compromising workers safety
13 February 2007
The Department of Labour is set to take drastic measures against a
Pretoria-based construction company for defying a prohibition notice ordering
the company to stop all construction work at a site in Pretoria West.
Spokesperson Zolisa Sigabi has condemned the company's apparent absolute
contempt of labour laws. "We are definitely pushing for prosecution. We will
next week file the necessary court papers for court processes to start. We
cannot stand such a defiance of our laws, but most importantly the utmost
disregard for the health and safety of our workers. We view the situation very
seriously hence we are pushing for prosecution."
In terms of the original prohibition notice, labour inspectors charged the
company - ARS Projects - of multiple violations of Occupational Health and
Safety Act (OHSA), 1993. Among the offences, labour inspectors found the
scaffolds did not meet the minimum requirements of scaffolds erection in
accordance with construction regulations.
Moreover, the Department of Labour also faulted the company for "allowing
any person(s) to be at elevated positions without a fall protection plan in
place and provision of safety harness." The company had also not provided their
employees with personal protection equipment (e.g. hard hats, work suits, hand
gloves, etc) or alternatively allowed them [employees] to work without the
personal protection equipment (PPE).
"Our follow up visits to the site revealed that the company was still
engaging in the construction work despite the prohibition order in place. We
are determined to set an example to others who could in the future be tempted
to show such contempt over our laws. These are all serious offences in terms of
the OHS Act, and pose a serious health and safety risk to the employees,"
Sigabi added.
The company and its directors may face a maximum of R100 000 fine, or even
an imprisonment term not exceeding a period of five years if successfully
prosecuted.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
E-mail: Zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
13 February 2007
