The Department of Labour has signed an Iron and Steel Accord to promote occupational health and safety with the various industry stakeholders in order to help eliminate occupational casualties in the two high risks sectors.
Speaking at the signing of the Accord in Boksburg, Gauteng today (March 27) Department of Labour’s Acting Deputy Director-General of Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) Thobile Lamati said the signing of the document was a ‘stamp of commitment’ by all role players in the economy to solve problems that beset the labour market. Lamati said the signing does not mean that parties now go home and think that all occupational problems have been resolved.
“Real work starts now to make working places safe. This document is a living document. We have to set objectives and develop action plan for all stakeholders. There should be consequence when we do not live up to the prescript of the document.
Here we speak about protection of lives, improvement of productivity so as to attract investors. I hope that all of us and those we represent will ensure that this accord is not a public relations exercise, but each party will enact what the Accord entails,” he said.
The Iron and Steel Accord Occupation Health and Safety Accord was signed by government, Solidarity, Fedusa, Numsa and Seifsa.
The initial industry Accord was signed in the early 2000 and Lamati said the department had adopted an industry specific approach. He said the latest Accord is the second following the recent signing of the Construction Sector Accord.
The Accord commits all social partners to “zero harm” workplaces and promoting a meaningful social dialogue in occupational matters. The Accord also commits all stakeholders to report occupational incidents, enhance compliance with occupational health and safety legislation and its regulations.
Contact:
Page Boikanyo
Departmental Spokesman
Cell: 082 809 3195
