Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi said the multi-storey building collapse in George, Western Cape, has brought into sharp focus the importance of prioritising safety in the workplace.
The minister said this on Tuesday after 46 workers remained unaccounted for, while six others were declared deceased. This after the building under construction collapsed in Victoria Street.
“The collapse of the building serves as a sobering reminder of the critical
importance of prioritising safety in the workplace.
“With the loss of lives and the entrapment of individuals, this incident has sparked a call to action. A call for organisations to reevaluate their health and safety protocols and practices,” said Nxesi in a media statement.
Recommit ourselves to ensuring safety of workers
“As we reflect on this tragic event, it is imperative to recommit ourselves to the principle that no job is worth risking the safety or lives of employees. Every effort must be made to prevent similar incidents in the future. Redoubling efforts to promote a culture of safety, vigilance, and accountability within organisations is paramount.”
He said the Department of Employment and Labour Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspectors were onsite. They were dispatched on Monday when the incident came to the department’s attention.
“The department is receiving real-time information on the ground from our inspectors and the inspector general.
“We are also aware that multiple disaster service personnel are involved in a rescue operation to retrieve the trapped workers. These include SAPS Search and Rescue teams with sniffer dogs. The number of construction crew on site at the time of the incident and deceased workers have been reported. But at this stage, we await final confirmations.
Nxesi conveyed his heartfelt condolences to family and friends of the deceased
construction workers. He also wished for a speedy recovery for the
survivors.
Condolences to families and loved ones
“No words can adequately express the sorrow felt for the lives lost. And the
anguish experienced by those awaiting news of their trapped loved ones. Our thoughts are
with them during this difficult time.
“The department will work through the teams on the ground and outlined protocols to
communicate and update the public. In terms of our processes, we will await the official handing over of the site to the department. This to enable us to proceed with investigations. As per Section 31 & 32 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
The handing over is normally preceded by the finalisation of rescue and recovery interventions.
“It is a collective responsibility to honour the memory of those lost by ensuring that their lives were not lost in vain. Strengthening the commitment to health and safety is essential. Let us work together to prevent such tragedies from occurring again,” pleaded Nxesi.
