Monrovia – The Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC) has expressed deep condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of Mr. Saah Samukai, who tragically lost his life in an industrial accident at the Sethi Ferro Fabrik oxygen plant, operated by Sethi Brothers.
In a statement released following the incident, the LCC also extended its sympathies to the management and staff of Sethi Brothers, acknowledging the significant contributions of the company to Liberia’s industrial sector and healthcare system.
The Chamber praised Sethi Brothers for its role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the company provided free oxygen to hospitals across Liberia, aiding the government’s emergency response. Even after the pandemic, the company continued to offer free oxygen refills to medical institutions, including Redemption Hospital and JFK Medical Center.
“It is deeply unfortunate that this tragic event occurred while the company was engaged in such benevolent activities,” the statement read. The LCC added that it had been assured by Sethi Brothers’ management that all necessary measures, including insurance benefits and compensatory arrangements, were being handled in line with legal and corporate obligations.
The LCC urged regulatory authorities to conduct a thorough review of the incident while recognizing that industrial accidents, though rare, can occur even in well-regulated environments. The Chamber emphasized the need for all stakeholders to evaluate safety protocols and address any potential regulatory gaps.
“Safety in industrial and manufacturing operations must always remain a top priority, and companies must adhere strictly to both international and local safety standards to protect workers and prevent future occurrences,” the LCC stated.
However, the Chamber also cautioned against any hasty regulatory actions that could lead to an unwarranted shutdown of the facility, warning that such a move could have significant economic consequences, including job losses for hundreds of workers.
The LCC reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the government, regulatory bodies, and industry players to investigate the causes of the accident and enhance safety regulations.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr. Saah Samukai, and we stand ready to support all efforts to strengthen safety protocols and uphold the highest standards of industrial operations in Liberia,” the statement added.
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