The Plenary of the House of Representative has summoned the Management of Sethi Ferro Fabrik, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Labor over the explosion of an oxygen plant that led to the tragic death of a Liberian employee of Sethi.
The decision was made from a communication read on Thursday, February 20, 2025, by Margibi County Representative Ivar K. Jones, stating that the accident caused the death of employee Saah Samukai and raised environmental safety concerns.
He said the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia clearly states in Article 8, “The Republic shall direct its policy towards ensuring for all citizens without discrimination, opportunities for employment and livelihood under just and humane conditions, and towards promoting safety, health and welfare facilities in employment.”
“I pray the indulgence of the Honorable House of Representatives to invite the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Labor and the Management of Sethi Ferro Fabrik Steel Factory to appear and address the August Body about the explosion of the Oxygen Plant at the factory,” he said.
It can be recalled that the Management of Sethi Ferro Fabrik in a press release acknowledged the industrial incident that took place at its Gardnerville facility and expressed profound regret over the incident, which resulted in the death of an employee assigned to the company’s Oxygen Plant.
The company said, “We have begun immediate engagement with the family of Saah Samukai and are doing everything we can to support them during this difficult period.”
Meanwhile, the management clarified that contrary to earlier media reports suggesting two fatalities and multiple injuries, only one death occurred, and no other injuries were sustained.
The release said immediate action was taken following the incident, and “we are fully cooperating with local authorities as they conduct an investigation.”
“Our employees are the heart of our operations, and their safety is our top priority. This loss is deeply painful for all of us,” says the Management of Sethi Ferro Fabrik. “We will do everything in our power to support the family of Mr. Samukai and to work alongside the authorities to understand and address this tragedy,” the Sethi release said.
According to the company, Sethi always prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of employees and has in place robust safety measures which it continuously works to uphold at the highest industry standards.
“However, we recognize that no system is infallible, and we take this incident with the utmost seriousness. As the relevant Government Authority of Liberia conducts its investigation, we are fully cooperating to ensure a transparent and thorough process. We remain committed to learning from this incident and reinforcing our safety protocols where necessary,” the release said.
By Tonita N. Copson
