Occupational Hygiene Laws and Regulations in South Africa – Compliance is Key
It is unfortunate that so many companies in South Africa have a slack approach to the laws and regulations set out by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The sheer amount of lives lost, injuries sustained and illnesses contracted in the workplace in South Africa is an indication of how many companies simply ignore or overlook the compulsory requirements of the act.
The occupational hygiene standards and legislation in our country are actually world class. That’s not where the country fails in terms of occupational health and hygiene. Where companies fail is their lack of dedication to implementing systems that ensure sound occupational hygiene systems, procedures and protection for both staff members and the business. While legislation is often ignored, many companies have been exposed for the lack of compliance and it is hoped that these companies will serve as an example to others who continue to operate with lack of regard for the safety and health of their workforce.
Occupational hygiene is not just about keeping your workforce alive. It’s also about ensuring a better quality of life and providing the type of working environment where staff members feel safe and are healthy. Companies that have implemented occupational hygiene services to ensure this have benefitted greatly from employee loyalty, increased productivity and savings, as the company experiences less absenteeism, fewer hours of downtime and no need to spend excess funds on training and development due to a high turnover of staff. Overall, occupational hygiene services can save your business a great deal. While ensuring a healthier and dedicated workforce, companies implementing occupational hygiene services will also be fulfilling their legal obligations. If you aren’t compliant with occupational hygiene and safety standards, now is the time to look into it!
As a business looking to take the steps towards an occupational hygiene compliant workplace, there are a few things that you can do. And it is highly recommended that you work with a professional OH team when doing these things. Here they are:
• Carry out regular medical examinations on employees and monitor their wellness. Any changes in health must be documented and attended to immediately. This is particularly important in working environment where potential risk of illness exists.
• Identify hazards in the workplace and make sure that systems are set in place to minimise all risks.
• Ensure that all workers are trained and educated on the potential risks and hazards in the workplace. Make sure that all systems, procedures and safety mechanisms are well advertised and that all employees are aware of them.
• Make sure that employees have access to all methods of protecting themselves against potential danger. This can range from healthcare to ensuring that you have the right amount of safety gear.
At IOH Solutions, we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive occupational hygiene services and solutions that address the specific risks and hazards in your business. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to your occupational hygiene problems and as such, we will gladly customise a solution for you. Take the time to contact us via email or telephone to learn more about our services at IOH Solutions.