DoL announces inquiry into the collapse of a structure in Jacobs, Durban

The Department of Labour has set-up a formal inquiry into the collapse of the structure that was under construction on the premises of Imperial Logistics at 11 Milner Street in Jacobs, Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.

The collapse led to the death of four workers: Bhekuyise Moses Sibiya, France Mokhuthu Sekalu, Constandino Mapukula and Siyabonga Bhane. Four other employees were injured.

On the 28 March 2018, Echo Prestress, a precast roofing company, was busy with the final installation of the concrete precast roof slab. At approximately 12H30, the precast concrete structure collapsed resulting in the deaths and injury of workers.

This collapse caused structural damages to an adjacent building as well as a heavy duty vehicle which was stationary on the public road along the perimeter fence of the facility. Subsequent to this, the Department of Labour’s inspectors issued a prohibition notice to Imperial Logistics, prohibiting any further work from being undertaken until the circumstances and cause of the collapse were investigated.

The first session of the Section 32 inquiry will be held from 21st January 2019 to 01 February 2019 at KwaZulu-Natal Master Builders Association offices, 40 Essex Terrace, Westville, KwaZulu-Natal.  

The Section 32 hearing has been appointed by the Department of Labour Chief Inspector, Tibor Szana, to investigate levels of adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), and negligence that caused occupational injuries and death of workers.

Sandile Kubeka a Department of Labour Specialist: Occupational Health & Safety has been appointed the Presiding Inspector of the Formal Inquiry. He will be assisted by Lennie Samuel, a Forensic Investigator from the Department of Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch.

A total of 18 witnesses have been lined to testify before the Commission. Additional witnesses may/will be called in to testify based on information presented at the inquiry.

The affected parties in the building collapse incident include: Imperial Logistics, Tilt Up SA, Talmac Engineering, ECHO Precast, Bedrock Construction, Archi Studio, JDF Construction, Moedi Engineering, Benrob Construction, and ECHO Prestress.  

More information from Teboho Thejane, cell: 082 697 0694 / www.labour.gov.za