Occupational Health and Safety Certification
Occupational Health and Safety Certification confirms your commitment to Health and Safety Compliance. There are various aspects of the workplace that are required by law to meet health and safety compliance standards. Occupational Health and Safety Certification refers to the confirmation or approval of the health and safety characteristics of a workplace.There are various areas of the workplace that require Occupational Health and Safety Certification. All aspects are noted in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations 85 of 1993. Certification is achieved after a workplace, or aspect of a workplace, has been subjected to scrutiny and it is determined that it meets the required health and safety standards.
Below are a few examples of aspects that are up for Occupational Health and Safety Certification:
1) Health and safety compliance certification for work places
Workplace must be in possession of a valid Health and Safety Compliance Certificate which is enforced by the Department of Labour. This certificate is issued to approve that a workplace meets all standards to operate as it is free of health and safety hazards that may compromise the welfare of employees. In short; it certifies that the workplace poses no threat to the life and well-being of employees.
2) Machinery operator certification
According to Driven Machinery Regulations, operators without a valid certificate shall not operate any machinery or equipment in the working or operating environment. Machinery operators must undergo training which entails both theory and practical. If they successfully pass, they will be issued with a certificate of competence. Machinery operators must undergo re-certification training if their certificates expire.
3) Health and safety representatives' certification
Health and safety representatives in the workplace should be designated, in writing, by the employer as soon as the number of employees in the workplace exceeds 20. However, the representatives must be sent for training so as to enable them to perform his duties effectively. After the completion of training a certificate of competence must be issued.
4) First aid certification
Workplaces that have a workforce that exceeds 50 should at least have one First Aider who is trained and holds a valid first-aid certificate of competence. The certificate should be issued by an organisation approved by the chief inspector. Examples include, the SA Red Cross Society, St John's ambulance or the SA First Aid league.
5) Fire fighting certification
Where Fire Fighters are required in the workplace by law, they must be in possession of certificates of competence as proof that they underwent training.
6) Machinery certification
Machinery must be certified to determine if it is compliant with standards. These standards are stipulated in section 10 of the OHS Act.
There are various methods that are used to determine if health and safety compliance is met. This will, ultimately, lead to Occupational Health and Safety Certification.
For a workplace to be certified, the following have to be conducted;
1. Health and safety audit.
An audit will determine if all aspects of the workplace meet health and safety compliance standards stated in the Act. If the audit results are satisfactory, a workplace can get Occupational Health and Safety Certification.
2. Health and Safety Risk assessment.
A risk assessment will be aimed at identifying risks and controlling them, if they are found. If effectively controlled, a workplace will then be certified.
3. Heath and Safety Training.
Training is an important aspect which leads to Occupational Health and Safety Certification for various employees.
MAKROSAFE has a proven track record, and is currently services more than 700 companies in being compliant to the health and safety act with the following services:
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