Occupational Health and Safety Compliance is a standard of meeting all the required legal standards stipulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993. The legal standards stipulated are meant to safe-guard and protect employees in the workplace from any hazards, risks, incidents or fatalities. It also stipulates the safe use of machinery and equipment to prevent injury.
The Act also protects co-workers, family members, employers, customers or any person that might be affected by your workplace environment.
What is the importance of Occupational Health and Safety Compliance?
It is a legal requirement that all workplaces become compliant with the requirements of the OHSA. Failure to meet such standards is punishable by law and may result in loss of productivity, lawsuit court cases or loss of lives.
Who is required to ensure premises meet the Occupational Health and Safety Compliance standards?
All employers or owners of companies have a legal duty of ensuring the health and safety of all their employees in their workplace. Therefore, employers have the duty to ensure that their workplaces are compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements.
How can it be determined if they meet the Occupational Health and Safety Compliance standards?
Determining if a premise meets the Occupational Health and Safety Compliance standards is only achieved through conducting an audit. These audits must be conducted by health and safety professionals/ auditors who have the skills and the knowledge of the Act. They will inspect and determine if your workplace is compliant by conducting a risk assessment.
What happens afterward?
If they come across any hazards or risks, they will immediately point them out to companies and suggest the possible control measures to be implemented. They will conduct a review at a later stage to see if corrective measures have been successfully implemented and are effective. If they do not come across any hazard or safety risk, these professionals can safely declare your workplace as health and safety compliant.
You premises can then be issued with a Health and Safety Compliance Certificate. Health and Safety Legal Compliance Certificate can be used for ISO 9000 series Certification as well as various Manufacturers requirements for Approvals Certificates.
What is the risk of being non-compliant?
Being non-compliant to the Occupational Health and Safety Act regulations may result in the following:
- Legal action
- Fines
- Penalties
- Jail time
- Loss of productivity
- Loss of lives
- Compensatory damages
- Lost goodwill from employees and clients
While many may think the Department of Labour is very strict when it comes down heavily upon non-compliant employers, Occupational Health and Safety Compliance comes with more benefits for employers.
If a workplace is free of hazards or risks, it guarantees that work in conducted in a safe manner hence; increased profits and less losses and wasted time. In addition, employers who work in secure and healthy workplace are more productive, focused and feel secure to perform their duties par excellence.
MAKROSAFE specializes in conducting Occupational Health and Safety Compliance audits for workplaces. Their team of experienced Auditors perform comprehensive Risk Assessments and MAKROSAFE issues Health and Safety Legal Compliance Certificates for compliant workplaces. Call them today and schedule for an audit for your premises.
Comments (8)
please advise me of how to get an ohs on my privately renting building for accommodation
2020-08-12 19:23:22May you please help me with OHS comlpiance for accommodation rooms for private renting
2020-08-12 19:27:24May you please help me with OHS comlpiance for accommodation rooms for private renting
2020-08-12 19:27:24I am looking for the regulations which state frequency of Fire evacuation per year.
2017-06-29 08:55:19OHSAS18001
2017-08-14 12:31:56If i run a cleaning service company without any office premises, then does that mean the inspection will be done at the client's premises where the work is done?
2019-09-09 10:05:40I'm running a construction company and my company to follow proper health and safety procudures
2016-07-06 14:28:33Please help me to know how appointee is picked as chair of OHS committee
2024-01-28 14:39:42Good Morning I trust you re doing well. You asked the following question. Please help me to know how appointee is picked as chair of OHS committee Here are two common practices: 1. Election by Committee Members: The committee members themselves might elect their chairperson during a meeting. This democratic approach allows members to choose someone they trust and believe has the necessary leadership skills for the role. 2. Appointment by Employer: The employer might appoint the chairperson directly. This could be based on specific criteria they deem important, such as experience, qualifications, or leadership qualities. It's worth noting that some regulations might restrict the employer's influence on the committee to ensure its independence. Additional Considerations: Best practices: While not explicitly mentioned, organisations often favour transparency and fairness in committee operations. This could suggest involving committee members in the selection process, even if the final decision rests with the employer. I hope this helps in answering your question. Sincerely, Johann Slabbert
2024-01-29 08:10:59Good Day we are a small company with 4 employee's and we need to be OHS compliant for a RFP that we are currently bidding for - what can we do in order to be compliant?
2021-11-29 12:25:00