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The family of Michael Aghanemu, a 20-year-old factory worker at Alibert Nigeria Limited, who died after sustaining injuries while operating a fibre machine, will be compensated.
The Personal Assistant to the Managing Director, Mrs. Mercy Ugwu, told PUNCH Metro that the company regretted the incident but said all their staff were insured against such occurrences.
Ugwu added that in the event of such, the insurance company would indemnify the victim or family as the case might be.
She said, “In a meeting held with the family representatives on Saturday, their fears about compensation were allayed by the company since the lives of all members of staff are assured.
“Also, the workmen compensation policy is in place. Parties have also commenced the journey of amicable settlements. The company further assures the family of its full support and regrets this fatal loss.”
Describing how the deceased lost his life, Ugwu said Aghanemu had attempted to clean the machine but forgot to turn it off before doing so and consequently, his hand was dragged into it.
She said, “Aghanemu had been familiar with the operations of the same machine for over one year before this tragic incident.
“However, around 11:30am, while preparing to go for break, he decided to clean the machine with an air hose; unfortunately he commenced cleaning without first turning off the machine.
“Subsequently, the hose was hooked to the machine which also dragged his right hand in. He was rushed to the hospital but was certified dead.”
Ugwu described as false, allegations that factory workers were exposed to job hazards and many of their workers had died in the past due to work-related accidents.
Regarding the accusations made by the family that the company delayed in intimating them of their son’s death, Ugwu said this was false.
She said efforts had been made to contact the family but there were delays because the deceased on his job application form, had put one Gideon as his next of kin.
She said, “The accident and death was reported to the police and the next of kin was called on the phone but we were informed that he was in Delta State.
“The deceased on his application form, filled one Gideon as his next of kin and upon further scrutiny, no member of his family had been indicated on his form.
“Repeated visits to his residential address were made but only his mother, who was sick, was available.”
Ugwu said representatives of the company could not break news of Aghanemu to his mother but she added that that they were able to get the contact of his cousin, Uloma, who connected them with some family members.
On the allegation made by the family of the deceased that they had not been allowed to see their son’s corpse, Ugwu said it was untrue.
She said, “The incident was broken to his father and uncles and all members of his family proceeded to the Isolo General Hospital with representatives of the company in order to see the corpse.
“However, upon arrival at 7pm, a representative of the family demanded that the corpse be taken to another mortuary but all efforts to explain that this request could only be granted until the next day as there was need to obtain necessary documents from the police fell on deaf ears and they left in anger.”
However, Festus, the father of the deceased, confirmed that talks were underway between the family and the company.
He added that the company claimed Michael was insured but their meeting had yet to be finalised.
He said, “We have not actually reached any agreement with the company but we are supposed to meet again this week.
“I don’t know if they had insurance in place for my son but the company claims it did so. Let’s see how things turn out.”
Culled from Punch Metro.
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Simply Cheska...
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