PLENARY: Anambra Factory Workers Safety Bill Scale Through Second Reading

A bill for a law to ensure the safety, health and welfare of factory workers and all persons present and for related purpose has scaled through second reading at the Anambra State House of Assembly.

Deputy Speaker Anambra House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Pascal Agbodike, who is the chief sponsor of the bill in his submission, lamented over the condition of some factories stating that our working environment needs to be improved.

“Most factories in Anambra State with land of five hundred square meters has more than two hundred workers including machines, which most times produce heat. This bill if passed will checkmate all those anomalies.

Hon. Pascal Agbodike who is representing Ihiala 2 constituency maintain that “Before establishing a factory, there are some safety measures that must be considered such as safety kits, first aid and welfare of workers, which should be taking into proper consideration. 

ANN reports that Minority Leader Rt. Hon. Onyebuchi Ofor, Edward Ibuzor, Emeka Aforka, Obinna Emeneka, Nonso Smart Okafor, Charles Obimma, Uzomma Elle and Carter Dike while supporting the bill in their separate submissions stated that a speedy passage of the bill was important.

” Insurance measures should also be considered. Most of the workers in Anambra are on their own and are being taken for granted. This is the bill for the common man. It will ensure the maintenance of factory and a safe work environment. 

” The health of every worker should be protected. This bill if passed will make factories meet up with International standard for health and safety. We need to improve our work environment. 

” It is our duty as the representatives of the Ndi-Anambra to speak for them. We need to give this bill a speedy passage. Our workers need to be protected through life insurance. All we are trying to do is to ensure good standards. 

Anambra Speaker, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor sent the bill to the committee on health headed by Hon Carter Umeh.