Occupational hazards in high risk sectors are costing lives daily and as part of the drive to reverse and eliminate this trend, the Department of Labour (DoL) will this week sign yet another industry accord.
The Department of Labour will be hosting a Chemical Sector Seminar and the Signing of the Health and Safety Accord at the St. George’s Hotel, Irene on 7 November 2013.
Deputy Director General of Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) Thobile Lamati said the signing of the industry Accord(s) was part of a “stamp of commitment” by all role players in the economy to solve problems that beset the labour market - that of occupational injuries to workers.
The first industry accord was signed in the early 2000 and Lamati said the department of Labour had adopted an industry specific approach to create safe working environments.
Some of recent signings the department has made include the: Construction Health and Safety Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Accord and the Iron and Steel Accord. The accords were signed with various social stakeholders as part of an effort to improve the status of occupational health and safety in various sectors in South Africa.
The accord(s) commit all social partners to “zero harm” initiative in workplaces and promoting a meaningful social dialogue in occupational matters. The accord(s) also commit all stakeholders to report occupational incidents, enhance compliance with occupational health and safety legislation and its regulations.
Director General of Department of Labour, Nkosinathi Nhleko is expected to deliver a keynote address at the Chemical Sector Seminar and the Signing of the Health and Safety Accord. He is expected to share stage with Deputy Director-General: Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) Thobile Lamati; DoL’s Director: Occupational Health and Hygiene (OHH) Milly Ruiters; DoL’s Deputy Director: OHH Elize Lourens.
The accord will be signed by representatives of the government (DoL); unions; business and various social associations. Issues that will come for discussion include: the status of health and safety in the chemical sector; employer’s view on health and safety in the chemical sector; purpose of the signing of the accord and the action plan for implementation of accord.
Media is invited to chemical sector seminar and the signing of the health and safety accord.
Venue: St. George’s Hotel, Irene (Gauteng)
Time: 08h00 for 08h45
