Two Pretoria central Shoprite stores closed for violating Covid-19 regulations
The Department of Employment and Labour inspectors closed two Shoprite stores after employees were found working without protective equipment.
Gauteng Department of Employment and Labour inspectors on Monday closed two Shoprite stores in central Pretoria after employees were found working without protective equipment amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
U-Save/Shoprite store in Francis Baard street and Shoprite in Middestad centre were closed on Monday.
Provincial chief inspector Advocate Michael Msiza said cashiers working with a large number of customers at the stores were not provided with gloves and masks to ensure prevention of the spread of Covid-19.
This, according to the department, was a violation of health and safety standards of essential service employees during the lockdown.
“The store was found not to have issued its cashiers with personal protective equipment (PPEs), and social distancing was not enforced in the store. A risk assessment plan was also not in place at the store,” said the department in a statement.
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He said the closure of two retail stores was done to protect the lives of the employees and the public.
The stores are set to remain closed until health and safety standards are improved.
Msiza said the inspections have just begun, and if non-compliance continued the department would shut down stores.
“We are conducting inspections in this time of need to give effect to government’s efforts to fight the spread of Covid-19.
In our case our role is in the workplaces, as a result we are prioritising inspections in terms of the occupational health and safety standards act,” he said.
Msiza said more inspections would be done during the lockdown focusing on the retail sector, pharmaceuticals, and food chains.
“The bottom line is that if you (stores) are not healthy, hygienic and observing laws to protect workers – we close.
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“The public must take this coronavirus issue very serious for the sake of their own health and that of their families,” Msiza said.
Msiza said employees must use the protective equipment provided by the employer and if one refused they could be charged for misconduct.
Shoprite had not responded to enquiries sent by the time of going to print.
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