Free State’s agric sector gets thumbs up

BLITZ inspections in Free State’s agricultural sector painted a positive picture as cases of non-compliance are not as bad as anticipated.

As part of this year’s Workers Month campaign, the Department of Labour in the Free State conducted inspections at Green Park Farm, Yukon Farms and Stols Farm in Bothaville.

These inspections are conducted by inspectors representing all competencies within the Inspection and Enforcement Services Directorate of the Department.

Out of three farms inspected, only Yukon Farms was found to be in contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

This company failed to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for its employees, its electrical installations did not conform to safety regulations as their distribution boxes were not covered and labelled, and had loose wires running about in the workplace. There were no proper safety signs and notices in terms of safety standards.

The employer’s incident register was there just for compliance purposes but no incidents were recorded on the register while there were incidents that took place in this workplace. Contravention notices were then served to the employer and they will be required to rectify all the non-compliances within 60 days.

The other two companies were found to be in compliant with all provisions of labour laws.

“We would really like to commend those employers who are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that they comply with our labour legislations.

On the same token, we call on those who are still lagging behind to follow suit or face the full might of the law.

It is inconceivable and mind-boggling that at this day and age, we still have employers who are disregarding labour laws and therefore putting the safety of their workers in jeopardy,” lamented Nomfundo Douw-Jack Head of the Department of Labour in the Free State. - AllAfrica.com