Health and safety training requirements by industry in South Africa
If you manage people, understanding your assigned health and safety responsibilities is essential. HR managers play an important role in supporting workplace OHS compliance, while the employer and CEO retain overall accountability. Non-compliance can have serious consequences, including fines, prosecution, and potential personal liability where negligence is established. The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act […]
How to conduct a workplace health and safety audit: A practical guide for South African companies
A formal workplace health and safety audit in South Africa is one of the most important steps a business can take to protect its people, limit liability, and demonstrate genuine compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act). If you are a CEO or Health and Safety Manager reassessing your compliance status with the OHS […]
Health & Safety Rep duties: A practical workplace guide
If you are an HR Manager striving to keep your workplace compliant and your people healthy and safe, understanding SHE Rep duties is an important piece of the puzzle. The role is commonly referred to as a SHE Rep (SHE standing for Safety, Health and Environment) or an OHS Rep. This post focuses solely on […]
CPR training: What to expect
CPR is one of the most critical skills in first aid. When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, their heart stops pumping blood effectively to the brain and vital organs. Every second counts: Brain cells can begin to die within minutes without oxygen, and without immediate intervention, the risk of permanent brain damage or death rises […]
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 […]