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 doesn't give the workforce carte blanche to be irresponsible. Everyone
has a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who
may be affected by their actions at work. Workers are also expected to
co-operate with their employers and co-workers to help everyone meet their
legal requirements.
A problem shared...
Having overall responsibility for health and safety can be
stressful and make you feel vulnerable as an employer. But you are not alone.
At
TIM SHERQ CONSULTANCY we have a wealth of resources to help you keep
your people safe and healthy, and focus on running a successful business rather
than staying out of trouble. We can help you find the right training courses,
commission expert risk assessments, create an effective health and safety
policy, deal with inspections and much more. Contact us at any time.
Email: Info@timsherq.co.za
Or
Call: +27 61 343
3427
Posted on Jan 21, 2020
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