In many workplaces, health and safety is approached with the mindset of being “good enough.” Policies are in place, files appear complete, and mandatory training has been conducted, at least on record. From the outside, the organisation looks compliant. However, “good enough” safety often reflects minimum legal compliance rather than effective risk management. While compliance […]
Workplace safety is often discussed in terms of policies, procedures, equipment, and compliance documentation. While these elements are essential and form the backbone of any occupational health and safety management system, incidents and near misses seldom occur because a policy was missing or a procedure was poorly written. Most incidents occur because of human behaviour […]
As organisations enter a new operational year, January provides an ideal opportunity to reset, review, and strengthen Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) compliance. Proactive planning at the start of 2026 not only supports legal compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHSA), but also reinforces a culture of safety, accountability, and […]
The festive season is a time of celebration, travel, family gatherings, and well-deserved rest. However, it also brings a variety of increased risks both inside the home and on the road. With more people cooking, entertaining, decorating, and travelling, the likelihood of accidents such as burns, fires, falls, food poisoning, and motor vehicle collisions rises […]
As the year winds down, many South Africans experience rising levels of fatigue, stress, and emotional strain. Deadlines, budgeting pressures, school holidays, and family responsibilities combine to create a demanding and often overwhelming season. While these issues may feel personal, within a workplace they present significant occupational health and safety concerns. In terms of Section […]
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, […]
