South African Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana on Sunday issued a stern warning to the construction sector following the death of three workers in an accident at a construction site near Mayfair, west of Johannesburg.
Two other workers were also injured when a wall they were busy working on collapsed.
The minister sent his condolences to the families of the deceased and called for a speedy investigation into the accident.
The department’s investigation team, which was immediately dispatched to the scene, slapped a prohibition order on the employer — Rodacil Construction — halting all work activities on the construction site pending investigations.
The police forensic team has also been roped into the investigations to determine whether the incident constitutes a case of foul play.
Meanwhile, department inspectors will on Monday interview the employer, the supervisor and any other witnesses.
According to the department, part of the investigation will include a probe into the nature of the construction business, whether the employer was licensed and whether relevant safety measures were in place during the accident.
The inspectors will also study documentation to establish whether the affected workers were employed legally in South Africa and to see if the employer was registered with the Compensation Fund and the Unemployed Insurance Fund.
The minister sent a stern warning to employers who deliberately disregard workers’ safety.
“This year our labour inspectors will continue to ensure that employers in the construction industry comply with Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations. It’s unacceptable that between 2001 and 2002 alone a total of 150 workers were killed while on duty in the construction industry while a further 70 workers are injured on a daily basis within the sector,” Mdladlana said.
“My department is determined once again to go out in full force in 2004 to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations in workplaces around the country. We will continue with our campaign to stamp out defaulters until such time that safety is a priority for every employer and workers can work under safe environment,” the minister added. — I-Net Bridge