Inside this issue...

-    When must you appoint your Health and Safety Representatives?
-    What are the duties of a Health and Safety Representative?

Dear Reader,

I’m sure you’re all behind me when I say to Bafana Bafana, “Go boys!” for their match against France tomorrow.

On more safety related matters, I’ve had a few questions regarding Health and Safety Representatives, and their responsibilities and functions within the workplace. This isn’t an area where you’re able to get away with meeting less than 100% of your obligations, so here’s a little refresher for you...

1. What is a Health and Safety Representative?

This is a full-time worker, you’ve nominated, elected or designated in writing.

You and your employees should consult and reach an agreement about who to elect as Health and Safety Representatives.

TIP: It’s best to appoint representatives who are familiar with the circumstances and conditions of the part of the workplace you’ve designated them to represent.

You and your workers must also agree on the period of office and the functions of the Health and Safety Representatives.

2. How many Representatives should you appoint?

• You must designate a Representative if your company has 20 or more employees. So, if you only have 19 staff members, it isn’t necessary.
• For shops and offices, you must have one Representative for every 100 employees, or part thereof.
• For other workplaces, you must have one Representative for every 50 employees, or part thereof.

3. When must you appoint your Health and Safety Representatives?

You must designate your Representatives within four months of your business starting. If you have 20 or more employees, but your business hasn’t been operative for at least four months, you don’t need to designate a Representative (but remember that after four months have passed, you will need to appoint them!).

4. When must Health and Safety Representatives perform their duties?

During normal office hours.

5. What are the duties of a Health and Safety Representative?

Your Representatives are entitled to do the following:

• Conduct health and safety inspections
• Identify potential hazards and risks
• Investigate incidents
• Make representations to you or the health and safety committee
• Accompany inspectors from the Department of Labour who are inspecting your workplace
• Attend health and safety committee meetings

Now that you’ve got the basics, you’re much more prepared to maintain and promote compliance in your company.

In the name of safety,

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