A bill for a law to ensure the safety, health and welfare of factory workers and all persons lawfully present at factories and for other connected purposes have been read for the second time by the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Sponsor of the bill Hon. Golden Chukwuebuka Iloh while leading the debate said the bill seek to ensure that workers in different factories in Anambra State is provided with safety kits.
According to Hon. Iloh, who is the member representing Ihiala two constituency, different factories in Anambra do not protect their workers who inhale chemicals and are left on their fate. Nobody bothers about what happens to them.
” This chemicals inhaled by this factory workers are dangerous to health. Most of them operate mechines with bare hand without protective gloves.
” As lawmakers, we owe our people a duty of speaking for them because many of them cannot approach their boss to demand for this kit for fear of loosen their job. If passed into law, it will help to protect the lives of workers
Speaking in support of the bill, Hon. Nobel Igwe (Ogbaru one), Hon. Nigeria Mbachu (Awka South one), Hon. Obi Nweke (Anambra East), Hon. Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North two), Hon. Emma Nwafor (Orumba South), Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke (Aguata one) Majority leader Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme (Ekwusigo), Hon. Tony Mobuike (Aguata two), Hon. Chidiebere Ibemeka (Njikoka one) and Hon. Fred Ezenwe (Onitsha South one) in their seperate submissions maintained that the bill will save a lot of life if passed into law.
” It should be a culture to be kited with every safty gadget while working in a factory. All safety precutions and provisions should be provided.
“Safety devices such as hand gloves, boots, helmet, noise mask amongst others is vital for factery workers. This is important because the hazards they face has effect on their life spin if not handled very well.
” If a factory worker is not provided with the necessary kit to do their work, there is every tendency of accident. Some get their fingers cut during production and no compensation.
” Fire extinguisher is important also because of fire outbrake. We need to think about the safety of our people. Their should be an insurance to back them up.
” Some are working in a high temperature environment and their cells have been conderm and their life expectancy is in jurpady.
“Some are been discharged and replaced immediately after any incident. The welfare of factory workers is important and will be addressed by this law.
“This bill bothers on the safety, health and welfare of not just factory workers, but also aim to protect both the employer and employee.
“This bill is also aimed at domesticating the employment law because when you move round Anambra and beyond, you will discover that their is a lot of issues in our factories.
“Before a contract is been issued to am employee, the employer have to make sure that all safty measures is in-place. It will encourage workers in discharging their duties.
” Their is need for safety treaning and the emergency action plan such as first aid but
unfortunately, the jobs of factory workers are not guaranteed”. The lawmakers maintained.
Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze referred the bill to the committee on Health Chaired by Hon. Tony Mobuike and the committee on Commerce Trade and Industry. Chaired by Hon. Innocent Ojike
The house adjourned to Thursday February 1, 2024
