Letters of Good Standing

Why should businesses care about health and safety compliance?

Businesses of all sizes and types must place a high priority on Occupational Health and Safety. For both personal and economic reasons, the well-being of workers and anybody else affiliated with the organization must be treated with respect, and subsequently safeguarded.Compliance with Health and Safety Legislation, saves lives, lowers the possibility of legal action, penalties, and harm to one's reputation, all of which are detrimental to a company's ability to succeed. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHS Act) mandates that all employers prioritize the health and safety of their workers and managers.It is not only the CEO or management's duty, though. Many businesses in South Africa are hampered by the fact that some pieces of legislation may be difficult to read and put into practice without the assistance of a Health and Safety Consultant.

What makes MAKROSAFE the No. 1 Health and Safety Consultancy and Solution?

While there are several reputable Health & Safety consultancy service providers in South Africa, MAKROSAFE has established itself as the leading service provider that has been in operation since 1997. MAKROSAFE in partnership with SafetyWallet prides itself in offering comprehensive services including the implementation of OHS Programs, suited to the unique needs and objectives of different companies across all industries in South Africa. The OHS Program assists all committed employers to become compliant with all requirements of the OHS Act and other relevant legislation, which is just one of many reasons why MAKROSAFE has risen to the top in becoming a well-established and popular Health and Safety Consulting service provider in South Africa. Industries across South Africa experience hundreds of thousands of injuries annually, which is why South African legislation clamps down on businesses to ensure that they are protecting their employees. The legislation applicable to all workplaces in South Africa includes the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 & Regulations, SANS codes, Bylaws, and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).According to proven statistics, more than 1.5 billion ZAR is spent annually on paying employee benefits associated with injuries sustained in the workplace and illnesses or diseases that are contracted in the working environment.

What is the level of commitment that businesses can expect from MAKROSAFE as their partner in Health and Safety?

MAKROSAFE in partnership with SafetyWallet is committed to assist employers who subscribe to its program, providing the necessary tools and support that they need to minimize and prevent incidents by identifying, rating, and mitigating the hazards present in the workplace. Training is the first step in creating awareness among employees, subsequently helping to ensure that employees are involved with the application of the control measures to prevent injuries and incidents. When unforeseen incidents occur in the workplace, MAKROSAFE further offers support by facilitating the investigation and overseeing administrative processes, followed by submitting claims to the Workmen’s Compensation Commission on the employer’s behalf.

Here is what you can expect:

MAKROSAFE in partnership with SafetyWallet not only assists employers in reaching Health and Safety Compliance but also prides itself in being the proven leader in Health and Safety solutions and services in the country.

Here is a review of the Top 5 Services provided by MAKROSAFE in partnership with SafetyWallet.

 

The Health and Safety Audit is a comprehensive, detailed, and unbiased review and assessment of the health and safety policies, systems, and procedures of the business or a specific workplace or activity. What does the OHS Audit address? It addresses the current procedures and systems and evaluates their effectiveness and relevance, determining whether they are delivering the expected outcome. In addition, an OHS Audit can also determine whether the organisation is doing enough to protect the health, safety, and the wellbeing of employees, and whether there is compliance to the relevant Legislation.Pros:

• This process and service is available and easily accessible from My Safety Shop.
• These OHS Audits are Industry specific.
• With an OHS Audit, it is easy to determine the current regulatory compliance status of the organisation.
• Audits are in-depth and they provide a comprehensive Report of all the findings.
• They are unbiased and serve to ensure that employers are protecting their employees
• Audits are structured and methodological, with findings that can be linked to specific legislation.
• Audits can easily be carried out and they form a part of the overall OHS On-line H&S Management System provided by MAKROSAFE in partnership with SafetyWallet.
• Audits are one of the best ways through which the commitment of management can be displayed.
• OHS Audits can lead to improved overall health and safety performance in the workplace.
• They help to prevent incidents and injuries.
• Because OHS Audits help to improve safety, they indirectly improve the staff relations, morale, business efficiency, and even the organisation’s PR and public image.
• By carrying out Health and Safety Audits, Employers are verifying legislative compliance.
• OHS Audits are focussed on continual improvements of systems and wellbeing of persons in the workplace.
• On delivery of the OHS Audit Report, the Employer will be consulted with for the purpose of corrective actions to be taken.

Cons:

• The initial time that is spent on drafting audit formats and coordinating inspections can be extensive and audits can span over several days.
• The process that is involved with collecting evidence can be time-consuming and tedious.
• Even when there is a Health and Safety Program in place, there is always a chance that the employer will be found non-compliant if he does not commit to the Program.

