A week long blitz inspection with emphasis on food and beverages industry in hospitality conducted by Department of Labour comes to an end today.
Inspectors wanted to ensure that employers abide by Labour legislations such as Occupational Health and Safety Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) as well as conditions of employment for the sector.
Teams of inspectors led by Occupational Health and Safety acting Team Leader Ms Ntsako Mashimbye visited 75 of 80 targeted food and beverages premises.
Numerous Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) contravention notices were served to non compliance employers on Occupational Health and Safety Act, one subpoena was issued to non-cooperative manager. Failure to comply with the requirements of the notices or with the provisions of the regulations constitutes a criminal offence and will render the employers liable to prosecution. The duration of the notices is 60 days.
Most employers in this sector are under Bargaining Council therefore we concentrated more on OHS part.
Workers in this industry are exposed to a wide range of hazards including exposure to noise, sharp instruments, biological hazards and collision with internal transports such as forklifts and it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that those employees are reasonably well looked after.
Inspections are necessary and valuable so that issues of non-compliance could be ironed out. Non-compliance leads to work related accidents, loss of lives, occupational diseases and is tantamount to violation of workers' rights. The department is striving for partnership with employers for a safe workplace and better working conditions because Compliance with legislation contributes to economic growth.
Chief Executive Officer of Biscoplus in Mamelodi, Mr Ioanni Theodorou welcomed the inspection and said that it is good that the department visits and advise them where they go wrong.
"I don't want to be on the wrong side of the law; I will improve before the said date."
Enquiries:
Mishack Magakwe
Tel: 012 309 5136
Cell: 082 908 1828
Issued by: Department of Labour
21 May 2010
