What every worker should know about Health and Safety at work.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993, requires the employer to bring about and maintain, as far as reasonably practicable, a work environment that is safe and without risk to the health of the workers. This means that the employer must ensure that the workplace is free of hazardous substances, such as benzene, chlorine and micro organisms, articles, equipment, processes, etc. that may cause injury, damage or disease. Where this is not possible, the employer must inform workers of these dangers, how they may be prevented, and how to work safely, and provide other protective measures for a safe workplace.

However, it is not expected of the employer to take sole responsibility for health and safety. The Act is based on the principle that dangers in the workplace must be addressed by communication and cooperation between the workers and the employer. The workers and the employer must share the responsibility for health and safety in the workplace. Both parties must pro-actively identify dangers and develop control measures to make the workplace safe.

This guide was written in the interest of the health and safety of workers in South Africa. It is intended to explain the Act in simple terms to all the role players in the South African occupational health and safety field.

Download guide here.

Resources: Department of Labour
External Link: https://www.labourguide.co.za/health-and-safety/739-what-every-worker-and-employer-should-know-about