explosion
3 May 2007
The owner of a Kimberley factory in the Northern Cape could soon face
criminal charges for the injuries suffered by his employees during an explosion
at his factory last month.
The accident occurred during an explosion at the Frame and Door Factory in
the city's industrial area, which resulted in serious injuries to three
workers, one of whom is still fighting for his life in hospital.
The Labour Department, whose officials conducted a probe soon after ordering
a halt to all the factory's operations, today released preliminary findings and
recommendations for the owner to be prosecuted for gross negligence and
contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The findings based on interviews of the two victims; management, supervisor
and a union shop steward indicate that the explosion was caused by the ignition
of a dip tank by welding sparks.
Welding work was done on a conveyor chain below which was an open dip tank
that contained flammable substances such as paint mixed with thinners.
The dip tank was not well covered and a welding spark ignited it, causing
the explosion.
Investigators also found that the moving parts of the conveyor chain were
only covered after the explosion.
There had been no supervision over control of the conveyor, and no proper
communication system between the controller and other users of the conveyor,
while the point of control was easily accessible to any employee or any other
persons.
At the time of the accident, the factory owner was still under investigation
having been issued with a contravention notice on 30 March 2006 for flouting a
section of the same Occupational Health and Safety Act.
He was initially given two months to put his house in order but an extension
had been granted at his request.
The recommendations for prosecution will be referred to the Office of the
Public Prosecutor before the end of the first week of May 2007.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 808 9063
E-mail: zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
3 May 2007
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za)
