Government shuts three factories over violations of occupational safety
Government shuts three factories over violations of occupational safety
The Nigerian Government has ordered the immediate closure of three factories which include African Refractory and Allied Products Limited, African Non-Ferrous Industries Limited, and Metalworld Recycling Limited in Ogijo, Ogun State, over violations of occupational safety and health standards.
Penpushing reports that the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, gave the directive during an inspection of the facilities alongside officials of the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Department.
The Minister explained that the action followed the companies’ failure to comply with earlier safety directives issued by the ministry, and expressed concern over reports of worker deaths linked to exposure to hazardous substances at African Refractory and Allied Products Limited.
Penpushing further reports that Onyejeocha pointed out that the company continued operations despite a prohibition notice, emphasizing that we cannot claim to be creating jobs while endangering the lives of workers, arguing that there is no price for human life.
The minister disclosed that the companies had been issued warnings and given ample time to address safety concerns but failed to take corrective measures, after the officials inspected the facilities
“They were duly notified and cautioned. Our officials had earlier inspected these facilities and outlined the required standards, including proper maintenance of factory premises. However, they failed to comply’, she said.
Penpushing also reports that Onyejeocha described the working conditions at the facilities as hazardous, citing the exposure of workers to harmful substances without adequate protective equipment.
The Minister stated that workers were seen handling dangerous materials with bare hands, adding that the environment is heavily polluted with dust and that these conditions are unacceptable.
Penpushing reports that she noted that similar violations were observed at African Non-Ferrous Industries Limited and Metalworld Recycling Limited, including poor handling of hazardous materials and disregard for safety protocols.
The Minister stated that the companies had been directed to evacuate hazardous materials and improve workplace safety but failed to act, warning that the government would not tolerate negligence that endangers workers’ lives.
Penpushing further reports that she declared that the affected firms would face sanctions in line with existing laws, stressing that safety is not optional; it is a legal requirement, adding that any company that operates outside approved standards will be sanctioned.
The Minister equally cautioned companies against altering their operational processes without proper certification and regulatory approval, stressing that standards guide every process and no operator is permitted to change the nature of operations without due approval.
Penpushing also reports that she added that the government was reviewing occupational safety regulations to strengthen enforcement and ensure stiffer penalties for violations, stating that if existing sanctions are inadequate, the authorities will strengthen them, adding that there must be consequences for actions that lead to loss of lives.
The Minister emphasised that ensuring workplace safety is a collective responsibility among regulatory agencies, adding that there is no room for compromise when it comes to protecting workers, emphasizing that where there are infractions, appropriate action will be taken
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