The department of employment and labour issued a prohibition order after the incident at Bophelo House, on the corner of Charlotte Maxeke and Harvey Streets, on Tuesday (20/10). Concerns have been raised about occupational health and safety compliance.

The building houses the offices of the MEC for health, the head of department, and key administrative units. The provincial health department is the main tenant at the privately owned property.

Free State health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi confirmed employees based at Bophelo House had been instructed to work from home following the closure. The building was also closed in August last year after flooding rendered it unsafe and disrupted operations.

Remedial work began nearly three weeks ago to address roof leaks, upgrade electrical wiring, and replace faulty plugs and electrical systems, Mvambi said. Responsibility for building maintenance rests with the department of public works and infrastructure, together with Transnet as the landlord.

Mvambi confirmed that the cleaner slipped on water from a leaking ceiling pipe, stressing that the incident involved a water leak and not a sewage spill. The employee reportedly sustained no serious injuries and received medical attention for minor pain.

The employee was distressed after a photograph taken following her fall was circulated to third parties. She has urged media houses and members of the public not to publish the image without her explicit consent, Mvambi said.

Meanwhile, a technical investigation reportedly traced the leak to one of the building’s chiller ducts. The leak occurred while a contractor was testing the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system.

The source had been identified, and repair work was underway and expected to be completed soon. Clinicians at National District Hospital had assessed the cleaner and found her to be well, with only mild pain that was gradually subsiding.

OFM News cvs

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline 066 487 1427.