The prohibition notice that the Labour department issued against a brick making company, HP Victor Steenmakers in Bloemfontein has been lifted after weeklong attempts by the new employer to comply with labour laws.
All operations were put to a halt at the business last week after Labour Inspectors uncovered high levels of non- compliance and undermining of safety procedures, putting around ten workers at risk to injuries and diseases.
Labour Inspectors issued the notice to forbid the employer from operating all machinery used to make bricks or continue any work as it posed immediate hazards to workers. The prohibition notice would only be lifted when safety measures were implemented as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The owner of the business has since resigned and his son whom he worked with in the business has taken it over and has started implementing all health and safety procedures on the premises.
Upon a follow-up inspection Labour inspectors found that the new employer has provided all workers with protective clothing including safety boats, goggles, overalls, dust masks and earplugs to prevent dust inhalation and noise induced hearing loss.
The inspectors found that a new health and safety file has been created and that induction training on the use of all machinery has been conducted for workers and that the machines and other electrical equipments are safely guarded and fenced.
The workers have also been trained on the application of preventative methods, such as wetting techniques when using cement and building sand, in order to minimise the exposure of airborne contaminates from building materials which can endanger their health and safety and cause occupational diseases.
A new ablution facility has been put in place with toilet paper, soap and water as well as an eating area fitted with seats for the workers is now available on the work premises.
However, the prohibition notice still stands on the use of the forklift until training is provided by an accredited service provider and all defects and necessary repairs are done.
Free State Labour Chief Director, Marsha Bronkhorst commended the new employer, “Their willingness to improve their compliance level on occupational health and safety legislation is commendable. That is where we come in as the department, not to police but to assist in ensuring that measures are put in place to improve where they are lacking. We are always here to assist any employer who needs to improve health and safety conditions in their workplaces.”
The workplace investigation follows a outcry by one of the company’s clients who complained that the workers in that business were not provided with ablution facilities and relies on the nearby bushes to relieve themselves.
Enquiries:
Wisane Mavasa
Cell: 082 806 1351
