Some construction firms in the Free State continue to contravene the Occupational Health and Safety Act and put workers' lives at risk, the labour department said on Tuesday.

Labour inspectors had visited 217 sites in the province last week as part of a national blitz, it said in a statement.

"Only 149 employers were found to be complying, with 68 transgressing, resulting in operations being halted at 18 workplaces and employers ordered to put their house in order before they can continue their work."

Inspectors found some of the contractors had not notified the department about construction work taking place, and no competent people had been appointed to erect and qualify scaffolds.

Competent safety supervisors had also not been appointed in writing, and workers were carrying out their duties without safety clothing.

Forty contravention notices and compliance orders were issued for breach of construction regulations, including safety plans and files not being available on site, as well as risk assessments.

Some employers were also given notice for lack of fire fighting equipment on site, and for not barricading and putting signs up near danger zones.

Employers were given 60 days to comply with the contravention notices, or face prosecution.

A follow-up blitz is scheduled for the second week of September, it said.

Sapa

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