Initial probe
24 January 2006
The Labour Departmentâs preliminary investigations into last Fridayâs
Volkswagen plant fatal accident in Uitenhage have found that the two contract
workers fell when the improperly fixed shutter they were standing on
collapsed.
While the date for proper investigations, including interviews of witnesses,
will only be will announced next week, the Departmentâs inspectors yesterday
(Monday, 23 January) established that the two were working on the shutter about
14 meters above ground with their safety harnesses not attached although they
had them.
When the shutter collapsed, the unattached harnesses could not prevent them
from falling and as a result they died at the scene.
Occupational Health and Safety regulations require the wearing and proper
attachment of safety harnesses at all times during high-risk operations.
By yesterday, some of the witnesses, together with the workersâ union
representatives, were busy counselling the deceasedâs loved ones and helping on
funeral preparations.
Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168
Issued by: Department of Labour
24 January 2006
