An intervention by Department of Labour (DoL) inspectors helped diffuse what could have been a potentially illegal strike that could have left workers on the streets. Management of Sunrise Construction company based in Mahikeng, North West called the DoL inspectors to intervene following a misunderstanding in which the workers had down tools, alleging that the employer was to embark on an unfair dismissal “crusade”. Mahikeng Inspector Alfred Digopo said it was shocking to discover that actually none of them has been dismissed, but that they just wanted to know more about unfair dismissals … and thus they went on an illegal strike”. Digopo also expressed concern over workers’ negligence and breach of safety guidelines. He said that workers must know that a portion of occupational health and safety still lies on their shoulders and that they must ensure that their actions does not pose danger to themselves and other people. Digopo said he was shocked when he found that one of the workers had left a Tractor Loader Backhoes (TLB) in the middle of the road and went away with the keys just because he was on strike. Section 28 (2) (b) and (c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 indicates that a worker may not use or operate any equipment or work in a way that may endanger himself or herself, or any other worker and not engage in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct that may pose danger to himself or others.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 06:38:52 +0000
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