South African trade union federation calls for investigation into ammonia leak

Union federation COSATU in Gauteng says the ammonia gas leak at the Festive Chicken facility in Olifantsfontein, Ekurhuleni, is a reminder of the importance of workplace health and safety. Twenty-four workers were hospitalised on Wednesday after inhaling ammonia fumes at the chicken processing facility. COSATU provincial chairperson, Amos Monyela, says the Department of Employment and Labour must urgently investigate this incident, looking at whether the company followed the required health and safety regulations and whether workers were properly protected during maintenance work.