GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Complaints about businesses that do not comply with the Occupational Health and Safey (OHS) Act no. 85 of 1993 and/or COVID-19 regulations have compelled the Western Cape Department of Employment and Labour to send labour inspectors to the Southern Cape to do inspections in George, Mossel Bay and Knysna as from today, Wednesday 8 July.
According to a statement issued by the department yesterday, some businesses in Knysa received a reality check a few weeks ago when their operations were shut down due to non-compliance with the OHS Act and COVID-19 regulations.
Six out of ten businesses in the Knysna CBD were served with prohibition notices.
Provincial Chief Inspector David Esau said this time around, an even larger contingency of inspectors will be visiting the area.
The focus will be on responding to complaints at various workplaces and to encourage workers to come forward to report non-compliance.
"The department is working closely with all partners to ensure compliance and prevent the spread of the coronavirus at workplaces. Workers and partners alike need to take a stand and report employers who flout regulations,” he said. “With the area fast becoming a hotspot and a growing number of confirmed cases, all role-players need to play their part when its comes to slowing the spread of the disease."
Esau said the intention of the department is not to permanently close businesses, but to get businesses to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations as set out in the law.
Continuous inspections will be carried out by occupational health and safety inspectors throughout the province to ensure that minimum standards have been put in place to ensure the safety of both employees and, in certain work environments, the safety of clients as well.
Esau appealed to the publilc to adhere to the lockdown regulations, and also stay home, wash hands regularly and maintain the social distance of 1,5 metres.
Esau may be contacted on 082 791 4485 for more information.
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