How to get your Health and Safety Certificate

Health and Safety Compliance Certification

Each business and subsequent employer in South Africa must be compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993. However, to verify Health and Safety Compliance, a Health and Safety Audit must be conducted by a SAIOSH Authorised Health and Safety Company, if the Audit passes all requirements then a Health and Safety Compliance Certificate will be issued.

It is for this purpose that the sections below indicate how you can get your health and safety certificate, as many employers may be unfamiliar with the process involved, or what the true value of such a certificate is.

The OHS Act and many other great Health and Safety Solutions are available on our E-commerce platform My Safety Shop.

What is the Health and Safety Compliance Certificate?

One of the best ways in which employers can ensure that they are OHS Act compliant is by having a health and safety compliance audit conducted by SafetyWallet. Once the subscriber has joined, they can request that a SafetyWallet auditor conduct the audit, in which their level of compliance and the effectiveness of their OHS program will be determined.

Once the audit is completed and the subscriber is found competent with the requirements set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, they are provided with a Health and Safety Compliance Certificate. This certificate is valid for a year and will be reissued once the subscriber has booked their next OHS compliance audit.

Our Safety Compliance Audit goes beyond ticking boxes. It's a comprehensive examination of your workplace, identifying potential risks and areas for improvement. This audit is your roadmap to a safer, more compliant workplace. The Compliance audit looks at the following matters amongst others:

  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Practices
  • Health and Safety Appointments and Structure in the Workplace
  • Health and Safety Training Requirements
  • Hazardous Chemicals and Biological Agents in the Workplace
  • Building and Infrastructure Safety
  • Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace
  • Health Surveys and Medical Surveillance
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Health and Safety inspections
  • Health and Safety Administration
  • Health and Safety Responsibilities regarding IOD's and Compensation for Occupational Diseases and Injuries in the workplace
  • Machinery and Equipment
  • Contractor management

Why is the Health and Safety Compliance Certificate important?

In having obtained a health and safety compliance certificate, employers are much better equipped when they are inspected by the Department of Employment and Labour, the Fire Department, the Department of Higher Education and Training, and numerous others as well as complying with Tenders and Vender criteria.

The certificate verifies the employer’s compliance with OHSA and would assist them of any penalties, fines, and even possible imprisonment.

Even though audits are not a legal obligation, employers have a legal obligation towards providing a work environment that is safe, healthy, and free of harm. The best way in which this can be ensured is by having a compliance audit done.

Non-compliance with OHSA may result in severe penalties where the employer, business owner, or director could face fines of up to R100,000.00 or up to 2 years in prison, or both.

How can employers obtain their Health and Safety Compliance Certificate?

The HSE compliance certificate is issued after a site inspection of the work premises has been conducted by qualified auditors from external establishments such as SafetyWallet. The auditor will inspect the workplace for hazards and risks, assess the safety control measures in place, identify areas of concern, and make recommendations.

Employers can ensure that this process is made easy and hassle-free by subscribing to SafetyWallet and ensure that they are on the road to continuous compliance by making use of SafetyWallet's all-encompassing solutions.

With SafetyWallet, subscribers are provided with an audit team of professionals who have the necessary skills and qualifications to help them identify key areas where improvements are needed, highlight strengths, and put together an action plan to ensure that effective controls are in place.

How can SafetyWallet help Employers and Contractors’ Health and Safety Compliance?

SafetyWallet works to ensure that its subscribers are supported and assisted in all matters relating to health and safety, and through a partnership with MAKROSAFE and OHS Online, subscribers can ensure that they are a part of creating a safer, healthier, and more compliant working environment. 

Click on the image below to find a SafetyWallet Solution that suits your business and get the 21 benefits along with the subscription:
SafetyWallet

MAKROSAFE / SAFETYWALLET / MY SAFETY SHOP are all in Partnership.                          


Posted date: 5th Apr 2022
Health-and-Safety-Compliance-Audit