NUPSAW CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES AT DISCHEM IN MIDRAND AFTER POSITIVE CASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

09 JUNE 2020

 

The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW) is gravely concerned about the health and safety of workers at the Dischem, Midrand warehouse after a worker tested positive for COVID-19. This occurs after a staff member in the warehouse ethical department tested positive for the virus today.

NUPSAW is disturbed to learn that workers who were in close contact with the affected person were told to go home for the day but requested to report back the following day, without Management putting any proper measures and risk assessment to ensure that the health and safety regulations are placed before work resumes tomorrow.

Not adhering to the regulations can have severe implications for the merchandises such as food and utensils which could be contaminated and spread to customers and staff. These irresponsible actions are putting the staff and customers at a high and undue risk of infections.

NUPSAW demands:

  • Testing of all workers before the warehouse reopens and regular tests to be conducted thereafter.
  • All those that have tested positive to be isolated at home, on full pay
  • No victimisation of workers who refuse to work before tests have been conducted or when the warehouse do not meet the necessary standards of hygiene and have insufficient PPE.
  • Cleaning and disinfection of all areas
  • Perform a daily risk assessment with workers

 

NUPSAW condemns the Dischem management for being obsessed with profits in the face of the biggest health and economic hardship ever to face humankind. The Union will immediately bring it to the attention of the management that their behaviour and actions are inconsistent with the directives and guidelines on dealing with COVID-19 cases in the workplace.

The Union will engage the Department of Employment and Labour to conduct an inspection in loco. If infection is a result of negligence from Dischem management, we will do everything in our power to ensure that those involved are accountable.

 

For more information:

Kagiso Makoe

NUPSAW Media Officer

083 712 1614

 

Solly Malema

NUPSAW National Organiser

082 323 2958