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The deputy minister of employment and labour, Jomo Sibiya, conducted an on-site inspection on Tuesday in Ormonde following the collapse of a warehouse structure.
Sibiya called the incident unfortunate, stressing that ignoring occupational health and safety standards endangers lives.
The department will launch a formal investigation under Section 31 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act into the workplace collapse to determine the cause and check for safety law violations.
According to the deputy minister, preliminary observations indicate serious compliance concerns, including the alleged failure to submit approved building plans.
Investigation into the collapse
The departmental inspection and enforcement unit, with construction health and safety specialists, will head the investigation after the site transfer, working alongside the city and the police.
Deputy Minister Sibiya stressed that compliance with labour and municipal laws is not optional.
“Every worker who leaves home for work must return safely. Where there is evidence of wrongdoing, decisive action will be taken,” he said.
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He highlighted that penalties, including possible prosecution, will be considered based on the findings of the investigation.
Siiya concluded by saying, “The department will ensure that all qualifying claims are processed without delay and that the necessary social security support is provided.”
