SA Labour conducted 378 high risk HS inspections
SA Department of Labour (DOL) inspect 200 000 workplaces per year, however only 378 are ‘high risk’ sectors health and safety inspections.
General labour inspections resulted in “77% compliance with various aspects of labour legislation.” SA DOL is finalising its annual report for 2012 for presentation in September.
Addressing a parliamentary Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises hearing in Cape Town, acting director general of the Department of Labour Sam Morotoba said the inspections were aimed at protecting vulnerable workers.
On inspection statistics in the forthcoming annual report, Morotoba said 192 129 workplaces were inspected and audited. “These resulted in an impressive compliance rate of 77%… with 378 inspections conducted in high risk sectors to enforce compliance with occupational health and safety aspects.”
High risk industries include chemical, iron and steel as well as construction. The Compensation Fund, meanwhile, could be merged with a Department of Health Compensation Commission for Occupational Diseases (CCOD), as reported on Sheqafrica.com.
Morotoba said 8732 workers injured at work were referred to the Compensation Fund for benefits [in addition to injured workers who were referred by employers or other channels], while 7217 job seekers were referred for skills development opportunities.
The Department hosts compliance seminars to iron and steel, hospitality, forestry as well as construction employers and health and safety practitioners. “A total of 1021 shop stewards were trained in Employment Equity Act, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, and Basic Conditions of
Employment Act.”
Morotoba said the Department had managed to resolve 80% of workplace complaints received. “A total of 120 566 from a figure of 154 441 complaints received, were investigated, and 116 131 (75%) were settled within 90 days,” he explained.
PHOTO; Acting director general of the SA Department of Labour in 2012, Sam Morotoba.
Edmond Furter
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