Despite the existence of legislation stipulating all the requirements that a construction site has to meet before work can be commenced, results of the latest Labour inspections conducted on the construction sector in the Free State suggest a large number of employers are still disregarding the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Figures released by the Labour Department this week show that of the 217 workplaces inspected during the week-long scrutiny as part of the national blitz, only 149 employers were found to be complying, with 68 transgressing – resulting in operations being halted at 18 workplaces and employers ordered to put their house in order before they can continue their work.
Inspectors found that some of the contractors did not notify the department on the construction work taking place; that no competent people were appointed to erect and qualify scaffolds; competent safety supervisors not appointed in writing; lack of proper housekeeping and workers working without safety clothing.
Forty contravention notices and compliance orders were issued for breach of construction regulations ranging from safety plans and files not available on site as well as risk assessments; no fire fighting equipment on site and for not barricading and putting signs on danger zones. Inspectors gave these employers sixty days to correct or face prosecution.
A follow-up blitz is scheduled for the second week of 16 to 18 September 2009, and those still not complying will be subjected to prosecution.
For more info please contact:
Wisane Mavasa
Cell: 082 806 1351
Tel: 051 505 6284
Enquiries:
Page Boikanyo
Cell: 082 809 3195
Issued by: Department of Labour
21 July 2009
