Latest Blogs

What is a Risk Assessment in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the Workplace. The core principles associated with a risk assessment process in addition with the legal requirements of why organisations go through this important task, is common territory to seasoned health and safety professionals and larger organisations. However, there are numerous smaller organisations that may not fully grans that they have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all employees and visitors, and that they must drive compliance relating to health and safety within the operations of the organisation. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 requires that each employer provide a workplace which is safe and without risk to the health of employees, with further guidance offered on how employers can achieve this. Risk assessment in Occupational Health and Safety involves the fundamentals which are ingrained in the Act to assist employers in achieving their duties towards the health and safety of employees, and any other persons who may be affected by the organisation’s activities.

Health and Safety Risk Assessment Procedure. Risk assessments are not a new concept, despite the organisation’s industry, sector, or nature of business. When they are conducted effectively, they serve as a crucial management tool to ensure that employees, and others, are safeguarded.

Employers in South Africa are bound by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHSA) and other relevant regulations to ensure that they provide a safe and healthy work environment which is free of hazards.

What is a Health and Safety Induction Overview As one of the legal requirements to which employers must conform, it is imperative to understand what a health and safety induction is, why it must be conducted, and how it is done effectively.  

Leadership plays a crucial role in promoting organisational values as well as behaviours towards the transformation of health and safety performance and overall protection of employees along with service providers, contractors, and members of the public.

What is Section 37(2) Health and Safety contract between an employer and a mandatory (contractor)? Overview The purpose of the Section 37(2) Health and Safety contract between an employer and a mandatory (contractor), refers specifically to a mandatory and written contractual agreement. It exists between a client and a contractor in terms of work and/or services provided by the contractor, subjected to both the terms and conditions of the Mandatory Agreement. What work does it cover? This will be determined by the client according to the nature of their business and any work that they may need to have done, or services they need from a specific contractor. It can include, but is not limited to, the following: • Building and construction • Electrical and/or installation work. • Plumbing • Painting • Installations • Servicing of machinery and/or equipment, and more.

All employers, as per the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, 130 (COIDA), must register for workers compensation. Any employer who fails to do this, is guilty of a criminal offence. As result of the implementation of COIDA, the general rights that employees had under common law in suing their employers for losses suffered while employed, have been removed.

A Contractor’s Health and Safety Responsibilities in South Africa – Part 4 Overview Each person in an organisation plays a vital part towards ensuring a healthy and safe working environment, even if it is the responsibility of the employer to provide such, the maintaining thereof is imperative for continuous health and safety compliance. A contractor’s health and safety responsibilities in South Africa is clear and concise, and it is also necessary to explore the rights that the client has along with the specific safety provisions and safety performance. Client’s Rights Inspections/Investigations The client, or their representing agent may, in any reasonable manner, observe as well as inspect the safety and accident prevention plan of the contractor