Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your employees and of others that have access to your workplace should always be a priority in any business setting, but even more so in a small business where every employee plays a vital role. In South Africa, this crucial aspect of the business is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993. This legislation ensures that all workers are granted a safe, secure, and healthy working environment. The question is, as a small business owner, are you up to date with the OHS policies and procedures that your company needs to follow?
Understanding The Basics
The South African OHS Act places an obligation on employers to ensure that their work environments are safe and without risk to the health of their employees and of others. This applies to businesses of all sizes, from large corporations to the smallest of enterprises. The Act provides guidelines on health and safety management, the responsibilities of employers and employees, and procedures to be followed in case of an incident or occupational illness or disease.
Keeping Up To Date
As with any legislation, changes and updates can and do occur, and the OHS Act is no exception. In recent years, there have been several important amendments and additions to the OHS Act’s regulations, which include more stringent health and safety requirements, heightened enforcement and penalties, and expanded coverage for mental health considerations.
One such update was the inclusion of regulations concerning Hazardous Biological Agents in 2022. These regulations are designed to protect employees who work in environments where they might be exposed to harmful biological agents, such as healthcare workers.
Staying abreast of these updates is not only critical for the wellbeing of your employees, but it also protects your business from potential penalties, reputational damage, and even legal action.
How SafetyCloud Can Help
Understanding the intricacies of OHS legislation can be challenging, especially for small businesses that may not have a dedicated health and safety team. That’s where SafetyCloud steps in.
SafetyCloud is a leading South African health and safety services provider that provides comprehensive training, consulting, and manpower assistance for businesses. Our up-to-date courses cover all aspects of the OHS Act and its regulations, tailored to the specific needs of businesses in South Africa.
SafetyCloud offers an array of courses designed to help you and your staff understand, implement, and comply with the aspects of the OHS Act. Our training is constantly updated by experts, keeping you informed about any changes or updates to the OHS Act and ensuring your business remains compliant at all times.
A Worthwhile Investment
Ensuring compliance with OHS policies and procedures may seem like a daunting task, especially for small businesses with limited resources. However, creating a safe and healthy working environment is a worthwhile investment. It not only fulfils your legal obligation as an employer but also increases employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall business performance.
Keeping up to date with the OHS Act and its accompanying regulations is not only a legal requirement but a commitment to your employees’ health, safety, and overall wellbeing. Let SafetyCloud be your partner in this journey, ensuring you stay informed, compliant, and ready to provide a safe and healthy working environment for your valued staff.