Pretoria - Inspectors of the Department of Labour are to launch a formal investigation into the cause of death of a worker at the construction site of the new Mantsopa Hospital in Ladybrand, Free State, tomorrow.
The inspectors will be probing circumstances surrounding the tragedy that befell 35-year-old Joseph Tshabalala, a construction worker who was killed on-site while working inside a three-meter trench. He was taking measurements of the soil levels when excavated sand fell on him.
The probe will check whether the employer followed the regulations of Occupational Health and Safety 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 investigating why mielie farmer, JH Boshof, of Roodedam in Hoopstad, 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 fell into a pit and was left covered by the raw product from the silo, resulting in his 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.
