Department stops Volksblad construction work
Department stops Volksblad construction work
Released by Department of Labour on 21 January 2004
The Department of Labour stopped the construction process at the
site of the Volksblad?s sheltered parking area in Bloemfontein earlier
today as a result of serious contraventions of Occupational Health and
Safety (OHS) Act.
Department inspectors slapped contractors Wetbou Trust with
prohibition notices halting all work because of serious problems with
the scaffolding and a failure on their part to issue workers with
Personal Protective Equipment.
Labour Department Service Delivery Deputy Director-General, Dr Van
Mkosana ? who is currently leading the inspection team ? warned that
businesses and individuals who make use of contractors couldn?t wash
their hands of responsibility for the safety of the workers.
?There is a chain of responsibility in terms of OHS regulations, and
the client, contractor and any sub-contractors all share liability for
the safety of the workforce,? Dr Mkosana said.
Dr Mkosana added that the Construction Industry would remain an area
of focus for inspectors for the year.
Dr Mkosana also expressed concern at the implementation of the
Employment Equity Act at Volksblad, saying that the non-representivity
of staff composition indicated that this is also an area that requires
attention.
?The current situation ? where 70% of staff are white ? does not
ref
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