FAWU
*Food & Allied Workers Union (FAWU) News Release, 16 July 2012* *Mpumalanga Level-Crossing Accident That Killed 25 Farm Workers*FAWU is still horrified over the tragic incident last Friday, 13 July 2012 that caused the deaths of 25 farm workers in Mpumalanga.These types of accidents are sadly becoming a common occurrence in our country in which farm workers are still being transported in open trucks. Apparently, the truck driver tried to cross the railway between Malelane and Hectorspruit when a train smashed into it.
The incident reaffirms the need for government to step in and ban the transport of farm workers in open trucks without any safety mechanisms as well as to implement more stringent mechanisms to ensure railway safety. It has been reported that there were no visible railway crossing signs warning drivers of passing trains.
It is also ironic that the incident took place at one of the sites meant to spearhead the Department of Labour's (DOL) plan to improve health and safety on farms. To this end, FAWU is also participating in the Department's efforts to improve occupational health and safety in agriculture through the National Tripartite Technical Committee.
We are however happy over media reports earlier today that the driver of the truck, who is allegedly owned by a labour broker, has been charged with 25 counts of culpable homicide this morning in a Barberton court. FAWU will be following the trial closely and hopes that this will act as a deterrent for farmers and other reckless drivers who drive around these poor workers without concern for their safety.
Our sympathy goes out to all the families and friends of those injured and those who passed away during this horror accident.
*_Released by_:* *Dominique Swartz* *FAWU Media Officer* *082 498 5631* -- You are subscribed. This footer can help you. Please POST your comments to [email protected] or reply to this message. You can visit the group WEB SITE at http://groups.google.com/group/yclsa-eom-forum for different delivery options, pages, files and membership. To UNSUBSCRIBE, please email [email protected] . You don't have to put anything in the "Subject:" field. You don't have to put anything in the message part. All you have to do is to send an e-mail to this address (repeat): [email protected] .
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