Health and safety at work is paramount

Health and safety at work is becoming increasingly something that can no longer be ignored. As I wrote earlier this week, the inquiry into the Tongaat Mall collapse will result in legislation being reviewed. It is likely that updates will be introduced later this year. Not only will this emphasize the need for health and safety at work; it will also highlight the need for health and safety consultants to ensure compliance.

Health and safety at work was, for a long time, considered as secondary to 'productivity'. Targets had to be met, irrespective of the condition or situation in which this had to be achieved. That all changed when the new South African government introduced the OSHA, better known as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, in 1994.

Health and safety at work encompasses more than just a clean and safe working environment at face value. The generation workers of today, known as generationy, demands much more than a clean desk and the presence of a first-aid kit. Meeting their needs, combined with the obligations drafted in the Act, requires thorough and continuous investigation. A Risk Assessment, implementation of control measures and evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures is a never-ending loop. It also requires extensive knowledge of the Act, as well as the latest developments and technologies.

OHS Act in for a shake-up – Health and safety at work?

Health and safety consultants will have a field day once the recommendations of the Tongaat Mall collapse will be made public. The construction industry in South Africa has the highest number of incidents reported annually. Without a doubt, the Department of Labour will go to great length to have this changed. Recommendations made following the Tongaat Mall crash will be scrutinized and debate will be started to achieve health and safety compliance in the construction industry too. It is common knowledge that the government is about to pass legislation that will enable to impose heftier fines on companies that fail to adhere to the law. Employers are advised to have a health and safety consultant conducting an audit to determine whether their working place is compliant. That will be the easiest way to establish a health and safety benchmark which can be used to improve the health and safety at work.

The presence of a health and safety management system will certainly be considered as an advantage. These systems help health and safety officers and managers to capture all relevant events. Knowledge captured in such system will help management to determine the possible danger levels and to consider interventions. The knowledge will also help identifying a trend and to become proactive to ensure health and safety at work.

It is inevitable that people have to work. That doesn't mean that the working environment shouldn't be conducive or contribute to health and safety at work. On the contrary; the level of health and safety at work will certainly contribute to a much better and safer society.

Are you interested to find out how? Contact MAKROSAFE today to discuss the possibility of having your workplace audited in terms of health and safety or to receive some guidelines and advise to establish some interventions.