Construction on bridge halted

2003-11-14 17:25

Johannesburg - The Department of Labour on Friday stated that it had further prohibited work on a bridge under construction at Coega in the Eastern Cape after it collapsed, killing two workers and injuring a further 18.

Department inspectors, who arrived on the scene at the Neptune Interchange shortly after the accident, issued a prohibition notice against construction company Spesannutti & Bressan. The notice prevents all further work on the structure.

Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana said the development of Coega was welcomed, but government would not tolerate companies that put profit before worker safety.

He emphasised that the department would at all times ensure that employers complied with health and safety regulations.

Mdladlana has instructed department officials to investigate whether Spesannutti & Bressan was registered with the Compensation Fund and the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

The incident occurred when 48 employees were casting concrete over the bridge's formwork.

The weight of the wet concrete apparently caused the support work to give way, resulting in the collapse of the bridge.

The department immediately instituted a preliminary investigation and officials are taking statements from witnesses, employees and responsible persons.

The department is also working in close co-operation with the police and the Coega Development Corporation.

The accident follows the department's inspections of the construction industry conducted two weeks ago.

According to the department the sector has been targeted because of its poor safety record, with almost 24 000 injuries reported to the Compensation Fund during 1998.

During the weeklong inspection campaign 747 constructions sites were visited, of which only 37 were found to be fully compliant with Occupational Health and Safety regulations; 118 prohibition notices were issued and 1 162 contravention notices were issued.

- I-Net Bridge (News24)