The Ogun State Government has sealed Phoenix Steel Mills Industries Limited in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government, immediately following a gas explosion in the factory.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, announced this during an on-the-spot assessment on Sunday at the scene of the incident.
Oresanya disclosed that the government would thoroughly investigate the remote and immediate causes of the explosion to prevent future occurrences. He added that the investigation would clearly outline the conditions under which the company should operate, ensuring the protection of its workers, immediate communities, and property.
To prevent further industrial accidents in the state, the government plans to upscale and establish a Safety Desk as an agency under the Ministry of Environment, responsible for health and safety matters.
“This is necessary because the state government believes that preserving lives and property starts from preventing safety matters.
So, we are going to step up our game when it comes to health and safety matters, especially in industrial production and activities and even in the construction industries.
We will ensure that people comply with the minimum and basic health and safety standards before they operate in the state,” he said.
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The Commissioner urged industries in the state to conform to the new health and safety standards when fully implemented.
Anyone who fails to conform will face sanctions. He called on all community development associations, describing them as first responders to any accident, to monitor all industries in their area for compliance.
Seven workers of the industry were seriously injured in the explosion and are currently in a hospital in Ikorodu.
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