Inspections by the Department of Labour

André Claassen

Labour Inspectors of the Department of Labour visit workplaces from time to time to check the level of compliance with labour legislation.

Inspectors from the Department of Labour are appointed in terms of section 63 (1) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 75 of 1997, as amended to monitor and enforce the following legislation:· Basic
Conditions of employment Act, 75 of 1997;· Compensation for Occupational Injury and Diseases Act, 130 of 1993;· Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998;· Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993;· Unemployment Insurance Act, 30 of 1996 Failure to comply with legislation constitutes a criminal offense.

Often employers would like to comply with labour legislation, but are not sure on which areas to focus. The Department of Labour requests employers to cooperate and assist Inspectors when they visit the various workplaces.

In order to assist the employers they have compiled a form with the aspects the Inspectors will be checking namely:

1. Are you registered with the Compensation Fund?
2. Are you registered with the Unemployment Insurance Fund?
3. Do you have a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the relevant Regulations on the premises and is the Act and the Regulations available to the workers if they want to read it?
4. Do you display the Summary of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act?
5. Do you display the Summary of the Employment Equity Act?
6. Have you appointed Health and Safety Representatives?
7. Have you established Health and Safety Committees in your workplace?

8. Are you and your workers trained to recognise health and safety problems?

• Are moving parts like drive belts and chains guarded?
• Are chemicals used safely and stored in a safe place?
• Are emergency exits clearly marked and easily accessible?
• Are fire extinguishers accessible and serviced regularly?
• Are flammable materials stored and used correctly, for instance not near fires?

9. Do you have fully equipped first aid boxes on the premises?
10. Are all electrical wires insulated and proper plugs used in your workplace?
11. Do you report injuries at work to the Department of Labour?
12. Do you have clean and hygienic toilets and washing facilities provided for males and females?
13. Do you have an attendance register at your workplace?

If you would like us to e mail you a copy of the form, please send us an e-mail on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the subject line "Inspection form" and we will gladly send it to you.

Sources:· Department of Labour;· www.labour.gov.za; · Basic Conditions of employment Act, 75 of 1997;· Juta's Pocket Statutes: Basic Conditions of Employment Act

Information Provided by the Department of Labour. For more information contact www.labour.gov.za