By Johannah Malogadihlare
The Employment and Labour Department has temporarily shut down a government mortuary in Mangaung after inspections revealed safety irregularities.
Departmental spokesperson Tebogo Thenjane said labour conducted a compliant inspection last week Friday and found that the mortuary violated the Occupational Health Safety Act.
“The inspectors found water leakages which could cause serious harm and fatalities to workers should they come into contact with exposed electrical wires. For these reasons, the Forensic Pathology Services was issued with a prohibition Notice,” Thejane said on Tuesday.
The department said that the mortuary should also ensure a proper ventilation system, identify and mitigate against various hazards associated with pathological services and sewage blockages.
“The depth and magnitude of Occupational Health and Safety Act violation necessitated the four prohibition notices issued. The inspectorate would not gamble with the health and safety of employees including the public,” said provincial chief inspector Manelisi Luxande.
The department said that the mortuary would remain closed until necessary measures were implemented.
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