South African Department of Labour on Wednesday said over one thousand contravention notices and almost 170 prohibition orders were issued by inspectors during last week’s blitz inspections of the construction industry, which ran from October 27 to 31.
The Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana said the aim of the blitz campaign was to raise awareness of workers’ health and safety, specifically in that sector. Inspectors were also checking for adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations.
“I am very disappointed at the high numbers of contravention notices issued during the week. According to preliminary figures over 1 193 contraventions were issued in the 702 inspections conducted through eight of the provinces during last week,” the Minister said.
Inspections in the Eastern Cape took place the previous week.
The Minister said that KwaZulu-Natal inspectors conducted the most inspections, at 226. The province also topped the list of contravention notices — 784, while inspectors in Mpumalanga issued the most prohibition orders — 41.
According to the department gross violations of the Act were recorded at a variety of construction sites throughout the country, which resulted in a total of 178 subpoenas or recommendations to prosecution.
Among others, construction companies were found to be wanting in areas relating to personal protection equipment, safety plans, first aid, site supervisors, health and safety representatives, and unsafe and broken equipment.
“The 175 prohibition notices that were issued by inspectors is an indication that too many employers in the construction industry are almost literally getting away with murder. This is a situation my Department will rectify,” the Mdladlana said.
Prohibition notices mean that the contravention is of such a magnitude that
operations or certain activities must stop until it is rectified.
The notice can apply to a small area — such as around exposed wires — or to an entire site.
The final figures are expected to be released later this week.
The department is currently conducting blitz inspections in KwaZulu-Natal targeting textile industries where it is believed conditions are deplorable. – I-Net Bridge