10 December 2007
Companies who continue flouting labour laws may face a bleak festive season
if they do not put their house in order, Zolisa Sigabi, Spokesperson for
Department of Labour, warned following random inspections on 10 Johannesburg
firms this week.
Out of 10 that were inspected, five were found to be very poor in terms of
compliance with most of the laws especially those relating to Occupational
Health and Safety.
Buffalo Candles in Amalgam was found to be largely recruiting workers from
labour brokers, and this caused the employer to take no responsibility for
workers. The following major contraventions were identified: no protective
clothing, first aid boxes were empty, poor housekeeping, dirty toilets with no
soap or toilet paper. Based on these findings one prohibition and a
contravention notice were issued.
Another company, Better Bread also in Amalgam was slapped with a prohibition
notice instructing it to shut down all operations after it was found to be
unhygienic, with no protective clothing and that 80 percent of workers are
foreigners, some without proper papers, machinery and equipment was in very
poor condition and filthy, change room and toilets were also filthy with no
lighting or running water. There were no emergency exits.
Six contravention notices were issued against Rainbow Blankets in Fordsburg
for poor housekeeping, huge fire risk, no emergency exits, dirty toilets
without toilet paper or soap, poor electrical installations and no first aid
box.
Four prohibitions and two contravention notices were served against Home
Made Delights also in Fordsburg for poor ventilation, poor hygiene and dirty
working conditions, no protective clothing for workers working in cold rooms,
non compliance with electrical regulations, no first aid boxes or first aid
representatives, poor housekeeping, unhygienic toilets and change room
facilities.
A prohibition notice was also issued against the owner of Mooimark House in
Mooi Street Johannesburg after it was found to be used for various reasons
including sewing business and a crèche.
Sigabi said, "Inspectors found children sleeping on the floor while some
people were working on the machines in adjoining rooms, the noise levels posed
a threat to the children's health".
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
E-mail: zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
10 December 2007
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za)
