In the last year, Coronavirus has created many new challenges within the workplace for employers and employees alike. The implementation of safety protocols, and monitoring of adherence in the fight to reduce COVID-19 within the workplace being two of them.
The news about the court case of Mogotsi and the meat company, Eskort became public when Mogotsi was fired for putting his co-worker’s lives at risk. Initially found guilty by his employer of gross misconduct for not informing them that he had taken and was awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test. Mogotsi later returned to work after receiving a positive test result.
Labour Court Judgement
Labour Court Judge, Edwin Tlhotlhalemaje said during the opening judgement statement, “The facts of this case are indeed extraordinary. They are indicative of the need for more to be done at both the workplace and in communities, in ensuring that employers, employees, and the general populace are sensitised to the realities of this pandemic, and to further reinforce the obligations of employers and employees in the face of … exposure to Covid-19.”
What employers and employee could take away from this?
- EMPLOYERS need to define and implement COVID safety practices in the workplace
- EMPLOYERS must effectively communicate these procedures with employees
- EMPLOYERS need to consistently monitor employees for adherence to guidelines and symptom detection
- EMPLOYEES should be well informed about the workplace guidelines and respectfully adhere to them, in order to maintain the well-being of themselves and their co-workers
SAMBRA is working tirelessly to provide members with the most up-to-date information and relevant support for dealing with COVID-related issues in the workplace.
This article was written based on details provided in ‘Following butcher case, law expert warns of Covid-19 dangers at work’ by iOL.co.za.
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