Several Free State government departments are chronically transgressing the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) \u2212 risking the health and safety of employees. The Department of Employment and Labour’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) specialist report has laid bare the alarming state of compliance.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a media statement issued on 17 November, the Department of Employment and Labour expressed grave concern about the provincial government departments’ low level of compliance with the provisions of the OHS, underscoring the condition and maintenance of buildings. Inspections at 187 government offices and facilities across the province revealed alarming findings and flagged 129 facilities as non-compliant.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Manelisi Luxande, provincial chief inspector, said an Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) specialist conducted inspections during the first semester of the 2025-’26 financial year at 187 government offices and facilities across the province. He said the OHS specialist report revealed alarming findings.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Of these, 129 were found to be non-compliant with one or more requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Furthermore, 29 facilities were issued with prohibition notices. This resulted in the closure of premises or the suspension of specific operations due to the immediate danger they posed to the health and safety of employees and members of the public,” said Luxande. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The Inspection and Enforcement Services of the Department of Employment and Labour in the Free State remains deeply concerned. The extent of non-compliance we have recorded is alarming.” \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Many of these facilities \u2212 particularly clinics, schools, and municipal offices \u2212 show serious signs of neglect. These conditions not only endanger employees, but also compromise the safety of community members who depend on these services. It is crucial that corrective measures be taken immediately to safeguard lives.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most affected facilities include clinics, schools, Social Development offices, police offices and municipal offices and workshops.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luxande said despite ongoing engagement by the Department of Employment and Labour with the affected departments, progress in addressing safety hazards remained limited. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The department therefore wishes to remind all government departments that, while service delivery is essential, the health and safety of employees and the public must remain paramount.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luxande has re-emphasised the severity of the situation. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The conditions we have observed during inspections are deeply concerning and, in some instances, pose an immediate danger to both employees and members of the public. Government departments must lead by example.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Department of Employment and Labour expressed concern about provincial government departments’ low level of compliance with health and 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