Contractors and Suppliers

Ensuring Safety for All: Contractor and Supplier Management in Hospitality and Professional Services

The hospitality and professional services industries thrive on exceptional service and expertise. However, creating a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved extends beyond your core team. Contractors and suppliers who work on-site play a crucial role in maintaining a safe workspace. This article explores the legal obligations concerning contractors and suppliers in these industries, the importance of collaboration, and how partnering with MAKROSAFE, an authorised dealership of SafetyWallet, can empower you to build a robust safety culture.

 

The Legal Landscape: Protecting Everyone Under the OHS Act

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) 85 of 1993 is the cornerstone of workplace safety regulations in South Africa. This act places a legal responsibility on employers to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone on their premises.  This obligation extends to contractors and suppliers, often referred to as "mandatories" under the Act. Their actions directly impact the overall safety of your worksite.  Section 37 of the Act holds employers liable for unlawful acts or omissions of mandatories, unless a written agreement outlining compliance procedures is in place.

This underscores the importance of establishing clear guidelines and expectations for contractors and suppliers. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and even criminal liability for employers.

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Building a Collaborative Safety Culture

Creating a strong safety culture requires a collaborative approach. MAKROSAFE champions partnerships between hospitality and professional services businesses, contractors, and suppliers. By working together, all parties can understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe work environment.

MAKROSAFE offers valuable support in:

  • Developing Clear Agreements: Crafting clear, written agreements with contractors and suppliers establishes shared expectations regarding safety protocols and compliance procedures. This ensures everyone is on the same page and understands their legal obligations.
  • Communication and Training: Fostering open communication channels between businesses, contractors, and suppliers allows for information sharing and joint problem-solving regarding safety concerns. MAKROSAFE can facilitate health and safety courses to ensure contractors and suppliers possess the necessary knowledge and skills to work safely within your specific environment.
  • Permitting for High-Risk Work
  • The OHSA mandates permits for specific high-risk work activities on your premises.  This includes tasks like electrical work, confined space entry, working at elevations, or handling hazardous materials. MAKROSAFE can assist you in navigating these permit requirements, ensuring contractors and suppliers possess the necessary documentation to operate safely and legally.

If you have any questions, please feel free to speak to one of our Experts

The Benefits of a Proactive Approach

Partnering with MAKROSAFE offers several advantages:

Reduced Risk of Accidents: By prioritising safety throughout the entire supply chain, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents involving contractors and suppliers.

Improved Compliance: MAKROSAFE's expertise can help ensure you comply with all relevant OHSA regulations concerning contractor and supplier management.

Enhanced Brand Reputation: A strong commitment to safety enhances your company's reputation among clients, partners, and the community.

Peace of Mind: Knowing you have taken proactive steps to mitigate risks associated with contractors and suppliers provides peace of mind and allows you to focus on core business operations.

 

MAKROSAFE: Your Partner in Building a Safer Future

MAKROSAFE, as an authorised dealership of SafetyWallet, is your one-stop shop for managing contractors and suppliers effectively within the hospitality and professional services industries. Their extensive experience and expertise allow them to provide tailored solutions that address the unique challenges you face.

Here's how MAKROSAFE can assist you:

Complimentary Consultation: Schedule a free consultation to assess your current contractor and supplier management practices. MAKROSAFE can then develop a customised program to address any gaps and elevate your safety standards.

Customised Safety Solutions: MAKROSAFE can assist in developing clear agreements, facilitating communication and training, and ensuring permitting compliance for high-risk work.

Ongoing Support: MAKROSAFE offers ongoing support to ensure you stay up-to-date on the latest OHSA regulations and best practices for managing contractors and suppliers.

 

Building a Culture of Shared Responsibility

By partnering with MAKROSAFE and SafetyWallet, businesses gain a distinct advantage in managing contractors and suppliers effectively:

Collaborative Approach: Foster a culture of shared responsibility where all parties understand their roles in maintaining a safe work environment.

Proactive Risk Management: Shift from a reactive approach to incidents toward proactive risk identification and mitigation through clear agreements, communication, and training programs.

Streamlined Compliance: SafetyWallet's software can facilitate recordkeeping of contractor permits, health and safety training certifications, and incident reports, ensuring seamless compliance with OHSA regulations.

Continuous Improvement: Regular reviews and analysis of contractor and supplier safety performance allows for ongoing improvement and adaptation of safety protocols.

Investing in a well-structured contractor and supplier management program demonstrates a commitment to the safety of all individuals on your premises.  Partnering with MAKROSAFE and SafetyWallet empowers you to create a safer work environment, reduce risks, and comply with legal obligations.

Any questions? Speak to one of our Experts

The safety of your core team extends to contractors and suppliers who work on-site.  The OHSA mandates employers to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved. Partnering with a reputable health and safety service provider like MAKROSAFE, combined with the innovative solutions offered by SafetyWallet, empowers you to fulfil these legal obligations and create a collaborative safety culture. This strategic investment protects your workforce, fosters positive working relationships with contractors and suppliers, and contributes to the long-term success of your business.

Embrace a culture of safety today. Contact MAKROSAFE to learn more about their contractor and supplier management services and how partnering with SafetyWallet can elevate your overall safety program.

Unlock a Safer Educational Realm with SafetyWallet Benefits

Let's empower your workforce to work safely, every day! Unlock a Safer Educational Realm with SafetyWallet Benefits.

As a subscriber of SafetyWallet, you're entitled to a 25% discount on our health and safety courses. The value of safety cannot be overstated, and we're committed to supporting institutions in fostering a secure environment. Take advantage of your SafetyWallet subscription and enhance safety standards within your institution. Our courses are also available for purchase on My Safety Shop, ensuring easy access to the training you need.

MAKROSAFE, as a proud SafetyWallet Authorised Dealership of SafetyWallet, offers a free consultation to assess your current training needs and develop a customised training plan. Contact us today and let's build a brighter, safer future for the South African Hospitality and Professional Services Industry, together. Click on the image below to find a SafetyWallet Solution that suits your business (Branch/Site specific) and get the 21 benefits that includes FREE Health and Safety E-Learning for all staff along with the subscription:

SafetyWallet

To find out what other Additional Services we offer, please click on the picture below:

My Safety Shop

SAFETYWALLET In Co-operation with MAKROSAFE and MY SAFETY SHOP