THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is demanding thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of seven miners at Golden Valley Mine in Kadoma on Monday when a hoist broke down.
Staff Reporter
ZCTU acting secretary-general Gideon Shoko made the call on Thursday in a statement sending condolences to the families of the deceased.
“We grieve with the families and relatives of the deceased workers and we are demanding a thorough inquest into what caused the accident,” Shoko said.
Information made public at present say the hoist lost control and plunged from level one to eight, a distance of 800 metres causing the death of the miners who were in the hoist cage.
ZCTU argues that there is lack of systematic checks on safety and equipment at the workplaces which results in these accidents which otherwise could be avoided. The union reminds all companies to prioritise safety of employees.
“The incident points to a glaring lack in safety standards and inspection of machinery. The ZCTU firmly believes in safety and that no job is worth a life hence is calling upon all companies to prioritise safety measures and precautions to eradicate all sorts of accidents at the workplace,” Shoko added.
This accident incidentally happened in the month of June when the country also commemorates the worst mining accident at Kamandama Mine, Hwange, in 1972 that claimed 427 lives.
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Meanwhile, Shoko said the government’s proposed labour flexibility policy could also increase the rate of industrial accidents and reduce employee safety.
ZCTU fears more of such accidents would prevail if the government proceeds with its plans to introduce labour market flexibility policies to govern labour as employers would be reluctant to follow due processes and circumvent safety regulations,” he said.
