4 September 2006
The lift maintenance company whose employee last month sustained injuries
after falling from the 16th floor, is facing possible criminal charges.
The Department of Labour was today (Monday) due to hand over its findings
plus recommendations for prosecution against Highpoint Elevators.
The Department's investigators concluded their probe into the 8 August
accident in which Oscar Mabori, a casual worker, suffered multiple injuries as
the elevator he was working on plunged from the 16th level into the pit of a
Berea, Johannesburg building.
At the time of the accident, Mabori, two colleagues and a supervisor were
fixing the elevator when a chain holding it apparently snapped with him
climbing on top, causing it to descend at a high speed until it reached the
bottom where it disintegrated.
According to the findings, the company flouted the Occupational Health and
Safety Act regulations by using unsuitable lifting devices.
Investigators say a 1 600 kilogram capacity wire rope winch was used to
carry a 1 846 kilogram lift car, and that the employer wilfully gave false and
misleading information during inquiry.
The report was due to be handed to the directorate of public prosecutions at
the Johannesburg Magistrate Court offices before close of business today.
Enquires:
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168
Website: http://www.labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
4 September 2006
