The division of employment and labour has launched an investigation and issued a prohibition discover after a hearth at Sasol’s Sasolburg polyethylene plant left three contractor workers injured, together with one who stays in intensive care.
The division’s spokesperson, Teboho Thejane, mentioned a harmful fuel launch ignited whereas contractors had been deblocking a pipeline throughout warmth remedy work on the Poly 3 facility on Tuesday, inflicting the hearth.
Sasol confirmed the incident however mentioned there had been no explosion, opposite to preliminary experiences.
Thejane mentioned three staff sustained burns. Two of them remained in hospital, one among them in ICU.
He mentioned the third worker was receiving remedy in a surgical ward. Nonetheless, Sasol later clarified that the employee had sustained solely minor accidents and didn’t require hospital admission.
Thejane mentioned the division began its investigation on Thursday.
“Preliminary findings point out that the contractor is not working on the website. The investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and decide whether or not there have been any contraventions of occupational well being and security laws.”
He mentioned an inspector was dispatched to the location on Thursday after the division grew to become conscious of and confirmed the incident.
“A prohibition discover has been issued, stopping the continuation of the actions that led to the hearth till the division is glad that it’s protected for work to renew.”
Sasol mentioned the hearth broke out at about 1.04pm at its Poly 3 facility on the Midland website in Sasolburg.
“We wish to make clear that there was no explosion related to this incident. The incident concerned a hearth, which was promptly responded to and introduced below management by Sasol’s emergency response groups.”
Sasol mentioned the affected Poly 3 unit had been shut down whereas the reason for the hearth was investigated. The corporate mentioned emergency response procedures had been activated instantly, all personnel had been evacuated safely and there was no threat to workers, neighbouring communities or the atmosphere.
Assessments of the unit and operational impacts of the hearth had been persevering with.
“The wellbeing of the injured people stays our major concern. Sasol is offering assist to the injured workers and their households, together with ongoing engagement with medical personnel and entry to the suitable worker and contractor assist providers.”
Sasol acknowledged that it had skilled different course of security incidents at its Sasolburg operations over the previous 5 years. In its 2025 monetary 12 months, the group’s fires, explosions and releases severity charge elevated from 5.4 the earlier 12 months to five.5.
“We actively work to reinforce our understanding of dangers and repeatedly enhance our threat administration and upkeep practices,” it mentioned. “Vital incidents are investigated totally and corrective and preventive actions are carried out the place required to deal with recognized causes and strengthen operational security.”
Sasol denied allegations that workers had been instructed to not focus on the incident, saying staff had been routinely reminded that communication with exterior stakeholders was dealt with via designated firm channels to make sure data launched publicly was correct and constant.
Sasol mentioned whether or not its security, operational and emergency response measures operated as meant and any potential contributing components would kind a part of the continued investigation. “It could be inappropriate to remark additional till the investigation has been concluded.”
Mduduzi Tshabalala of the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance referred to as for higher transparency after the incident, urging Sasol to publicly disclose the circumstances of the hearth, cooperate totally with investigators and interact brazenly with affected staff and surrounding communities.
He additionally referred to as on the corporate to publish a plan outlining speedy containment measures and longer-term security enhancements to forestall an analogous incident.
Tshabalala mentioned corporations working close to residential areas had a accountability to guard folks’s well being, security and the atmosphere.
