Press Statement dated 5 November 2018
The Public Servants Association (PSA) welcomes the closure of three offices accommodating Mutale Emergency Medical Services (EMS) employees in Thengwe Clinic in Limpopo after the building was declared unsafe.
The closure of the three offices came after the PSA visited the station and found that it was not in an acceptable condition for members to work. The PSA on several occasions engaged with the Limpopo Department of Health regarding the safety issues without success. The PSA subsequently requested intervention by the Department of Labour.
“The Labour Inspector together with the PSA visited Mutale EMS station on 6 September 2018. The PSA tried to engage the Head of the Department but without success. During a next visit on 29 October 2018, the PSA found that the situation has not improved and there were no measures in place by the Department to address the issue. This demonstrated the attitude of the Department towards the safety of employees,” said PSA Limpopo Provincial Manager, John Teffo.
On 2 November 2018, the Labour Inspector shut down the three offices as these were not compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
“The station has three offices with 40 employees operating on a 24-hours shift system. The control room has no seating for employees. The tap water is not clean and cannot be used for drinking while basins are rusted, and toilets do not flush properly, which also poses a health risk for members. Some ambulance equipment is stored outside the office as these is not sufficient space. The PSA will not wait for a tragedy occurs before steps are taken about unsafe buildings. The Department of Labour is commended for executing its legislative mandate without fear or favour,” said PSA Limpopo Provincial Manager, John Teffo.
Issued by John Teffo, Limpopo Provincial Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)