South African Department of Labour inspectors continued their surprise visits to companies over the weekend in an effort to make sure that the country’s companies adhere to labour-law legislation.
Labour inspectors slapped two East London companies with nine contravention notices and two prohibitions after they were found to have contravened sections of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act on Sunday.
The inspectors, who were led by Service Delivery Director General Vanguard Mkosana, were initially barred from entering Paramount Mills in the city centre, but successfully conducted inspections after informing an employer that the Department of Labour inspectors have the right to obtain a court order allowing them to proceed with inspections.
Inspectors served four contraventions on Paramount Mills for not providing protective clothing and for not maintaining fire extinguishers.
The companies were also found guilty of not adhering to occupational health and safety regulations and not stocking goods properly.
Another employer in the West Bank area, WaWina Bakeries, was issued with two prohibition notices and five contraventions.
Inspectors halted operations at the bakery because the employer locked in workers within the bakery premises with no safety exits in case of emergencies.
Inspectors also served prohibition notices because one of the machines in the bakery had an exposed wiring system.
The company was further served with five more contraventions notices.
“We are committed to the protection of all workers in urban and rural areas. These inspections are part and parcel of the African National Congress government commitment and a clear indication that we will not tolerate contraventions of labour legislation. There is no place for employers to hide from us,” said Mkosana. — I-Net Bridge