ROAD CONTRACTORS SENSITISED ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION COMPLIANCE
The Roads Directorate and the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), jointly held one-day sensitisation workshops for two groups of road contractors at the Research and Industry Development Centre (RIDC) in Teyateyaneng aimed at strengthening contractors’ compliance with legislative frameworks governing worker protection, occupational safety and health standards on construction sites.
Mrs 'Manaleli Sehlabi from DOSH led sessions on the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2024, emphasizing hazard identification and risk management, outlining the legal and practical obligations contractors carry before and during construction operations. She was clear that safety on construction sites is a legal obligation, not a procedural formality. "It is the responsibility of the contractor to identify potential hazards before work begins, implement control measures, provide appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure workers are trained in safe work procedures," she said.
Also from DOSH, Mr Teboho Leteba addressed contractors on accident reporting procedures and workmen's compensation coverage. He stressed that all labourers must be registered under the workmen's compensation scheme without exception in accordance with the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1977. He explained that in the event of a workplace injury, illness, disability or fatality, the incident must be reported promptly, thoroughly investigated and properly documented. Mr Leteba cautioned that failure to follow the prescribed reporting procedures can prejudice the compensation claims of eligible workers or their dependents.
Delivering closing remarks on behalf of the Director General, the Roads Directorate's Health and Safety Specialist, Mr Ntsane Makhetha, described the training as both timely and essential. "Compliance with health and safety requirements is fundamental to the successful delivery of road infrastructure projects and to the protection of every worker on site," said Mr Makhetha. "Failure to comply can result in injuries, project delays, legal penalties, financial losses and reputational damage to your businesses."
Mr. Makhetha urged contractors to ensure that health and safety practitioners in their employment are registered with the Ministry of Labour and Employment as required by law. He was unequivocal on the question of accountability, reminding contractors that responsibility for health and safety on construction sites rests with them as employers.
The training brought together 81 participants from 27 road construction companies. Following the workshop, participants are expected to comply with their legal obligations under Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2024 and the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1977 (as amended) while undertaking works for the Roads Directorate.
ENDS
About us: The Roads Directorate is a semi-autonomous government institution legally established in 2010. The Directorate is mandated with planning, development and maintenance of the road network and carrying out quality assurance of all roads
Issued by: Nozesolo Mpopo Corporate Communications Manager Corner Senate and Lepoqo Streets, Industrial Area, Maseru Tel: 52222 9000/2222 9000 E-mail:
mpopon@rd.org.ls | Website:
www.rd.org.ls
