HEALTH AND SAFETY

Not just a title, but a legislative requirement

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Act 85 of 1993, requires that the employer provides and maintains, as far as reasonable and practical, a work environment that is safe and without risk to the health of employees. Whilst the Act excludes workers in mines and on ships, where other laws apply, the OHSA covers all other workers, including farm workers, domestic workers and state workers.

It is not yet required that every establishment have a health and safety policy in place, but if you are inspected and directed to instate a policy, you need to abide by this.

Health and safety plan

A health and safety plan are a detailed plan that is developed by the company, with input from the employer, employees or their representatives and OHS subject matter experts or consultants, to ensure that the company is OHS Act compliant. This written document will detail the organisational policies and procedures for health, safety, welfare, procedures, commitment, and structure as well as preventative measures that must be implemented within the company, in the interests of health and safety.

The health and safety plan needs to be in line with and meet the legislative requirements and accepted general standards for health and safety in the workplace. It must also be adhered to by all the employees.

Keep it simple

It is crucial that the level of education of all employees be considered when drawing up and distributing the OHS policy document so that everyone can understand.

The wording needs to be easily understood and if literacy level is posing a challenge, the policy must be verbally communicated. This is especially important when heavy machinery, chemicals or other risks are prevalent. Accidents can be avoided by clear communication, especially where safety equipment is used. Do not assume that everyone understands signage or policies displayed, have a proper safety course in place and offer refreshers so that safety is always seen to be a priority. Ensure that emergency equipment is in good working order and that the staff know how to use this equipment.

Trained OHS Officer

There are obvious areas where safety will be a priority, like around machinery, on stairs etc. but the role of the health and safety officer is not only to identify areas of risk, but to mitigate and if possible, eliminate potential risks. Much of what constitutes health and safety is common sense, but some of it is a bit more involved.

Basic health and safety would include a work environment that has adequate ventilation, access to safety equipment like fire extinguishers and basic toilet facilities.

Important to include in your plan

When drawing up a health and safety policy, it can be brief, but it should mention the following points:

• A description of the organisation. • Acknowledge the need to comply with minimum standard legislation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. • Recognize the priority of safety in relation to other organisational goals and policies. • Acknowledge the right of every employee to work in a safe and healthy environment. • Stipulate that management is accountable for occupational health and safety programs and management's commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment by eliminating or minimizing the hazards that can cause accidents and injuries. • Explain the organisation's basic health and safety philosophy (statement of health and safety principles and goals). • Mention the general responsibilities of all employees. • Confirm that health and safety shall not be sacrificed for expediency. • Emphasise that unacceptable performance of health and safety duties will not be tolerated. • Encourage co-operation with unions and workers to involve all employees in implementing the health and safety policy into practice. • Include the date of the policy. • Get it signed by the chief executive officer. • Have it visibly displayed for all workers to see. • Indicate when the policy will be reviewed. �

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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