What are the penalties for non-compliance with the Ergonomics Regulations of the OHS Act?
The Ergonomics Regulations, introduced under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993, place a legal duty on employers to identify and manage ergonomic risks in the workplace. Failing to meet these responsibilities can have serious consequences, making it essential for employers to understand the penalties for non-compliance and the steps required to […]
How the Hierarchy of Controls can help employers meet the requirements of the OHS Act (“OSHA”)
In South Africa, the legislation governing workplace health and safety is the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, formally abbreviated as the OHS Act, and sometimes referred to informally as ‘OSHA’ or the ‘OSH Act’. Whichever shorthand you use, every employer in the country has a legal duty to meet the requirements of […]
Ensuring workplace safety with the OHS Act: A practical guide for South African employers
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHS Act) is the legal foundation of every employer’s obligation to protect the people who work for them. Yet for many South African businesses, the OHS Act remains a document they know they should understand but have never fully translated into day-to-day practice. This guide focuses […]
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 […]
Your complete guide to choosing the right course for Health & Safety Officers in South Africa
If you’ve decided to pursue a career in occupational health and safety, the first question you’re likely to ask is, which course do I actually need? With dozens of health and safety training options available across South Africa, from short skills programmes to multi-month diplomas, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts […]
Legal liability training for corporates in South Africa
In South Africa, both employers and employees carry clear legal responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993. When an incident or accident happens at work and it is found that any person has contravened the Act or failed to comply with their legal duties, that person – whether they’re the […]
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 […]
First aid training accreditation in South Africa: What employers need to know
When it comes to workplace health and safety, first aid training is not optional. In fact, according to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993, any workplace employing more than 10 people is legally required to have at least one certified First Aider available during normal working hours. For employers, understanding first […]
Preventing workplace accidents: The role of HIRA in health and safety systems
Hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) plays a vital role in workplace health and safety management systems.
What is the Hierarchy of Controls in workplace health and safety management?
The Hierarchy of Controls is a structured framework used to eliminate, reduce, or manage workplace risks in a logical and prioritised way.