the construction sector
28 September 2007
Minister of Labour, Membathisi Mdladlana, has condemned the continued spate
of workplace fatalities. This comes in the wake of yet another death of a
construction worker in Brooklyn, Pretoria this week due to a lack of adequate
safety measures in place.
The Minister was reacting to the tragic death of Americo Diaz, a Mozambican
national, who met his untimely death while explaining the formation of tiles to
his colleagues. Diaz reportedly slipped and plunged from the second floor to
the ground floor. The preliminary findings by the department of inspectors
revealed that the area where the deceased was working did not have guardrails
to protect workers from falling off.
Diaz was working for Ohlhorst Africa Pty Limited, a construction company, as
a Foreman.
Meanwhile the Minister has expressed his condolences to the family,
co-workers and friends of the deceased. "There is no worker who should die on
duty especially not due to non-compliance with labour laws." Minister Mdladlana
said.
Labour inspectors are continuing with investigations into the incident.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
Issued by: Department of Labour
28 September 2007
