Labour Department to resume probe of KwaZulu-Natal manganese poisoning

The Labour Department’s formal enquiry into the exposure of workers to poisonous fumes at the Assmang plant in Cato Ridge, Durban is set to resume from the 25-29 February 2008 at the Cato Ridge Country Club.

The inquiry forms part of an investigation by the Department which started in November 2006 when five (5) workers were then reported to be suffering from possible manganese poisoning.The Section 32 Formal Inquiry as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 aims to finalise and establish:

-        the level of manganese fumes or dust exposure to the workers

-        whether the employer has fulfilled the legal obligation of preventing exposure as prescribed in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 and Hazardous Chemicals Substances Regulations.

-        whether control mechanisms were put in place by the employer

-        who will be held responsible for the exposure

-        the necessary preventative measures to be implemented to prevent a re-occurrence of a similar nature.

Approximately 10 claims were lodged by Assmang for manganism to the Department’s Compensation Fund .Three of these have been finalized with the respective claimants been awarded compensation.They are currently receiving a monthly pension from the Compensation Fund.