Worker dies after Pietermaritzburg tanker explosion

One of the workers who sustained serious burns from a tank explosion yesterday at Nkondeni Industrial Area in Pietermaritzburg died a few hours ago and the other remains in a critical condition at St Annes Hospital fighting for his life.

Labour Inspectors served a prohibition notice on the employer, Cargo Lite yesterday halting all operations until the investigation is finalized. Returning to the scene this morning, preliminary investigations reveal that an explosion had occurred inside a tank where the workers were painting the bin with black primer and paint rollers. It is alleged by the employer that the lead light fell to the bottom of the tank, broke and as a result ignited the explosion. The worker that has passed on had escaped the tank with all his clothes burnt off his body and the other was removed by fellow workers amidst heavy smoke and poor visibility.

 Labour Inspectors currently on site are busy gathering evidence and information about the incident and await the forensic report from the SAPS which will determine the possible cause of the incident.

Meanwhile in another investigation about an incident which occurred on August 8, 2007 at the same company, a worker was fatally injured whilst cutting an angle iron on a 25 litre drum which exploded resulting in the angle iron slicing a side of his face and skull. A recommendation to prosecute the employer will be made as soon as the relevant reports are received from the SAPS.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 requires every employer to bring about and maintain as far as reasonably practicable, a work environment that is safe and without risk to the health and safety of the workers. This means that the employer must ensure that the workplace is free of hazardous substances that may cause injury, damage or disease.