blitz
20 August 2007
Labour Minister, Membathisi Mdladlana has warned construction industry
employers to make construction sites accessible to Labour inspectors ahead of
the blitz inspections across the Free State province this week.
Minister Mdladlana has called on employers to co-operate with Labour
inspectors. This follows after an inspector was threatened with death by an
employer after issuing a notice to stop operations at a construction site due
to non-compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Minister Mdladlana says, "Employers who threaten labour inspectors in the
course of their duty, will face the full might of the law."
The construction industry, iron and steel, food and beverage, as well as
agricultural sectors have the most occupational injuries and fatalities.
Over 152 construction sites are to be inspected in the Free State in a five
day raid beginning tomorrow, Monday, 20 ending on Friday, 24 August 2007.
Inspectors will among other things check for health and safety plans,
availability of on site risk assessment plans, training of workers in health
and safety issues and the provision of protective clothing for workers.
The campaign is part of the department's effort to make this year a period
of inspections and enforcement.
Issued by: Department of Labour
20 August 2007
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za)
