Inspection blitz at Volksblad and Checkers Hyper in Bloemfontein

Department of Labour Inspectors stopped work at two sites in Bloemfontein earlier today during a blitz inspection. Inspectors also issued contravention notices, compliance orders and written undertakings to companies in the media and retail sector.

The team of inspectors was led by Deputy Director-General: Service Delivery, Dr. Vanguard Mkosana.

The Department of Labour halted the construction process at the site of the Volksblad's sheltered parking area in Bloemfontein earlier as a result of serious contraventions of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.

Department?s inspectors slapped contractors Witbooi 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.

During the subsequent inspection of Volksblad?s offices, a compliance order and written undertaking were also issued for non-compliance in terms of working hours and there was no letter of acknowledgement for submitting an Employment Equity Plan available on site.

Dr Mkosana also said that the current situation ? where 70 percent of staff is white ? does not reflect the demographics of the country and needs to be addressed.

At Checkers Hyper inspectors stopped operations when they served a prohibition notice for unsafe stacking of stock.

The employer will be allowed to resume operations as soon as the situation is rectified. Two contravention notices were also served for non-compliance Regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

They are:

• The walking area not clear ? boxes stacked in the way
• No fire extinguisher near to chemicals
• No designated emergency exit
• Emergency exits are not accessible
• The distribution board is not locked and passage to DB board blocked
• No Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves is allocated to staff working in the food division.

Inspectors of the Department of Labour will do follow-up inspections to ensure that the working environment is safe for workers.

Dr. Mkosana assured workers that inspectors are at all times visible and that the Department of Labour has adopted the no tolerance attitude against any employer who violates the labour laws of South Africa. He also said that the Department values people?s lives and will ensure that employers comply with laws that protects workers at workplaces.