COSATU angered by death of six workers at Eskom project

The Congress of South African Trade Unions sends condolences to the families and comrades of the six contract workers who died when a platform collapsed at Eskom's Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme construction site near Ladysmith on Thursday 31 October. It is shocking that so many lives can be lost in a single incident.

COSATU also sends its best wishes for a full recovery to the seven workers who were injured in the incident, three of whom remain in a critical condition in hospital.

The men were doing welding and grouting on a moveable platform in one of four tunnels, when the platform broke loose and rolled back down the tunnel, which has a 24-degree incline.

COSATU commends the prompt response of the Department of Mineral Resources, whose KwaZulu-Natal principal inspector, and other departmental inspectors, visited the construction site and have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the accident, in line with provisions in the Mine Health and Safety Act.

The federation also welcomes the assurance by Public Enterprises Minister, Malusi Gigaba, that he will "leave no stone unturned to get to the cause of the incident and to ensure that any such possible accidents in future are averted".

COSATU in KwaZulu-Natal said it was bitter and pained at the deaths. "We extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved families at this darkest hour," it said in a statement, "May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace".

Statement issued by Patrick Craven, COSATU national spokesperson, November 1 2013

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter