments in oil and gas exploration, renewable energy and downstream petroleum infrastructure.
Maintaining high safety standards across these sectors will be essential if Namibia is to position itself as a competitive and reliable energy investment destination.
While celebrating the historic milestone, NOSF management stressed that the focus remains on continuous improvement and the pursuit of a zero-harm workplace.
Nepembe added that the company will continue investing in employee participation, safety awareness and operational enhancements aimed at preserving and surpassing the current record.
“The achievement of 1 004 consecutive days without a LTI stands as a significant milestone not only for NOSF, but also for Namibia’s broader energy sector,” she said.
“It demonstrates the value of teamwork, leadership, accountability and a strong safety culture,” she added.