This comprehensive program is designed for supervisors, managers, and safety professionals who must establish and maintain a legally compliant OHS system. The training moves through the entire structure of the Act, ensuring participants understand its power and the serious consequences of non-compliance.

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Major Topics Covered

 

• Structure and Scope of the Act

  • The Purpose and Objectives of the OHS Act 85 of 1993.

  • Understanding the scope of application and key Definitions (e.g., "employer," "employee," "workplace").

  • Overview of the Regulations that fall under the Act.

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• General Duties and Liabilities

  • Section 8: General Duties of Employers to ensure a safe working environment and to protect persons other than employees.

  • Section 14: General Duties of Employees (co-operating with the employer, reporting hazards, not interfering with safety measures).

  • Understanding Legal Liability (e.g., penalties and imprisonment for non-compliance).

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• The Enforcement Structure

  • The Role and Powers of the Department of Labour (DoL) Inspectors (right to enter, question, seize, and issue compliance notices).

  • Procedures for Serious Incident Reporting (Section 24).

  • The process of Formal Inquiries into incidents.

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• Worker Participation and Consultation

  • The Selection, Functions, and Powers of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) (Section 17-20).

  • The Establishment and Functions of the Health and Safety Committee (HSC).

  • Section 13: Duty to Inform (training and information obligations).

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• Key Administrative Requirements

  • The Appointment of Competent Persons (Section 16, 17(1)).

  • Requirements for Risk Assessment and control measures.

  • Provisions for Medical Fitness and Intoxication (General Safety Regulations).

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By the end of this course, learners will possess the authority and knowledge to interpret the OHS Act, manage OHS appointments, oversee effective worker participation, and ensure the organization's legal compliance, thereby establishing a legally sound framework for safety management.