Sasol blast report 'on Monday'

2004-09-10 17:25

Johannesburg - The preliminary report on the explosion at Sasol's ethylene plant in Secunda is expected on Monday, said the department of labour.

On Thursday, acting director-general Vanguard Nkosana visited the site of the September 1 explosion which claimed seven lives.

Nkosana was with a team of experts handling the investigation and spoke to health and safety representatives and managing directors.

"The preliminary report is expected on Monday. On the basis of that report we will determine the next step," he said.

Although Sasol is conducting its own internal investigation, Nkosana emphasised: "There is one official investigation by the department of labour."

Chris Pienaar, occupational health and safety expert for the Solidarity trade union said on Thursday that three delegates from each of the three trade unions at the plant had been invited to visit by Sasol management.

Meanwhile, the strike by more than 1 000 Sasol workers at the Secunda plant continued on Thursday, with management still not having responded to a memorandum presented on Wednesday.

The workers are demanding a 10% wage increase as opposed to the 6.5% proposed by Sasol management.

Further grievances include workers' concerns over safety conditions at the plant.

- SAPA