By OLIVER SAMBOKO
THE Ministry of Labour and Social Security has suspended operations at Garden Timber Limited in Lusaka for using unlicenced machinery.
According to details, the firm failed to comply with provisions of the Factories Act Cap. 441 of the Laws of Zambia.
Labour Permanent Secretary Chanda Kaziya disclosed to the Daily Nation that the closure follows an inspection that was conducted on July, 21, this year which found that the company was using unlicensed forklift and air compressors.
Mr Kaziya said the company failed to submit occupational accident reports to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Inspectorate among others.
He said this was despite numerous reminders and follow-up inspections to assess the level of compliance to occupational safety and health legislation.
Mr Kaziya said a number of very serious non-compliances with the Factories Act were observed and the ministry wrote to bring to Garden Timber Limited on various non conformities.
“This is evidenced by an occupational accident in which one of the workers lost a finger while carrying out his duties. This accident was only discovered when the inspection of the premises was undertaken,” he said.
Mr Kaziya advised employers to ensure that they adhere to occupational safety and health regulations failure to which Government would invoke the necessary provisions of the law.
