How to conduct a workplace health and safety audit: A practical guide for South African companies
A workplace health and safety audit is one of the most effective tools a South African company has for staying compliant, protecting employees, and identifying gaps before they become incidents. This practical guide walks CEOs and Health and Safety Managers through the full audit process, from preparation to corrective action. Whether you are auditing for the first time or refining an existing process, this guide gives you a clear framework to follow.
Health & Safety Rep duties: A practical workplace guide
A SHE Representative carries specific legal duties under Sections 17 and 18 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This guide breaks down those duties clearly, from workplace inspections to incident investigation and committee representation, so reps and employers know exactly what is expected.
CPR training: What to expect
CPR training is a legal and moral requirement for South African workplaces under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This guide covers who must be trained, how many staff need certification, and what to look for in an accredited course.
Regulation 3 First Aid Kit contents: What your workplace kit should contain
If your workplace employs more than five people, South African law requires you to have a compliant first aid box on site. The General Safety Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act specify what must be inside your first aid kit, commonly referred to as a Regulation 3 first aid kit. This guide breaks […]
What is an Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Certificate?
If you have ever searched for an “occupational health and safety compliance certificate” or a “health and safety certificate of compliance” in South Africa, you are not alone, and you are probably more confused after searching than before. That is because this term means different things to different people, and much of what appears online […]
How to write a workplace incident report
All workplace incidents, accidents, and near-misses must be investigated and recorded using an incident report form. Major incidents (as per Section 24 of the OHS Act) must be reported to the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL). Investigating, recording, and reporting workplace incidents is an important part of maintaining compliance with the Occupational Health and […]
OHS requirements in the workplace: Health and Safety Representatives
Appointing and training a Health and Safety Representative is an important occupational health and safety requirement for any workplace that employs over 20 people. Failing to appoint a Health and Safety Representative may result in a status of non-compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, which in turn exposes your company […]
Duties of employees: What are a First Aider’s responsibilities in the workplace?
If you’re thinking of volunteering to become a First Aider at your workplace, you’re probably keen to understand exactly what the health and safety duties of a First Aider entail. You may be worried that joining your workplace health and safety team will require you to work overtime (don’t worry, it won’t!) or put you […]
Understanding the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations in South Africa
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993 is the legislation that seeks to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of workers in South Africa. It is a comprehensive, well-structured act that prescribes globally accepted practices, aims, and objectives. All employers, businesses, and organisations in South Africa are required to adhere to the […]
Understanding fire extinguisher regulations in South Africa
Understanding fire extinguisher regulations in South Africa In the right hands – preferably those of a trained Fire Warden – a fire extinguisher is a highly effective, easy-to-use firefighting tool that can be used to control or extinguish small fires. As such, having easy access to an extinguisher during a fire emergency can save business […]