"total of five workers died in the company within the last three weeks"

 

The importance of a safety program at a workplace cannot be understated. Here is a workplace that should cease to exist.

State Commissioner for Labour and Productivity has said the state government might sanction a (foreign) firm, (aluminium company), over workers’ deaths and poor welfare for workers.

The Commissioner, who stated this when he visited (aluminium company) to investigate the death of a staff member who was killed by a forklift, said the administration of Governor remained investors’ friendly but would not allow the dehumanisation of workers by employers.

(the government minister) was visibly angered when he was informed that a total of five workers had died in the company within the last three weeks, with others reportedly killed by electrocution and falling off a crane.

Recall that a crisis broke out at the firm last month as workers, relatives and some community youths razed a section of the firm, including over 20 vehicles and motorcycles, following the death of the forklift operator.

Following the incident, the State Deputy Governor, (name omitted), visited the firm and promised that the State Government would send the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to investigate the incident.

State Deputy Governor explained that his visit was to stop deaths in the company, promising that the issue of double taxation raised by the organisation would be dealt with in the report to be submitted to Governor.

“This is complete dehumanisation of workers. I have never seen such a scenario. A company where about five people died last month. Industries ought to maximise profit but not to the detriment of the workers. We have gone round the factories, you could see that there are no safety equipment, no helmet and boots are not provided for the workers.

“They confirmed to me that one died as a result of electrical issues. How long can we continue to have this in a place of this nature.

We pray for the deceased workers and their families, friends and coworkers. We are at a loss for words on how a workplace could have five (5) fatalities ever, let alone in a short period of time. News media articles state that after the fifth fatality of a forklift operator the local people attacked the workplace. Cars were burned, windows were broken, offices destroyed, machinery was damaged. It is not known if the plant will reopen. We will update this post when further information comes forth.

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