BILL TO PROTECT FACTORY WORKERS PASSES 2ND READING IN ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY
REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
A bill for a law to ensure safety, health and welfare of factory workers and all persons lawfully present at the premises has passed through second reading in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The bill, which is sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House and member representing Ihiala Constituency II, Dr. Paschal Agbodike seeks to protect workers at various factories and companies from being used as machines by their employees.
Radio Nigeria reports that the plenary, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Uche Okafor, also received reports of two petitions from the House Committee on Public Petitions.
Dr. Agbodike emphasized that the bill, which was first read on the floor of the House in 2019, when passed, would ensure the safety of the workers who often times are being used without much regard to their welfare and health conditions within the work environment across the state.
According to Dr. Agbodike, factory owners park human beings and machines without considering the hazards and implications on the health of the people.
He expressed regretted that most of the companies failed to observe safety measures, including providing kits for workers, especially those who operate heavy duty machines and touch chemicals.
Supporting the bill, the Minority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Mr.Onyebuchi Offor, said the bill was very apt as most companies and factories operating in the area did not have proper insurance cover for their workers.
For his part, Mr. Edward Ibuzor representing Onitsha North Constituency II observed that most of the workers were being over used without proper renumeration and compensation for the overtime jobs they do.
The Deputy Majority leader, Mr. Emeka Afoka representing Orumba North Constituency, described the bill as a step aimed at protecting not just the workers but the people in the rural areas, who may be affected in one way or the other.
Contributing, the member representing Anambra East, Mr. Obinna Emeneka, while describing health as a fundamental right of every worker, said the bill when passed would re- awaken the consciousness of factory owners to embrace Standard Operating Procedures, which guaranteed safety at work places.
After the resolution that the bill be passed for second reading, the Speaker, Mr. Uche Okafor, referred it to the Committee on Health before the House adjourned plenary until Thursday 20th of April.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
