Workplace safety

In South Africa, health and safety issues are extensively governed by the Occupational Health and Safety act, 85 of 1993 and it impacts directly on the CEO of every organisation – the accountable person.

We offer you a proactive solution as we already know your business.

Inspectors from the Department of Labour are appointed in terms of section 63 (1) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 75 of 1997, as amended to monitor and enforce various legislation: The Department of Labour requests employers to cooperate and assist Inspectors when they visit the various workplace amongst which is the compliancy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993; Failure to comply with legislation constitutes a criminal offense.

Self-assessment questionnaire:

ARE YOU COMPLYING WITH THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT, 85 OF 1993?

If you employee 5 or more employees, make the right choice when it comes to risk and compliance.

1. Do you have a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations with amendments relevant Regulations on the premises and is the Act and the Regulations available to the workers if they want to read it?.	YES	NO
2. Do you have written company Health and Safety policy?.	YES	NO
3. Have you appointed Health and Safety Representatives? (Employers who employ 20 or more workers must appoint representatives to monitor health and safety conditions) (is ratio correct – section 17 (5) (Shops & offices minimum of 1 Rep for every 100 employees, other workplaces a minimum of 1 for every 50?).	YES	NO
4. Have you established Health and Safety Committees in your workplace and meet every 3 months? 19 (3) read with GAR 5.	YES	NO
5. Have Health and Safety Representatives been trained- section 18(3) read with GAR 6 (1)(e).	YES	NO
6. Are contractor agreements in place? (The appointment of the mandatory). Read with Section 37 (2)	YES	NO
7. Are you and your workers trained to recognise health and safety problems? (Employee rights and responsibilities).	YES	NO
8. Certificate of competency of first-aider (s) – GSP 3(4) (More than 5 employees).	YES	NO
9. Copies of valid certificates for training of forklift and Jib crane operators available – DMR 18 (11).	YES	NO
10. Is there an emergency plan and procedures in place?	YES	NO
11. Are routine inspections conducted by H/S representatives to identify hazards, corrected and records kept? – section 18 (1)(g) (obtain proof/evidence) and – section 20 (3) read with GAR 5 (b).	YES	NO
12. Is the company registered with the Compensation Fund in terms of the requirements of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act?	YES	NO
13. Do you know how much your annual assessment is and what your claims are?	YES	NO
14. Do you have entry control documents (civil liability indemnity, access control, instruction and recording)?	YES	NO
If you answer is ‘no’ to any of the above questions your Company needs us to assist with complying to legal obligations by eliminating or reducing risk associated with injury, illness and disease.
NEXT STEP! GET COMPLIANT!

By Annemarie Grobler

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied upon as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your financial adviser for specific and detailed advice.  Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)