By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has suspended the use of uncertified pieces of lifting equipment with immediate effect at Scaw Limited, a company based in Kitwe.
Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Chanda Kaziya says this is in relation to the company accident that was reported to the Ministry on 21st August, 2021 that a 5 ton Pedestal crane No.2 at the scrapyard had fallen down around 19:00 hours.
Mr Kaziya said this accident which resulted from this crane crashed the leg of an operator and is currently admitted to Kitwe Teaching Hospital.
He said the Ministry through the Department of occupational Safety and Health Department is on the ground to inspect the company’s lifting equipment to ensure the safety of employees.
Mr Kaziya said the team has since started conducting the Non Distractive Test and (NDT) on all the uncertified lifting equipment.
He also said the Ministry is conducting Proof Load Test which will lead to the machines be certified and suspension lifted should results of this operation come out satisfactory.
“Ministry and Social Security has also warned that no uncertified machine operator will be allowed to operate these machines without an operators certificate. Furthermore, no lifting equipment or pressure vessel should be used before statutory tests and examinations are undertaken by the Inspector of Factories from Ministry of Labour and Social Social Security,” he said.
