Inside this issue...

-    But are we conducting superior workplace inspections?
-    Nip this bad habit in the bud now…
-    We’ve launched the OHSA legal compliance auditors’ course!

Dear Reader,

Health and safety representative inspections or workplace inspections fulfill almost the same function as a mini or 3-minute risk assessment: you PRO-ACTIVELY identify possible hazards and risks in the working environment and give your employees the opportunity to act timely before an actual incident occurs.

But are we conducting superior workplace inspections?

Although we know the benefits of conducting proper workplace inspections (the name for the old health and safety representative inspections), are we doing them to continually identify opportunities for improvement or are we merely following our window-dressing process of complying with legislation but not really getting any results?

I’m sorry to say that the latter often seems to be the case.

Nip this bad habit in the bud now…

…by using these tips to conduct quality workplace inspections:

1. Ensure you’ve trained your health and safety reps immediately after appointing them, and before they begin their appointment period (i.e. have an overlap between the current and the new representative)
2. Customise the inspection document for the specific area and make it user-friendly, but effective
3. Spend more time on “how to complete the inspection document effectively and correctly”
4. Allocate adequate and dedicated time when the rep needs to do the inspection
5. As a manager accompany the reps on two or more inspections, and at regular intervals show support and highlight neglected areas or areas of oversight
6. Don’t only bring the results of the inspections to the meetings, but make them part of toolbox/safety/green area talks
7. Emphasise approach and question techniques to assist the rep with engaging fellow employees during the inspection
8. Ensure the relevant senior manager reviews and signs off the inspection document
9. Communicate (at a level the health and safety representatives understand) the feedback on issues of concern you’ve identified in the inspection document, e.g. why no immediate action’s been taken on an existing problem. Ask if it’s the cost, or something else
10. Bring excitement in during the 1 – 24 month period of appointment and inspection, e.g. hold workshops to improve knowledge and skill, run competitions, etc.

In the name of safety,

Christel Fouché
Editor-in-Chief: Health and Safety Advisor

PS: We’ve launched the OHSA legal compliance auditors’ course!

The first of its kind in South Africa, this five-day course aims to equip delegates with OHSA specific knowledge and skill towards becoming a lead auditor within the health and safety auditing discipline. If you’re interested in attending, email me at safety@fsp.co.za and we’ll send you the course information.