Pretoria - Department of Labour inspectors have embarked on a week-long workplace inspection in the iron and steel industry in all provinces to ensure that health and safety regulations are adhered to.
The inspections come after the agriculture and forestry blitz that uncovered worrying levels of non compliance by some employers. This was however, softened by the fact that other employers abided by the law.
Department spokesperson Page Boikanyo said the raid would see teams of inspectors checking everything from conditions of employment to health and safety in the workplace in line with Labour Minister, Membathisi Mdladlana's, insistence on respect for the International Labour Organisation's Decent Work Agenda.
"The steel industry is fraught with potential hazards. Heavy-duty machinery, bulky loads and low visibility locations make it one of the most perilous sectors to work in. The most important assets of an organisation are its employees. Their safety and well-being is of utmost importance," the department said in a statement.
Mdladlana has repeatedly called on social partners from business, labour, government and the community to make the health and safety of employees their responsibility.
He has equally been vociferous on insisting on workplace health and safety committees that would act in the interest of workers.
"This is because it is not possible for our inspectors to be everywhere. We therefore urge all workers to take their safety into their own hands and act as our eyes and ears, this is for the collective good of all workers and has a direct link with productivity and therefore economic growth of the country,'' Mdladlana said.
The department continues to emphasise the importance of adhering to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) which requires employers to bring about and maintain a reasonable practicable work environment that is safe and without risk to the health of the workers.
The department's inspectors throughout the country conduct workplace inspections checking on the adherence of labour laws which includes implementation of OHSA.
