Reporting Incidents
Before the end of a shift (or as soon as possible afterwards), workers must report to their employer, a health and safety representative or an inspector, incidents in which -
- people are killed, injured, or become ill,
- dangerous substances are released, or
- machinery fails or runs out of control.
Based on Legislation in Section 14, of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Site of Incidents
No one may disturb the site of an injury or death.
This does not apply to -
- public road traffic accidents;
- household incidents (unless reported to the SAPS); or
- aviation accidents.
Based on Legislation in Section 24, of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Employer�s Duties
All employers must �
- provide and maintain a safe, healthy working environment;
- ensure workers� health and safety by providing
- information,
- instructions,
- training, and
- supervision;
- inform health and safety representatives of -
- incidents,
- inspections,
- investigations, and
- inquiries.
Self-employed people must ensure that they, their workers, or others are not exposed to health or safety risks.
Reporting Incidents
Employers must report to an inspector incidents in which -
- people are killed, injured, or become ill,
- dangerous substances are released, or
- machinery fails or runs out of control.
Site of Incidents
No one may disturb the site of an injury or death.
This does not apply to -
- public road traffic accidents;
- household incidents, unless reported to the SA Police Service; and aviation accidents.
When to Appoint Representatives
Employers who employ 20 or more workers must appoint health and safety representatives.
Based on Legislation in Section 17, of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
How Many to Appoint
Shops and offices must have at least 1 representative for every 100 workers or part thereof.
All other workplaces must have at least 1 representative for every 50 workers or part thereof.
However, an inspector may order an employer to appoint more.
Based on Legislation in Section 17, of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Who to Appoint
Representatives must be full-time workers who are familiar with the workplace.
Based on Legislation in Section 17, of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Training
Representatives must be trained during working hours.
Based on Legislation in Section 17, of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Duties
Representatives -
- monitor, investigate and report on health and safety matters;
- accompany inspectors during inspections; and
- attend health and safety committee meetings.
Based on Legislation in Section 18, of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
When to Form a Committee
1 or more health and safety committees must be formed when �
- employers have appointed 2 or more health and safety representatives; or
- inspectors instruct employers to do so.
Based on Legislation in Section 19, of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Employer�s Duties
Employers �
- decide on the number of health and safety committee members;
- appoint committee members;
- attend every committee meeting; and
- ensure that committees meet at least once every 3 months.
Based on Legislation in Section 19, of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Committee�s Duties
Health and safety committees -
- make and keep records of recommendations to employers and inspectors; and
- discuss, report and keep records of incidents in which someone is killed, injured, or becomes ill.
Based on Legislation in Section 20, of the Occupational Health and Safety Act