8 May 2007
The Department of Labour's crackdown on non-compliance with health and
safety laws moved into top gear in Polokwane netting a leading
tombstone-manufacturing outlet, Capricorn Tombstones today.
Labour inspectors in Limpopo issued a stern warning against the employer to
comply with the provisions of Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 or
face prosecution and or a complete shutdown.
During the inspection, inspectors found the employer to be in contravention
of almost all Hazardous Chemical Substances regulations and in particular
Regulation 17(1) that provides that "exposure of employees to substances
hazardous to health should be prevented or, where this is not practicable,
adequately controlled".
The employer was issued with several contravention notices and a prohibition
notice halting the use of compressed air to blow dust off employees' work
clothes. The excessive dust on the work suits expose employees to the danger of
contracting silicosis as it contains silica dust.
The prohibition notice was issued in terms of section 13(a) of the Hazardous
Chemical Substances Regulations (HCSR) that states "no person shall as far as
reasonably practicable use compressed air or permit the use of compressed air
to remove particles of an HCS from any surface or person."
The employer was given seven days to comply or face prosecution.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
Issued by: Department of Labour
8 May 2007
