Essential guide to SHE compliance
Health, safety and environment (SHE) compliance safeguards employees’ well-being and prevents workplace-related health issues, injuries and accidents. Beyond meeting legal requirements, it encourages a culture of safety, environmental responsibility and sustainability.
This blog outlines key aspects of SHE compliance, offering practical insights for businesses committed to protecting their workforce, preserving the environment and sustaining their operations.
Compliance processes
SHE compliance is the foundation of a company’s safety and environmental practices, making it essential for smooth business operations.
It helps companies adhere to internal rules and legal requirements, with clear guidelines that, if broken, can lead to serious consequences like fines or even jail time.
A robust SHE compliance process includes several key elements:
- Regular audits: Conducting frequent audits to assess compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies
- Risk assessments: Identifying and evaluating potential workplace hazards
- Employee training: Ensuring all employees understand safety protocols and environmental responsibilities
Implementing these processes requires commitment from all levels of an organisation, with clear procedures for risk management, safety inspections and environmental impact assessments. Continuous monitoring allows businesses to adapt to new regulations, technological advancements or changes in the workplace.
Environmental responsibility
Environmental responsibility is a key part of SHE compliance. Businesses are ethically and legally required to minimise their environmental impact.
In South Africa, these obligations are outlined by the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
NEMA and related acts set specific requirements for:
- Waste management (The National Environmental Management: Waste Act): Implementing effective waste reduction, recycling and disposal strategies
- Pollution control (The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act): Minimising emissions, discharges and other forms of pollution that could harm the environment
- Water protection (The National Water Act): Conserving water resources and preventing pollution of water bodies
Compliance safety
Compliance safety involves adhering to safety regulations designed to protect workers from occupational hazards. It goes beyond meeting legal requirements to create a culture where every employee feels protected and valued.
Effective safety compliance involves the implementation of key protocols, such as:
- Making the Occupational Health and Safety Act accessible to all employees
- Ensuring all employees have access to and are trained in the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment to reduce physical harm
- Maintaining machinery to ensure it’s in safe working condition
- Establishing clear procedures for responding to emergencies, including fire drills and evacuation plans
- Conducting regular safety training, audits and inspections
- Appointing health and safety officers
- Keeping employees updated with the latest health and safety rules and regulations
Incident prevention
A proactive approach to incident prevention is vital to maintaining SHE compliance. By identifying and addressing potential risks, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Risk management is at the heart of incident prevention. Businesses should conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement control measures to reduce these risks. This proactive approach not only prevents incidents, but also enhances overall safety and compliance.
Compliance sustainability
SHE compliance is closely linked to sustainability. By maintaining high standards of compliance, businesses contribute to the long-term viability of their operations, the environment and society.
Businesses can integrate sustainability into their SHE compliance efforts by adopting practices such as:
- Reducing carbon emissions: Implementing measures to minimise greenhouse gas emissions
- Conserving resources: Promoting the efficient use of resources, such as water and energy, to reduce environmental impact
- Employee well-being: Encouraging a healthy work environment that supports the well-being and productivity of employees
Discover how SafetyCloud can enhance your workplace SHE compliance with our comprehensive occupational health, safety and environmental training, consulting and auditing services. For more information, contact us at +27 87 330 3790 or email us at info@safetycloud.co.za