Pros and Cons reviewed:Employers can use OHS Audits to further the safety of their workers, clients, and other visitors. In the end, a well-conducted audit may protect the company's survival. Because a major incident might lead to criminal prosecutions, huge reputational harm, and significant financial fines. A health and safety audit reveals a lot more than non-compliance or areas that need attention.They also highlight triumphs and provide employers with the opportunity to recognize and reward those who are doing well. MAKROSAFE’s audit solutions include a professional team of Practitioners who can do audits that are specific to the needs of any size or kind of organization. While the initial OHS Audit process can be time-consuming and tedious, once the employer starts complying with all legislation, it becomes an easier and more frictionless process.

 

Health and Safety Risk Assessments is a legal requirement that must be used in combination with several other health and safety tools to ensure overall compliance, allowing employers to identify and control hazards before they can cause harm to people. All businesses and self-employed individuals must conduct risk assessments, and must keep a record of their assessments. Even though risk assessments are mandated by law, their value extends well beyond that, and they should not only be used to ensure compliance but should be part of a concerted effort to ensure that workers remain healthy and safe.Pros:

• This process and service is available and easily accessible from My Safety Shop.
• A risk assessment provides a comprehensive list that consists of all tasks and activities in the workplace, with hazards and risks identified for every task and activity.
• According to these hazards and risks, a risk assessment can provide detailed control measures to eliminate and mitigate every risk per task.
• By having this extensive list, employers can create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) per task to mitigate the hazards and risks involved.
• Not only does an OHS Risk Assessment ensure that employers comply with OHS Act Section 8, but it helps them identify and mitigate hazards in the workplace that could cause harm.
• When risk assessments are carried out frequently, they become a part of the routine and this can create awareness among employees, resulting in the development of a safety culture that extends past the workplace.
• OHS Risk Assessments can help employers set risk management standards that are according to best practices, safe practices, and legal requirements.
• Subsequently, when OHS Risk Assessments are carried out, they can help reduce incidents in the workplace, which can save lives as a proactive measure instead of one that is reactive.

Cons:

• Health and Safety Risk Assessments can only be carried out by a competent person with experience.
• Some employees may have trouble understanding the Risk Assessment Methodology, which could deter consistency in carrying out risk assessments in the workplace.
• The drafting and implementation of a Risk Assessment procedure can be time-consuming and labour intensive, with the organisation consulting third-party services to help with implementing the procedure to ensure efficiency.
• Ensuring that all communication channels are followed and creating awareness can be tedious.
• When implementing control measures it can be a tedious exercise to follow up and ensure that implementation is effective.

Pros and Cons reviewed: Employees are often blamed for workplace accidents, but the truth is that most of them are the result of inadequate managerial oversight. A vast majority of accidents at work can be avoided if employers take an active role in implementing risk management systems. There are several benefits to doing a hazard and risk assessment procedure in advance. A risk management system is more cost-effective to install now rather than to wait until an event occurs on-site and then implement risk management measures afterwards. However, this step can introduce several challenges to employers, especially in ensuring that employees understand the methodology so that risk assessments can serve their purpose, which is something that can be solved through frequent training.Other challenges include the effort involved with drafting and communicating the risk assessment, especially in larger operations that span across several workplaces. However, even though the initial effort involved with implementing OHS Risk Assessment procedures are challenging, over time it becomes easier if it is effectively maintained across the entire organisation.

 

Keeping your workplace legally Health and Safety Compliant may seem like a daunting task. At MAKROSAFE, we have an experienced team of OHS experts available to assist in keeping your company Health and Safety Compliant according to South African Health and Safety Acts and Regulations.
The MAKROSAFE Health and Safety Risk Control Package will assist you with your Risk Management Programme.
By signing up with our Health and Safety Risk Control Package, MAKROSAFE will assist you with your Risk Management journey.

 

The fact that health & safety training is required by law makes it more critical. Effective training is essential in ensuring that staff can carry out certain activities, and to assist that the organization adheres to OHS Legislation and actively controls risks. Employees are the most valuable asset of any company, thus preventing Health & Safety events and providing a safe and healthy workplace is the first step in assuring the success of any organisation.

Pros:

• This process and service is available and easily accessible from My Safety Shop.
• Health and Safety training is a legal requirement, and all employers must comply.
• It is the easiest way to educate employees and to keep them informed, allowing them to work safely.
• When employees are trained, they can be legally appointed to carry out specific duties such as supervisory roles.
• Training is one of the pillars that can help to prevent incidents.
• When employers ensure that their employees are trained, it can boost the reputation of the organisation and win them more contracts.
• Because the work environment is safer there will be an increase in overall productivity.
• When employees receive training and information the level of job satisfaction will increase along with overall employee engagement and motivation.
• Training is the best way to increase knowledge and employee skills, which will indirectly increase employee retention.
• Training can assist in creating Health and Safety accountability and culture in the workplace.

Cons:

• The time required to train the entire workforce can often be a challenge.
• There may be a lack of committed staff.
• Training is a legal requirement that must be done yearly and requires detailed planning to ensure that operations are not disrupted.
• Some specialised training that cannot be done in the workplace may require employees to take time away from work.
• Training employees may lead to employees finding other opportunities outside of their current employment.

