The OHSA (Occupational Health & Safety Act) serves to give workers rights (and responsibilities) when it comes to both safety and health in the workplace. The act also calls for organisations establish safety committees, and create safety mechanisms and practices to ensure occupational health and hygiene in the workplace.
While all companies are expected to comply, South Africa is still plagued with occupational health and hygiene risks. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest risks still affecting occupational health and hygiene in South Africa:
- Lack of or the supply of inadequate protective equipment and gear
Protective equipment is required in many industries, including mining, construction, and chemical manufacturing. Safety items can range from ear plugs for noisy environments, to overalls or steel-capped boots in heavy manufacturing environments. Employees must also be educated on how to effectively use such equipment and gear. Unfortunately, many companies still overlook this, and employees are often too scared to confront management on the issue for fear of losing their jobs or causing upset.
- Poor basic hygiene facilities
In many work environments, employees are not provided with basic sanitary and hygiene products, and are not encouraged to be aware of hygiene. For instance, toilets might not have toilet paper or hand soap. Some bathrooms and kitchens might not have running water. It is important for business owners to encourage staff members to wash their hands after bathroom breaks and also stay home if they are ill, so that they don’t contaminate others or their food.
- Lack of sufficient ventilation
In many industries, the business premises are not ideal for the type of ventilation required. In dusty environments or workplaces where chemicals are worked with, proper ventilation is a necessity. Lack of ventilation can lead to respiratory illnesses, sinusitis, asthma, and even exposure to mould.
- Poor lighting
In many business environments, the aim to cut back on costs can lead to poor lighting. If natural light is not enough, the work environment must provide proper lighting. Poor lighting can lead to eye-sight deterioration and can also cause staff members to have accidents or make mistakes.
What Can Be Done to Improve on Occupational Health & Hygiene in SA
To improve on occupational health and hygiene in South Africa, all organisations have to realise that they play an important role in the process. Potential risks must be identified and safety mechanisms must be implemented to safeguard the employee as well as the business. Staff members must be educated and trained on how to be aware of dangers and risks, and what their responsibility are to protect themselves and others in the workplace.
If you would like to ensure that your business premises are compliant with all the regulations and that you don’t expose your workforce to the above risks, take the time to get in touch with IOH Solutions. We can create an occupational health and hygiene solution that specifically caters to your business. Give us a call or send us an email for more information today.