Health & Safety Compliance Audits

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A Health and Safety Compliance Audit is a vital process to confirm that a construction site or premises adheres to the stipulations outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) and associated regulations.

This audit generates essential documentation, mandated by law, providing evidence of full compliance for the premises in question.

Upon completion of a thorough risk assessment, a Health and Safety Compliant Certificate is issued, valid for one year. Regular audits are recommended as best practice, given the dynamic nature of workplaces and premises.

Why is a Health & Safety Compliance Audit crucial?

In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993), employers are obligated to establish a safe working environment, free from hazards. Therefore, a health and safety compliance audit serves as a tool to ensure adherence to regulations and foster peace of mind.

Businesses, irrespective of size or sector, view regular audits as indispensable. They mitigate the risk of financial losses stemming from injury claims lodged against the company.

What constitutes a typical health and safety policy?

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A comprehensive health and safety policy delineates the company's approach to managing health and safety. It comprises three key sections:

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1. Statement of intent: Clearly articulating the organization's health and safety objectives.

2. Specific responsibilities: Outlining the roles and obligations of both management and employees.

3. Action plan: Addressing existing health and safety concerns and detailing measures in place to mitigate risks, such as risk assessments, employee training, and the use of safety equipment.

 

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Benefits of undergoing a Health & Safety Compliance Audit:

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• Mitigates insurance-related risks: Ensures insurance providers find no grounds to dispute claims arising from staff injuries.

• Promotes peace of mind: Confirms to the company, employer, and employees alike that all health & safety standards are met, fostering a safer and healthier work environment.​

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Legal Requirements Regarding Health and Safety Files:

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As per the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and the Construction Regulations 2014, every contractor and sub-contractor is mandated to maintain a Health and Safety File, which must be readily accessible at all times.

A standard Health and Safety Compliance Audit typically encompasses:

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1. Site walkthrough to assess premises.

2. Review of layout and architectural drawings.

3. Evaluation of existing firefighting systems on-site.

4. Assessment of training programs and awareness regarding firefighting system operations.

5. Documentation scrutiny to ensure the presence of suitable health and safety policies, procedural documents, and measures for hazardous substances.

6. Interviews with management personnel, department heads, and frontline staff to gather insights from practical experience.

7. Verification of adherence to health and safety protocols.

 

 

Benefits of Undergoing a Health & Safety Compliance Audit:

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• Mitigates insurance risks: Prevents insurance companies from exploiting loopholes to evade claims arising from staff injuries.

• Promotes peace of mind: Affirms to the company, its leadership, and employees that all regulatory health & safety standards are diligently met, fostering a work environment that prioritizes safety and well-being.