23 August 2006
A snapped bolt could have caused the 16th level plunge of a lift maintenance
worker at a Johannesburg building two weeks ago, preliminary findings of the
Department of Labour investigation have suggested.
Oscar Maboyi, a casual worker, sustained multiple injuries when a lift he
was helping fix during maintenance snapped and subsequently fell to a pit in
Berea on 8 August.
Maboyi, 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 latest findings, a chain was fastened at the 17th level
control room which protruded through a hole on the floor to the 16th level.
Three knots were tied to the protruding chain and fastened with a bolt and
nut to form a loop and a lifting-device tied to the lift car was then hooked to
the chain loop. Maboyi was taking the lift down to the ground floor when it
suddenly accelerated at a high velocity and fell to the pit.
Investigators have for now found that, since no knots, bolts and nuts were
found on the chain protruding at the 16th floor, the bolt probably snapped
because the fasteners were only found at the pit where the lift landed.
Investigations are continuing and a final report of findings and
recommendations, if any, is expected before the end of next week.
Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168
Issued by: Department of Labour
23 August 2006