Pros and Cons reviewed:

The primary goals are to transfer knowledge, generate skill and foster the correct mindset. It also acts as an instruction of how work should be performed.

 

A Health and Safety Consulting Service refers to a specialist who provides advice and direction to businesses and organizations. Their mission is to help companies decrease workplace health and safety concerns and provide best-practice advise for better internal management of processes.Health & Safety Consultants such as MAKROSAFE Practitioners can provide advice and expertise regarding all Health & Safety matters, ensuring that employers can become more compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other relevant legislation.

Pros:

• This process and service is available and easily accessible from My Safety Shop.
• Obtaining the services of a Health and Safety consultant can provide the employer with all the basic OHS components that they need to establish and implement effective OHS Programs.
• When employers use a Health and Safety Consulting services, they can start taking logical and structured actions to ensure that health and safety can be improved.
• By having regular consultations, employers have a way to measure and monitor overall compliance.
• With an OHS Management System, employers have monthly compliance feedback, helping the organisation remain on track towards ensuring compliance.
• The Health & Safety consultations can include monthly site inspections, which further ensures compliance.
• By using a Health and Safety Consultant, employers have the means to implement a OHS Program.
• MAKROSAFE Practitioners are skilled professionals that can be accessed at an affordable fee.
• Regular consulting will enable employers to have access to a Health and Safety Management System.
• When there is an effective OHS Management System and help from a OHS Consultant, employers can focus more on the core business functions.

Cons:

• The initial cost and time resources can be a challenge.
• To ensure that there is effective health and safety management, a dedicated person must be available on site.
• There is significant commitment necessary from senior management to commit effort, time, and resources to establishing an effective Health and Safety Management System, even with the help of a Health and Safety Consultant.
• It requires that the business trust another company and their expertise, potentially with the employer not understanding the details involved.

Pros and Cons reviewed:

Business owners must take responsibility for health and safety. A company that employs a health and safety consulting professional has various advantages, including access to expert advice, guidance, and support. While there are initial challenges when using a consultant and when employing a Health and Safety Management system, the long-term benefits outweigh the challenges.

 

5. Workmen’s Compensation Compliance

In South Africa, employers must be registered with the Workmen’s Compensation in addition to having a valid Letter of Good Standing. Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act is a statutory requirement that protects both the injured employee and the employer. It guarantees benefits to workers and protects employers against claims for on-the-job injuries and occupational disorders. MAKROSAFE in partnership with SafetyWallet not only supports its subscribers but assists them in various processes that could be daunting to some organisations, especially those who have never had to claim before.

Pros:

• This process and service is available and easily accessible from My Safety Shop.
• By being a subscriber with SafetyWallet in partnership with a MAKROSAFE Service Level Agreement, employers will receive assistance with Return of Earnings, all Workmen’s Compensation claims in addition to the registration and administration of claims.
• Employers have assistance with the initial assessment of events and there is the option for a rate reduction.
• Employers can qualify for a COID rebate.
• Being registered with Workmen’s Compensation ensures that employers fulfil their legal requirements.
• If claims must be re-opened, employers will receive the necessary assistance.
• Employers have the necessary assistance with the complex administrative processes as well as any reimbursement from the Compensation Commissioner.
• Old cases can be a valuable source of information and employers receive assistance in auditing these cases for preventative measures on current activities.
• Problem cases can be identified and handled more effectively.
• It can alleviate case management workload that could be intensive on resources such as time and administration.
• There is constant communication with the employee while the claim is being processed.
• There is consistent reporting and feedback to the employer and affected employee.

Cons:

• The incident reporting process must be detailed to ensure that there are no challenges involved with claims, which is a tedious exercise requiring administrative and time resources.
• Annual Returns of Earnings to be paid can be a costly process.

Pros and Cons reviewed:

Workmen’s Compensation and associated claims can be daunting and confusing to employers, especially when they must deal with injuries, illness, or workplace diseases for the first time. However, when using the services of MAKROSAFE in partnership with SafetyWallet, this process is frictionless, and employers have the necessary support and assistance they need.

Return on Investment with Top 5 Health and Safety Services done through a SafetyWallet Subscription

SafetyWallet offers a subscription programme that not only encourages compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act but rewards employers for doing so. When employers subscribe with SafetyWallet to become subsequent members, they can benefit from the various discounted rewards that can be obtained, leading to a higher return on investment. SafetyWallet helps employers create an effective Health and Safety Programme. This helps to drive health and safety compliance across South Africa, resulting in safer industries and workplaces where employees and employers are protected against criminal and civil liability. It also helps to reduce workplace incidents and ensures that employees can return home safely. SafetyWallet is in partnership with MAKROSAFE and OHS Online to provide a health and safety programme, of which the Top 5 Health and Safety Services forms a part, helping employers become compliant and improving their ROI and bottom line overall.For your Top 5 Health and Safety Services and more, click on the picture below and browse: