CEO Legal Duties for Employee Safety in South Africa
South African law places direct, personal legal responsibility for workplace safety on the CEO. This article breaks down Section 8 and Section 16 of the OHS Act, explains criminal liability under Section 37, and provides a practical compliance checklist for decision-makers.
Why HR Managers Are Responsible for First Aid Compliance
Most HR managers know first aid compliance sits somewhere on their to-do list. Fewer realise they carry personal legal exposure when it falls short. This post breaks down exactly what the OHS Act requires, what happens when those requirements aren’t met, and the practical steps that keep your organisation audit-ready.
Fire Safety in the Workplace: What Every Employer Must Know
Fire safety in the workplace is a legal obligation for every South African employer, not an optional extra. This guide covers your duties under the OHS Act, what a fire risk assessment must include, the equipment standards you need to meet, and how to ensure your staff are properly trained and ready to respond.
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 […]
Guide to selecting health and safety management courses in South Africa
In South Africa, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHS Act) places strict legal obligations on employers to maintain a work environment that is free of risks to employees’ health and safety. This means that all employers must implement an effective health and safety management system in the workplace. One of the […]
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 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 […]
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 […]