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The Department of Employment and Labour inspectorate in Limpopo Province has recently closed down seven mobile classrooms at Tshikundamalema Secondary school located at Maramanzhi village in Masisi, due to non-compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993 as amended.

In terms of section 30 of the aforesaid Act, the use of the seven mobile classrooms which threaten the heath and/or safety of learners and the teachers has been prohibited based on the following findings:

• The use of classrooms where live electric wires are bare and Distribution Boxes (DB) are open without covers which pose immediate danger of electrocution and possible death to learners, and

• The utilisation of all seven mobile classes in which there is an immediate danger of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and possible death to learners that are without mechanical ventilation as the classes produce excessive heat which is unbearable to learners.

An additional prohibition notice was issued for an old dilapidated block which poses a danger of collapse and may kill persons. The block must be secured and no person may be allowed near or even enter the building.

Subsequent to the prohibition notice issued, the school was also issued with a contravention notice for failure to adhere to the general safety regulations and environmental regulations for workplaces.

• The school has failed to ensure that at least more than one person is readily available during normal working hours who's in possession of a valid certificate of competency in first aid,
• Provide first aid boxes near the workplace which shall be accessible for the treatment of injured persons at the workplace, and

• Failure to keep all floors and walkways in a good state of repair thus requiring the school to completely close all potholes in classes and walkways.
  
  The employer was also found wanting for failing to designate in writing for a specified period Health and Safety Representatives for the workplace or section thereof, failure to allow consultation of employees in the nomination and election of health and safety representatives, and provide training to health and safety representatives in order to enable them to carry out their functions as required.
  
  Acting Provincial Chief Inspector Lucia Ramusi said, “it's important for the Department of Education to ensure that both learners and teachers' lives are protected at all times. The non-compliance at the school can result in a tragedy that cannot be reversed if the Health and Safety regulations are not adhered to. Thus, we will monitor the progress and ensure that corrective measures are put in place. As the department we value education but the health and safety for all persons in workplaces is our utmost priority."
  
  She said the departments' inspectorate will continue to heighten efforts around the province to ensure that all workplaces and sectors adheres to labour legislation.
  
  The prohibited sections of the school will remain closed until the Department of Education corrects the non-compliance as identified by the inspector.
  
  For media enquires contact:
  
  Mapula Tloubatla
  
  Provincial Communications Officer: Limpopo
  
  060 989 7509/ mapula.tloubatla@labour.gov.za​
  

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