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OHS Amendment Bill 2020 and Health and Safety Management Systems A Safety Management System consists of a series of policies, procedures and standards that are used by organisations to reduce accidents, injuries, and illnesses in the workplace and among employees. Health and Safety Management Systems which are effective are proven to be a decisive factor in the reduction of the extent and severity of work-related injuries as well as illnesses. Through the successful adoption of a Safety Management System, there is a high level of commitment from both management and employees, with an adequate number of resources put towards the design and implementation of such a system. More in-depth details on the changes brought on by the OHS Amendment Bill 2020, click here to Download your Free eBook.

To understand the changes that will take effect with the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Bill 2020, it is imperative to understand the different definitions contained in it and the meaning of each.

The Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Bill, also commonly referred to as the OHSA Bill, was tabled for the first initial reading in Parliament by the Minister of Employment and Labour on November 2, 2020. Once introduced, there will be significant amendments made to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of1993, or OHSA 1993. Changes to be made by the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Bill 2020, also referred to as the OHSA Bill, are extensive but it should not come as a surprise to health and safety professionals.

There have been numerous case studies that have been done on health and safety, and one of the many studies include a health and safety risk assessment case study on slips, trips, and falls.

What is Hazard Identification in HSE Overview What is Hazard Identification in HSE? Loosely translates to Risk Assessment in Health and Safety. Risk assessments in health and safety form part of the risk management process which are included in the overall Health and Safety Management Plan and Programme of organisations, in addition to forming part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act’s requirements, to which employers must be compliant. A risk assessment involves the process of identifying the current and existing hazards that may appear in the workplace and it defines those that are likely cause harm to employees, contractors, visitors, and any other person that may be affected by the activities of the organisation. What does hazard identification entail?

How often should a Health and Safety Risk Assessment be reviewed? Overview Business owners, employers, managers, or supervisors must know the importance associated with keeping things up to date so that they run smoothly, and health and safety is not an exception to this. To make sure that employees stay safe, and that the employer remains compliant, risk assessments must be carried out and reviewed as part of regular work practice.

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.