The Department of Labour is to kick off its blitz inspections with nationwide visits to companies in the construction sector starting on Monday, 13 July.
Page Boikanyo, the department's spokesperson, said the drive was aimed at ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and respond to 2010 Fifa projects.
"With construction booming, we have the duty to see to it that workers operate in safe conditions and eliminate unnecessary accidents in a proactive manner," he said.
"The approach we will take will be underpinned by pillars of education, monitoring and ensuring compliance with labour standards," Boikanyo said.
He said forthcoming campaigns include hospitality and private security in November and February respectively.
"Our inspectors have just concluded gruelling blitz inspections in the agricultural as well as iron and steel sectors," he said.
The department's inspection and enforcement division, which drives the campaign, said worst offending employers would be followed up and be subjected to prosecution. A database of repeat offending employers would be generated, a database of all outstanding enforcement cases would have to be determined and a backlog reduction strategy would be created and acted upon.
Boikanyo said senior officials of the department would accompany inspectors during their visits to workplaces.
The drive takes place against the backdrop of labour Minister, Membathisi Mdladlana's position that 'workers' rights are human rights and that employers should not put profits above safety."
Enquiries:
Page Boikanyo
Cell: 082 809 3195
Issued by: Department of Labour
8 July 2009
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za)
