TIM SHERQ CONSULTANCY

Who is responsible for H&S in workplace? If you run or manage any kind of business or organisation you already know it, the health and safety buck stops with the boss. Under South African law there's no doubt. It's every employer’s responsibility to protect the health and safety of their employees, and of anyone else who might be affected by the business, including customers, visitors and passers-by. Practicality, not perfection The (slightly) good news is that the law has a sense of proportion and recognises the impossibility of 100% protection. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993), employers have a legal duty "to where reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a safe, healthy work environment that is without risk to employees".  It's about common sense measures, not wrapping everyone in cotton wool. Employees have responsibilities too The fact that employers are mainly responsible for health and safety does...

Workplace Safety Everyone deserves a safe working environment, which is why health and safety procedures are an integral part of any business. These procedures ensure that day to day life at work runs smoothly for employees whether the workplace is in an office or on a building site. So, all work places must provide eight health and safety essentials. Risk Assessments By law, all businesses must conduct risk assessments where there are potential hazards within the workplace. All hazards must be identified with a plan of action starting with the most important risks first. Often, risk assessments can lead to the improvement of a business through finding long-term solutions to issues that pose the most risk to staff health, such as preventing falls or slips. Sufficient Lighting While it may seem obvious, good lighting at workstations and around the work building or work site is essential for employee safety. Suitable forms of lighting must be used for different manual tasks wh...