Department of Labour inspectors on Tuesday served 17 contravention notices and a prohibition order on four different companies at Isipingo, south of Durban, after several complaints relating to air pollution, environmental issues and unconducive working environments in the area.
This followed a two-day blitz inspection on March 24 and 25 by departmental inspectors, representatives of the bargaining council, the Department of Health and metropolitan fire brigades.
Companies that were targeted included Teds Textiles, Al Fareed Interiors, Auto Renovators and Malls Tiles.
The department said in a statement on Tuesday the contravention notices were served after the companies violated occupational health and safety regulations.
Al Fareed was served with a prohibition order for keeping flammable and other chemicals in a spray booth.
The department said contravention orders were served for a lack of protective personal equipments, unserviced fire extinguishers, no first-aid boxes, the non-appointment of first aid officers and inadequate sanitary provisions.
“Poor drainage, untidy housekeeping, derelict and poor building, locker shortages for staff, unprotected machinery and no service records were some of the other transgressions that saw inspectors issue orders.”