Quick Guide: Summary of the Occupational Health and Safety Act’s key sections
The Occupational Health and Safety Act outlines the rights, responsibilities, and duties of both employers and employees with regards to health and safety in the workplace. This summary of the Occupational Health and Safety Act highlights the main takeaways of what are commonly considered the most important sections of the Act and is intended to […]
Understanding first aid levels in South Africa
Historically, there have been three main first aid levels available in South Africa: First Aid Level 1, First Aid Level 2, and First Aid Level 3. The ‘level’ of each of these first aid certificates refers to the corresponding NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level assigned to that course. As such, ‘First Aid Level 1’ is […]
Quick guide: How to apply a first aid dressing
Knowing how to apply a first aid dressing correctly is an essential skill that is taught in first aid courses. Properly dressing and bandaging a wound helps to control bleeding, absorb blood and discharge, and protect the wound from infection. What is a first aid dressing? A first aid dressing is a sterile, absorbent pad […]
Occupational health and safety training requirements for South African businesses
Occupational health and safety training requirements in the workplace fall into two broad categories: internal and external training. Internal training is specific to the company’s particular risks, equipment, and work processes and is developed and delivered in-house, usually by a Health and Safety Officer. External training, on the other hand, is facilitated by an accredited […]
What is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a methodical process conducted within a building or workplace to identify potential fire hazards, evaluate the associated fire risks (the potential for a fire incident to occur), and establish control measures to eliminate or reduce those fire risks. Regular fire risk assessments are a cornerstone of workplace fire safety and […]
Do you need a trained firefighter at work?
Fire risks exist in every workplace. Even in seemingly low-risk settings like offices and shops, the presence of electrical equipment like kettles and printers and combustible materials like paper and cardboard are enough to present a very real fire risk. In higher-risk settings, like workplaces containing flammable or hazardous materials, the fire risk is of […]
How to choose the best Health and Safety Officer course to launch your career
The first step to launching a successful career as a Health and Safety Officer is selecting the most appropriate course for you and ensuring that you choose the best possible training provider. In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of choosing a career as a Health and Safety Officer, discuss the training required, and […]
How an Emergency Preparedness Plan differs from an Emergency Response Plan
Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, an emergency preparedness plan and an emergency response plan are actually two different things and should not be conflated. While an emergency preparedness plan focuses on ensuring that your organisation is adequately prepared to deal with possible emergencies, an emergency response plan focuses on spelling out the […]
First Aid Concussion Treatment
Whenever a concussion is suspected, it’s important to have the casualty assessed by a medical professional to rule out a more serious head injury or spinal injury. The first aid treatment for concussion includes carrying out the Primary and Secondary Survey, monitoring the casualty for worsening symptoms, and stabilising the head and neck until professional […]
Health and safety compliance and risk management courses for South African businesses
Health and safety compliance and risk management courses (including First Aid, Firefighting, Evacuation Planning, Health & Safety Representative, and Risk Assessment courses) aim to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone at work. But that’s not all: health and safety risk and compliance courses also enable employers to protect themselves against legal liability, ensure business […]
