9 October 2007
Barely a fortnight after Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana had sharply
criticised the lack of adequate safety measures in the construction sector,
another worker has died tragically under similar circumstances in Waterkloof,
Pretoria yesterday.
Coleman Ngcezu (33) was allegedly stacking bricks on a scaffolding platform,
four stories up when he plunged to his death, head first to the ground.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the platform that Ngcezu was
working on had no barricades and that the scaffolding structure was
'shaky'.
Ngcezu was reportedly not wearing any safety harness, only a hard hat and a
pair of safety boots.
Two weeks ago, a Mozambican national, Americo Diaz, died at a construction
site in Pretoria, after slipping and falling two floors to his death. The
accident was also attributed to inadequate safety measures in place.
Zolisa Sigabi, the Department of Labour spokesperson said, "Both workers'
deaths were regrettable and shameful, and could have been avoided. Employers
and workers alike must work together to ensure a safe work environment. It is
also incumbent upon workers to take responsibility of their health and safety.
They should refuse to work under dangerous conditions."
She said workers need to ensure that they have workplace safety
representatives in place to be the eyes and ears of the department.
Beckers Building (Pty) Ltd was slapped with a prohibition notice preventing
any person to work at an elevated position on scaffolding or the edge of the
building without either barricading or using a safety harness.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
E-mail: zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
9 October 2007
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za/)
