An Arcelormittal plant Image: X/ @NUMSA_Media
NUMSA calls on Department of Labour to intervene after four workers burnt by molten steel
NUMSA says SA Steel Mills is failing to ensure health and safety protocols are followed after four workers were burnt with molten steel.
An Arcelormittal plant Image: X/ @NUMSA_Media
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has accused SA Steel Mills of failing to keep the workplace safe after four workers were burnt with molten steel lava.
The horrific incident reportedly happened around 06:30 on Thursday, 19 October.
NUMSA WEIGHS IN ON SA STEEL MILLS INCIDENT
Two workers were rushed to hospital and were in a critical condition while two others were treated with normal first aid by first responders and were sent home.
Following the incident, NUMSA said it is deeply concerned about the well-being of workers at SA Steel Mills and also accused the steel company of failing to report the incident to the Department of Employment and Labour.
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NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said SA Steel Mills management claimed that the accident was as a result of a cooling water pump which tripped causing the molten steel not to run through the mould. It then splashed outside the mould and caused serious burn injuries to the operators who were mending the process.
Hlubi-Majola said this was not the first time that SA Steel Mills has had accidents as management has consistently failed to act, to ensure that proper health and safety protocols are followed.
“In the last incident, a worker died and the owner Rafik Mohamed, was inhumane in his response to the incident. He refused to allow workers to take time off to deal with the trauma, and, also, to properly mourn the death of their colleague.
“Mohamed behaved like a slave owner and demanded that workers return to work immediately, or face dismissal. We condemn SA Steel Mills for putting profits ahead of safety!” Hlubi-Majola said.
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Furthermore, Majola called on the Department of Employment and Labour to intervene saying it is clear that worker safety is not prioritised at SA Steel Mills and this is putting the lives of workers at risk.
