7 March 2007
Disregard of workplace safety measures continues to prove a trend as Labour
Inspectors embark on surprise inspections in the construction sector around the
country.
This is what the inspectorate has discovered in four Eastern Cape towns of
Mthatha, East London, Queenstown and Port Elizabeth. This is despite the high
number of fatalities and injuries in the sector. The five-day search started on
Monday, just a day ahead of a similar operation that Labour Minister Mdladlana
led in the Western Cape, where a contractor was cautioned for contravening
various Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
The first two days of inspections in the Eastern Cape, have seen 48
contravention notices and seven prohibition notices served to 50 of the total
85 employers visited for gross non-compliance. Labour spokesperson Zolisa
Sigabi said today, Wednesday, the department was fully conscious of the fact
that as preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup gain momentum, the
construction industry was getting under pressure and therefore vigilance needed
to be increased against non-compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety
regulations.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
Issued by: Department of Labour
7 March 2007
