Health and Safety Regulations Ignored, Workers at Risk
In a shocking discovery, several logging companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been found to be ignoring health and safety regulations, putting their workers at risk.
Lack of Personal Protective Equipment and Access to Drinking Water
- Many companies have failed to provide personal protective equipment to their workers.
- Additionally, some employees do not have access to drinking water on logging sites.
This lack of attention to health and safety regulations can lead to serious accidents and even fatalities.
Employment Regulations Not Respected
- Many logging companies have been found to be ignoring employment regulations.
- This includes:
- Lack of compliant and registered employment contracts
- Failure to pay employees by way of a payslip
- Employer non-payment of social contributions
Experts stress that this disregard for employment regulations can lead to exploitation of workers and undermine economic stability.
Third-Party Rights Violated
- The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Risk Mitigation Guide has uncovered instances where logging companies are violating the rights of local communities.
- This includes:
- Failure to conclude agreements between concession-holders and local communities
- Manipulation of local funds and committees responsible for setting up socio-economic infrastructure
Experts warn that this lack of transparency and accountability can lead to social unrest and economic instability in affected communities.
Trade and Transport Regulations Flouted
- Many logging companies have been found to be ignoring trade and transport regulations.
- This includes:
- Making false declarations in site log books
- Incorrect recording of species and volumes on transport permits
Experts warn that this disregard for trade and transport regulations can lead to illegal logging and timber trafficking.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Risk Mitigation Guide is calling on logging companies to take immediate action to rectify these issues.