TheCable

The Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) has sealed off the Monaplex Plastic factory after TheCable’s two-part investigation exposed the poor working conditions of workers in the state.

The first part of the report investigated the condition of Matthew Eworo, a 29-year-old worker whose hand was stuck in the base of an active mixer while on a night shift at Monaplex Plastic Industries on August 31.

The story also exposed the failure of the company to provide protective and safety measures for its workers.

The second part investigated the exploitation and extortion of young workers in two hair factories despite being paid N200 (less than a dollar) per hour.

When TheCable visited the Monaplex factory on Tuesday, a day after the story was published, the Lagos State Safety Commission put a red seal on the brown-painted front gate of the factory.

The big, bold sign read: “SEALED…Removing this sticker/seal without correcting the violation attracts a penalty.”

Monaplex factory sealed by LSSC

Some workers who spoke with TheCable said the facility was sealed on Tuesday, while three groups of government representatives inspected the factory.

“The factory was sealed on the order of the director-general to investigate the incident reported in the viral story. More information will be released after the official investigation has been concluded,” a top official of the LSSC told TheCable on the phone on Wednesday morning.

The LSSC is responsible for the coordination of all government matters relating to the safety of the lives and property of Lagosians. The commission is vested with powers to formulate policies, provide advisory services, and be the regulatory body on safety-related issues.