This is the law...

Do you know what the penalties are if you are not compliant with the Health & Safety regulations?

In general, a fine of R 50 000.00 per transgression or one year imprisonment, possibly both can be given and where there is, or could have been, a charge of culpable homicide, then a fine of R 100 000.00 or two years imprisonment, it is even possible that both can be given.

Below is an example of what the requirements are in every work place according to the OHS Act, these are dependent on your risk category and departments - 

How many fire fighters should be designated?

Where more than 10 employees are employed at a workplace, the employer needs to appoint a trained fire fighter. This is a compulsory legal appointment and the fire fighter should be readily available during normal working hours. However it is recommended to train 2 employees instead of just one as people are human and do have their sick days or leave days..

How many first aiders should be designated?

Where more than 10 employees are employed at a workplace, the employer needs to appoint a trained first aider. This is a compulsory legal appointment and the first aider should be readily available during normal working hours. However it is recommended to train 2 employees instead of just one as people are human and do have their sick days or leave days

How many health and safety representatives (SHE Reps) must be designated?

A representative must be designated for every workplace consisting of 20 or more workers. Therefore, where only 19 workers are employed, it is not necessary to designate a representative. In the case of shops and offices, one representative must be designated for every 100 workers or part thereof. For example, one representative must be designated in the case of 21 to 100 workers. But two representatives must be designated where 101 to 200 workers are employed, etc.However it is recommended to train 2 employees instead of just one as people are human and do have their sick days or leave days...

Do you have to have a safety file?

It is imperative to keep all your health and safety paperwork up to date. This file should be compiled for onsite construction as well as in each company. This will also have all important information that can be referred to in the event of an incident investigation and this is the first place a department of labour or fire department inspector will check.

How often should you have a Evacuation drills?

Evacuation drills have to be executed at least once a year.

Why should you have Comprehensive Risk Assessments done?

These ascertain any shortfalls and assist greatly to ensure that your company is compliant.

We all need to do this... the department of labour will be employing an additional 100 inspectors to start keeping on top of Health & Safety. So dont be stuck with a letter from the department telling you that they will shut you down for 30 days or whack you with that large fine... Get it done!