11 firms fined over untested lifts

Eleven companies were fined a total of Lm2,000 between them by the Criminal Court for failing to send in the required lifts certification to the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) every six months, as stipulated by law.

OHSA reminded employers who have lifts permanently installed that they are obliged by law to ensure that such lifts are inspected by a competent person.

Employers must also ensure that they take action upon the recommendations of the inspector and send in the inspection certificate to the OHSA within 28 days from the date of the test. This procedure has to be undertaken every six months.

In a separate case, a person was fined Lm500 for not ensuring the occupational health and safety of all persons during works being carried out on his behalf.

This person was also found guilty of not obeying orders issued by OHSA officers.

These orders required the individual to carry out a risk assessment of all work activities, to appoint somebody capable of carrying out first aid and to provide a copy of an emergency plan applicable in case of an accident, among others.

The OHSA has another 23 cases sub judice and another 35 where criminal proceedings will commence shortly. These vary in nature from concerns over construction cases to accidents and lack of personal protective equipment.