Formal investigations into the death of a worker at the construction site of the new Mantsopa Hospital in Ladybrand, Free State get underway tomorrow (Thursday, 3 Feb).
Labour Inspectors are probing circumstances surrounding the tragedy that befell the 35-year-old Joseph Tshabalala, a construction worker who was killed on site while busy working inside a three meter trench taking measurements of the soil levels when excavated sand fell on him.
The probe is in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to check whether the employer followed the prescripts and regulations of the Act at the time of the incident. A report with recommendations will be forwarded to the Department’s Chief Inspector for consideration and recommendations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions.
Meanwhile the Department is also probing as to why a mielie farmer, JH Boshof of Roodedam in the Hoopstad area did not report the death of one his workers, Shadrack Malaku, 28, to the Department of Labour immediately after the incident as required by law.
According to a preliminary report, Malaku died while trying to clear out a jammed conveyor in a silo when he was subsequently conveyed into a pit, where he was covered by the raw product from the silo resulting in his untimely death.
The Department of Labour urges all employers and employees to ensure that workplaces comply with the regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to prevent unnecessary incidents.
Enquiries:
Wisane Mavasa
Cell: 082 806 1351
