Inspectors found make shift scaffolding which was posing a danger to the workers.
“The construction of scaffolding must be done in accordance with strict engineering principles otherwise the building may in the future collapse,” said the Department of Labour spokesperson Zolisa Sigabi.
The employer was served with three prohibition notices for contravening sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act - halting all operations at the sites.
The Act notes that every employer should provide and maintain, as far as practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of employees.
The employer was further given contravention notices for failing to notify the department of construction work before commencing with the work.
Earlier this month, the inspectors shut down a Newcastle building site in KwaZulu-Natal after it was found that working conditions were not suitable for workers.
This followed the officials finding unsafe scaffolding at the Thashcrete construction site at Voortrekker Street.
The officials served the supervisor with a prohibition notice that effectively stopped all workers from using the structure.
The scaffolding was allegedly erected on loose bricks with no scaffolding supervisor being appointed on site.
The workers were also working at dangerous heights without wearing the necessary safety harnesses.
The department says it will continue to conduct work place inspections countrywide to ensure labour law compliance.
Article published courtesy of BuaNews
