Tag: Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
Silent building risks – all is quiet before the compliance crisis
South Africa’s buildings are carrying silent risks, and many business owners or occupants don’t know it. From outdated fire systems to water outages that disable suppression infrastructure, the cracks in compliance are becoming more dangerous. I see the same pattern repeatedly.
Mental health and misconduct – legal lessons for employers
World Day for Safety and Health at Work, celebrated on 28 April brings to attention the need for creating safe spaces in the workplace which include mental health and wellbeing. According to the South African Federation for Mental Health, about 13% of South African employees live with a diagnosed mental health condition. Interestingly, more than a third of working South Africans experience excessive daily stress.
The MHI regulations – reminder for compliance by duty holders
The Major Hazard Installation (MHI) Regulations were published in January 2023, replacing the 2001 MHI Regulations. We previously published an article outlining key timelines for compliance with the amended MHI Regulations. The MHI Regulations must be read alongside the published Explanatory Note, which provides guidance to duty holders on interpreting the MHI Regulations and ensuring compliance.
Sanitisation – shielding and protecting workplaces
Imagine a bustling Cape Town restaurant filled with tourists. Or a Sandton office where handshakes seal deals. Picture a Durban preschool where tots play and touch everything in sight. What do they have in common? Each faces invisible threats like bacteria, viruses and contaminants thriving in shared spaces.
Workplace medical emergency preparedness
Employee safety falls under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. This legislation holds employers responsible for maintaining a safe working environment. Under the Act, businesses have a legal obligation to implement effective protocols. These protocols must ensure a swift and organised response in the event of an emergency.
Inclusive employee health insurance makes sense
South African businesses face an environment where many employees, especially in lower income segments, cannot afford basic healthcare services. Medical aid remains unaffordable for most workers, even when subsidised, exacerbating the existing healthcare access disparities.
Health, safety & profits – cornerstones of construction success
Workplace health and safety should never be a tick-box exercise in construction. When given the proper care and attention, health and safety practices keep workers safe, help projects stay within budget and timelines, and can have a substantial impact on companies’ bottom-lines.
Political affiliations in the workplace – what employers need to know
Navigating political affiliations in the workplace is a complex task for South African employers. There are valuable insights on this topic, emphasizing the importance of maintaining political neutrality to foster a harmonious work environment.
Building whistle blower confidence to enhance OHS
The processes for reporting dangerous workplaces can significantly differ from one organisation to another. Notably, there seems to be a lack of consideration for an anonymous reporting mechanism, leaving individuals raising concerns vulnerable to potential identification by others within the organisation who may take issue with the report.
Single standard safety induction model can save mining houses
As one of the most dangerous industries in the world, it is for good reason that there are strict health and safety protocols in mining. Before starting work on any project for a mining house, every individual must complete the necessary health and safety induction at each mining site.
