As 2025 draws to a close, safety professionals and business leaders are already turning their attention to the year ahead. The foundation of any effective safety management system lies in strategic planning, clear communication, and consistent employee engagement. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993), employers are legally required to ensure […]
In the field of occupational health and safety, much attention is given to physical hazards such as machinery, chemicals, heights, slips, trips and falls. Yet, one of the most insidious threats to worker health and organisational performance is often overlooked: stress and fatigue. These psychosocial hazards silently undermine concentration, judgment, and productivity, and they are […]
Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. While it is often viewed as a “women’s disease,” it is important to understand that men can also develop breast cancer. Although the percentage of cases among men is small roughly 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses, the risk is real, […]
Accidents and medical emergencies can happen at any time, whether at work, at home or in a public place, regardless of how safe the environment may appear. For employers, ensuring that employees are trained in first aid is not just a best practice but a legal obligation in South Africa under the Occupational Health and […]
Understanding unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, near misses and accidents In occupational health and safety (OHS), words matter. The difference between terms such as unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, near misses, and accidents is more than just semantic; it directly influences how safety is managed in the workplace. When everyone shares a common understanding of these concepts, […]
Creating and maintaining a safe workplace is not only a legal requirement but also a moral responsibility for every employer. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHS Act), clearly outlines the role of health and safety representatives and committees in ensuring that workplace risks are identified, addressed, and prevented. This newsletter explores […]
Every employer, regardless of business size, has a legal responsibility to ensure that the workplace is safe and without risks to health. This is not just a moral obligation – it is a requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993 (OHSA). Section 8(1) of the OHSA states that every employer […]
Accidents in factories, small businesses, and schools often happen not because safety rules don’t exist, but because they were not clearly communicated or understood by those who needed them most. Communication is a vital part of health and safety management, it ensures that everyone knows the hazards, the rules, and the steps to take when […]
Slips, trips and falls are among the most common and often overlooked workplace hazards, yet they can result in serious injuries, lost time, or even fatalities. In South Africa, slips, trips, and falls have been reported across various industries as a leading cause of lost workday injuries, often resulting from wet or uneven floors compounded […]
Ensuring the health and safety of employees in the workplace is not only a moral obligation it is a legal requirement entrenched in South African occupational health and safety legislation. As the working environment continues to evolve with changing technologies, regulations, and risks, employers must take proactive steps to protect the well-being of their workforce. […]
