s 17 Competent authority may direct persons to carry out work in a disaster, etc.
17.—(1) A competent authority may, if it appears to the competent authority to be necessary for any works or operations to be carried out to deal or cope with a disaster or public health emergency, direct any person to carry out or assist in any such works or operations.[10/2008] (2) Where a vehicle, vessel or aircraft is requisitioned by a competent authority under the provisions of this Act, the competent authority may direct the driver, operator or crew of the vehicle, vessel or aircraft to render such service as the competent authority may require. (3) Any direction given under subsection (1) or (2) must not, unless a proclamation of emergency is in force, require any person to perform any work for a period exceeding 7 days or exceeding the period during which this section is in operation, whichever is shorter. (4) An employer must not dismiss an employee solely or mainly by reason of any duties or service which the employee is required by a competent authority to perform pursuant to this section unless the employee is employed only for an agreed definite period.