/ 31 July 2003

Hundred workers die every month in SA

The Department of Labour has launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of an Ekurhuleni municipal worker on the East Rand — one of the 100 workers who are killed in workplace accidents in South Africa every month.

who was reportedly crushed to death by two trucks on Wednesday.

Departmental spokesperson Snuki Zikalala, who is currently accompanying Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana on a visit to Cuba, said the minister condemned the death of the worker “in the strongest possible terms”.

“Inspectors have already been dispatched to the scene and will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that a clear picture of the accident emerges. As well as establishing whether there were any violations of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations or other labour laws. Should it be found that anybody was negligible, the law will take its course,” Zikalala said.

“Statistics indicate that on average over 100 workers per month are killed in workplace accidents. One death is a death too many, because workers do not go to work to die. Together with our social partners we are committed to ensuring that South African workplaces are safe,” Zikalala added. – I-Net Bridge