The chemical sector has been dubbed as one of the high risk sectors due to its high level of incidents that frequently occur in the sector. This sector, particularly in Gauteng province, has a high number of incidents reported every year. With the Department of Labour blitz inspections having become a permanent phenomenon, it comes as no surprise that the Gauteng Labour Inspectors will ensure that the crucial chemical sector complies with labour legislation, especially Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.l
The weeklong campaign which started today on 16 August will witness several teams of inspectors cracking the whip in chemical companies from one company to the next in all nine provinces to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, basic conditions of employment as well as other pieces of labour legislation.
These comes hardly a month after labour organised a chemical stakeholder session at Emperors Palace where Gauteng Senior Executive Manager, Kenny Fick warned stakeholders to adhere to health and safety requirements or else face the consequences. Kenny mentioned that the OHS Accord was signed by business, labour and government some years ago. In the accord, they all committed to work together to achieve workplaces throughout South Africa in which the safety of all workers should be prioritised and not compromised. “It is very unfortunate that all parties have not yet reported any significant improvement since the signing of the accord,” concluded Kenny.
Enquiries:
Mishack Magakwe
Cell: 082 908 1828
Tel: 012 309 5136
