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Trade union Solidarity today expressed its sympathy to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the tragic explosion at Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) in Somerset West this week. The trade union also wished everyone well who has been affected by the accident.

According to Willie Venter, a sector coordinator at Solidarity, the trade union informed RDM in the aftermath of the explosion that it would make its highly specialised occupational health and safety (OHS) division available to the company at no cost to assist in putting the necessary safety procedures and systems in place.

“Solidarity highly appreciates the work the company has already done in the wake of the accident, including forensic investigations and the provision of counselling and emergency services. However, Solidarity puts a premium on our members’ safety in the workplace, and we believe our OHS Division can be of invaluable help to establish a safer environment for all employees,” Venter explained.

Venter also said the trade union had requested the company to regard all trade unions associated with RDM as role players, working with them and keeping them informed in future. “We would like to receive more communication from RDM so that we can ensure that good cooperation is established between trade unions and the company,” Venter said.

“Solidarity furthermore calls on RDM to do everything in its power to establish the real cause of the accident to prevent a recurrence of the incident,” Venter concluded.

Issued by Solidarity