The Ogun State government has sealed Kan Steel Holdings Nigeria Limited in Sagamu following the death of a worker, Abdulfatai Nuru, in an operational accident.

The factory was shut down with immediate effect after the unfortunate incident.

The Nation learnt that the government issued a Stop-Work Order on the steel company after its safety officers stormed the facility and uncovered potential workplace safety lapses.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Kafayat Lawal, on Tuesday, said the shutdown was a precautionary measure pending a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nuru’s death.

“Preliminary findings have indicated potential lapses in workplace safety within the facility.

However, a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances that led to the death of the worker,” Lawal said.

“As a precautionary measure, the state government, through the Ministry of Environment, has therefore directed the facility to stop operations with immediate effect, pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and further directives.”

Lawal, who commiserated with the family and colleagues of the deceased, warned that the government would not tolerate negligence that puts workers’ lives at risk.

She said the incident will be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate regulatory sanctions will be applied, reiterating that workers’ lives are non-negotiable.

“Industries are reminded of their obligations to implement effective safety measures and ensure strict compliance with applicable regulations so as to prevent avoidable workplace incidents.” (The Nation)