Cape
29 October 2007
Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana launched the blitz inspections into the
iron and steel industry today (Monday) in the Western Cape by reiterating the
importance of health and safety in the workplace.
The Minister was speaking during a visit to Cisco, a steel producing
company, which is an affiliate of Murray and Roberts. His visit was a follow-up
to an inspection by a team of department of labour's inspectors almost three
weeks ago after which they identified 12 contraventions. The company was given
60 days to address all the contraventions.
"We should remember that one accident is one too many. We have to be
proactive in preventing accidents because one accident traumatises workers who
see it, dependents of the victim and costs the economy a lot of money in
compensation," Minister Mdladlana said.
He said the steel and industry had a 22 percent accident rate and all
stakeholders should work to reduce this.
Turning to Cisco, he said he was "generally happy with the improvements that
have happened since the last visit."
Minister Mdladlana said: "In our view, they have complied with 65 percent of
areas identified. There is no situation that poses an imminent danger to the
lives of workers. It means the company is prepared to address problems
identified."
The blitz comes hot on the heels of similar moves done in the construction
industry.
Rob Noonan, Murray and Roberts' chief executive, said: "We promise you
Minister that we will address all the problems identified within 60 days. Also,
we welcome the visit as another opportunity by outsiders to see how we do our
work and where we make mistakes."
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
E-mail: zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
29 October 2007
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za)
