A scaffolding collapse at the Phoenix construction site has left two workers injured, adding to concerns over workplace safety in Mauritius. The incident occurred on November 6 at the new police station site along the Royal Road. Two foreign workers, Shishupal Kushwaha, an Indian national, and Mohammad Sohel Rana, a Bangladeshi national, both 37 years old, were injured when the wooden scaffolding gave way. They were employed by New Horizon Builders Co. Ltd and were working on masonry at a height.
The accident happened at around 10:15 am, with both workers falling approximately three meters to the third floor of the building under construction. Emergency services, including a SAMU team, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Shishupal Kushwaha, who arrived in Mauritius on March 17, was taken to Victoria Hospital in Candos, where he was admitted in stable condition. His colleague, Mohammad Sohel Rana, was also taken to the same hospital, received treatment, and was allowed to return home.
The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety, particularly in the construction sector, following a recent accident involving three Bangladeshi workers who were injured when a crane carrying glass panels fell. The authorities have launched an investigation into the scaffolding collapse to determine the exact circumstances of the accident. A representative from the Ministry of Labor and Industrial Relations, responsible for occupational health and safety, visited the site.
The Scene of Crime Office, accompanied by a police photographer, conducted the necessary inspections. Firefighters, led by Senior Fire Officer Ansalit, were also mobilized to the scene. The incident highlights the risks faced by workers in the construction industry and the need for strict safety protocols. The authorities will likely scrutinize the safety measures in place at construction sites across Mauritius.
Shishupal Kushwaha and Mohammad Sohel Rana were working at a height on the scaffolding when it collapsed. Their injuries serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that construction sites adhere to strict safety standards. The Ministry of Labor and Industrial Relations will likely review safety protocols at construction sites to prevent similar incidents.
The construction of the new police station in Phoenix is ongoing, and the incident may lead to a review of the project's safety record. New Horizon Builders Co. Ltd, the employer of the two injured workers, will likely face scrutiny over its safety practices. The company has not made any public statements regarding the incident.
The authorities' investigation into the scaffolding collapse will aim to identify the causes of the incident and recommend measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing workplace safety in Mauritius, particularly in the construction sector.
Key points
- The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety in Mauritius, particularly in the construction sector.
- Two foreign workers were injured in the scaffolding collapse at the Phoenix construction site.
- An investigation has been launched into the scaffolding collapse to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.
