contraveners
25 October 2007
In a rare show of worker-power in action, trade unionists will on Monday
join forces with Labour inspectors in combing some of the Western Cape's iron
and steel factories for occupational health and safety compliance.
The scrutiny of the Bellville Industrial Area will be led by Labour
Minister, Membathisi Mdladlana, as part of launching nationwide inspections
that will be conducted throughout the week.
Worker representatives who will be participating include those from the
National Union of Metalworkers (NUM) of South Africa, National Council of Trade
Unions and the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FUSA).
The iron and steel sector has always been on the radar screen of labour law
enforcement officials since it was identified as being among health and safety
high risk industries in 2005.
At the time, high risk sectors were found to be contributing 22 percent of
accidents and, though reductions have been recorded at some of them, experts
believe a fatality drop in the iron and steel sector would have a considerable
impact on others as well.
According to Labour Spokesperson, Zolisa Sigabi, workplace accidents and
fatalities cost the state millions of rands in compensation through claims
lodged with the Compensation Fund.
"During the last financial year alone, the Labour Department has paid out
R319 million on claims for work-related incidents, and this is just for
compensation of employees and medical costs. This can be reduced if we all work
together to prevent accidents," she said.
Apart from general law compliance, inspectors will during the raids be
particularly interested in law awareness among workers and employers. The media
is invited.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Tel: 082 906 3878
E-mail: zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
25 October 2007
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za)
