Inquiry into fatal #Durbanbuildingcollapse to get underway
The collapse led to the deaths of four employees . Eighteen witnesses will testify before the commission.
The Department of Labour’s formal inquiry into the collapse of the structure which was under construction in Jacobs on 28 March 2018, gets underway in Westville next week.
The collapse at the premises of Imperial Logistics at 11 Milner Street in Jacobs led to the deaths of four employees Bhekuyise Moses Sibiya, France Mokhuthu Sekalu, Constandino Mapukula and Siyabonga Bhane.
Four other employees were injured.
READ: Two confirmed dead at Jacobs building collapse site
Precast roofing company Echo Prestress was busy with the final installation of the concrete precast roof slab, when at about 12.30pm, the precast concrete structure collapsed, killing and injuring the workers. This collapse also caused structural damage to an adjacent building and a heavy duty vehicle which was stationary on the road along the facility’s perimeter fence.
READ: Part of Jacobs building collapses onto truck [VIDEO]
Subsequently, the Department of Labour’s inspectors issued a prohibition notice to Imperial Logistics, prohibiting any further work from being undertaken until the circumstances and root cause surrounding the collapse were investigated.
The first session of the Section 32 inquiry starts at 10am on 21 January and it is expected to last until 1 February at KwaZulu-Natal Master Builders Association offices, 40 Essex Terrace in Westville.
The Section 32 hearing has been appointed by 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 in occupational health and safety has been appointed the presiding inspector. He will be assisted by Lennie Samuel, a forensic investigator from the Department of Labour’s inspection and enforcement services branch.
Eighteen witnesses will testify before the commission. Additional witnesses may be called to testify, based on information presented at the inquiry.
READ ALSO: [MUST READ] Eyewitness recounts moments after Durban building collapses
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