Companies that put their employees at risk and fail to comply with Covid-19 safety regulations in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 may be held liable.
The warning comes after the Herald was inundated with calls from concerned employees. They preferred to remained anonymous for fear of losing their jobs.
If found that a person was infected while at work, there is the possibility that legal steps could be taken against such a company,” said Themba Makhoba, Manager: Municipal Health Services – West Rand District Municipality.
He said severe punitive measures could be taken against companies that fail to take the required precautions, and the usual procedures of a criminal case could follow.
Makhoba added that when there is a Covid-19 case at the company, employees need to have the assurance that protocols are in place to prevent the virus from spreading.
He said the department’s Environmental Health practitioners have been tasked with visiting companies across the District to enforce regulations.
A person who believes that a company is not compliant can call our office. We will contact the company in question and ensure that it adheres to all the regulations,” he said.
Makhoba said the department has the authority to order a company to close to allow its premises to be disinfected.
“The practitioners will also conduct interviews with employees of such companies to find out whether there is compliance,” Makhoba said.
Thuso Montwedi, spokesperson for the West Rand District Services added that in terms of Covid-19 regulations, companies are required to provide personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as masks, hand sanitizer and gloves for all their staff members. Depending on the nature of the company, additional precautions may be required.
He said when a case is identified in a workplace, the premises should be closed temporarily to have it disinfected, while staff members are in isolation.
When employees report non-compliance, they can remain anonymous,” Montwendi added.
Non-compliance can be reported to Rand West City Municipality Municipal Health Services. The contact person is Keitumetse Rankholu, Chief Environmental Practitioner on 011 411 5150. Email: krankholu@wrdm.gov.za or mmokhesi@wrdm.gov.za. Also send complaints to this email address: municipalhealthservices@wrdm.gov.za.
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