The Department of Employment and Labour Inspectorate Limpopo prohibited the use of South African Post Office Lobby area in Modimolle last Thursday due to the hazardous conditions at the area that pose danger and health hazards to the employees and the public 

This follows a plan by inspectors to conduct proactive inspection at the area. Both administrative and a walk-through inspection were conducted at this workplace, the whole area of the Lobby was prohibited as it was found not to be compliant with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS).

The Lobby area was prohibited based on the following findings:

• The outside part of this area was used as open defecation and urination area which pollute the environment and cause health problems and diseases to employees and the public.
• The whole building ceiling compartments are not intact and are falling which poses a danger to the health and safety of the employees and the general public using the lobby to access letters.
• The whole area shows signs of roof leakage which may lead to roofing structural failure which pose a threat to life of employees and the public

Subsequent to the prohibition notice issued, the SA post office was also issued with a contravention notice

• ERW 3(3) (d)- Failure to ensure that all luminaires and lamps are repaired or replaced when defective;
• ERW 6(2) (c) –Failure to keep every indoor workplace free of materials, tools and similar things which are necessary for the purpose of such a space. Note: Unwanted materials kept in male toilet facilities; 
• ERW 9(2)-Failure to ensure all firefighting equipment are maintained in a good working order : Note firefighting equipment not serviced as per maintenance requirements;
• FR 2(3) (a) - Failure to make toilet paper available free of charge to employees;
• FR 2(3) (c) – Failure to  provide disposable paper towels or hot air blowers in the washbasin areas;
• FR 2(3) (d) – Failure to provide toilet soap or similar cleansing agent free of charge to employees;
• FR 9- Failure to maintain all rooms and facilities which are prescribed or provided for in terms of the provisions of these regulations in a good state of repair. Note: there are no doors in male toilet and broken door handle in female toilet;
• GSR 3(a)-Failure to inspect and ensure that the first aid box contains suitable first aid equipment. Note: expired contents kept and not replaced in the first aid box;
• EIR 7(2)- Failure to provide on request the electrical installation certificate of compliance to the labour inspector to ensure compliance with electrical installation regulation to proof safety of the installation of this workplace; and 
• OHS SECTION 8(2)(d)-  Failure to conduct a hazard identification and risk assessment of the work place.

Acting Provincial Chief Inspector Reckson Tshitshivheli said, “we have a duty to protect the health and safety of employees and other people who may be affected by the activities of the workplace. The department has to be proactive and not reactive in our approach to prevent fatal/non-fatal incidents. 

“Our OHS Inspectors will continue to close/prohibit buildings that pose immediate danger to workers. Employers are urged to make sure that their buildings are well maintained,” he said. 

The prohibited sections of the post office will remain closed until the employer corrects the noncompliance as identified by the OHS Inspector.

Issued by the Department of Employment and Labour