A forklift operator identified as Abayomi has died in a tragic industrial accident at Quantum Steel Industry, a factory located in Ogijo, Ogun State. The incident happened last Monday, just two months after the same factory was sealed by the Ogun State Government following an explosion that injured seven employees.
According to a casual worker who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, Abayomi was ordered by the machine operator, a foreign national, to remove a piece of scrap stuck inside a scrap grinding machine. Unfortunately, the operator did not switch off the machine before the task.
The worker explained, “Abayomi was told to remove the scrap without knowing the machine was still powered. As soon as he removed the scrap, the machine suddenly started and trapped him.”
Despite efforts by other factory workers to rescue Abayomi, he was pulled out dead from the machine.
The worker added, “The machine rolled him like scrap. His colleagues rushed to help, but it was too late.”
Quantum Steel Industry has been under scrutiny since the explosion incident that forced the Ogun State Government to seal the factory temporarily for safety checks. The government has been taking steps to ensure workplace safety in industries across the state, especially in high-risk sectors like steel manufacturing.
This latest tragedy raises fresh concerns about safety standards and the enforcement of regulations in Ogun State’s industrial sector. Workers’ unions and safety advocates are calling on the government to intensify inspections and impose stricter safety protocols to prevent such accidents.
Quantum Steel Industry has not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, workers at the factory remain worried about their safety and working conditions.
The factory is a key player in Ogun State’s industrial landscape, providing jobs to many locals. But these repeated accidents have caused distress among workers and their families.
Ogun State officials have not commented on the incident publicly but are expected to investigate the matter thoroughly.
This unfortunate event highlights the urgent need for greater safety awareness and stronger enforcement of workplace regulations to protect workers’ lives in Nigeria’s industrial sectors.
