• Seeks action against workplace safety lapses
• FG seals Ibadan factory over student’s death
The Association of Nigerian Women Safety Professionals (ANWOSAP) has decried the incidents of operational mishaps in workplaces.
Reacting to the death of Gbadebo Johnson, a 300-level student of European Studies at the University of Ibadan, last week, due to an industrial accident in the Oluyole factory of Henkel Nigeria Limited, Ibadan, the body called for continued monitoring of safe work practices by regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with best health and safety standards.
Executive Director of ANWOSAP, Monica Nwosu, yesterday, said: “The health and safety of each worker remains the responsibility of the employer, especially while engaging in operational activities on behalf of the organisation. Employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve a safe workplace.
“The UI student’s tragedy is another incident too many to be left uninvestigated or resolved to identify the root cause and prevent recurrence. This can only be achieved through an investigative process conducted by a committee set up comprising competent HSE professionals or the state safety commission if already established.
“The greatest assets of any company are the people, whether contract, full-time or part-time hires. There should be a great value placed on the life of each individual. That is why ANWOSAP is making this clarion call as mothers, sisters, daughters and safety professionals for all to join this call for justice for the family of the Johnsons and other injured persons and victims as a result of workplace accidents.”
The body also called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity (Inspectorate Division), being the regulator of Occupational Health and Safety in Nigeria to ensure workplace safety is fully complied with across the country alongside stiffer penalties for defaulters.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has sealed the Ibadan-based factory, Expand Global Manufacturing Limited, where 21-year-old student, Richard Gbadebo, died on July 28. The factory was sealed on Wednesday by officials of Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
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