WHY must employers Spend money on Occupational Health and Safety?

 

It Is a Legal Requirement

There is a lot of mixed emotions and misunderstandings. When it comes to providing health and safety in the workplace. Well it all boils down to one thing: the consequences if we don’t. Ethical arguments about it being the ‘right thing to do’ are common and are believed to have impact. Unsurprisingly legal compliance is stated to be the driver of most employee health activity.

The choice may seem like an easy one, but when that first rand becomes millions of rands, and the savings may not be seen until years later, spending money up front can become harder to justify. This is a situation in which many occupational safety and health professionals find themselves when trying to convince upper management that investing in training or equipment will lead to safer workplaces. But experts say the savings exist, and – armed with the right figures on the costs of injuries – safety pros should be able to successfully argue that investments in safety will result in savings down the line.

So, we ask what are the advantages of implementing health and safety in the work place

  • Business can claim back on training done with the Skills development levy.
  • Less or no incidents will occur in the workplace, saving production loss, loss of life and financial loss.
  • It will prevent the legal consequences and penalties from effecting  business, which in the long run will save you money.
  • Businesses will also experience less absenteeism, more positive morale in the workplace and a safe working environment.

To provide for the health and safety of persons at work and for the health and safety of persons in connection with the use of plant and machinery; the protection of persons other than persons at work against hazards to health and safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work; to establish an advisory council for occupational health and safety; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

~Occupational Health and safety act~

What Proviso offers

Keeping your employees safe at the workplace is more than just a legal requirement. Of course one can see it in monetary terms as healthy employees take less sick leave and the operations of your company does not grind to a standstill whenever a key role player is unable to come to work. But most importantly, we have to keep in mind that we are working with people. Healthy and happy employees is the key to success in any organization. Looking after your employees means that they will look after your business.

Courses

Proviso Training College-Content Icons-Occupational Health and Safety-250px First Aid 1,2 & 3
Proviso Training College-Content Icons-Occupational Health and Safety-250px Basic Fire Fighting
Proviso Training College-Content Icons-Occupational Health and Safety-250px SHE Representative
Proviso Training College-Content Icons-Occupational Health and Safety-250px Compliance to OHS
Proviso Training College-Content Icons-Occupational Health and Safety-250px Emergency preparedness
Proviso Training College-Content Icons-Occupational Health and Safety-250px Incident Investigation
Proviso Training College-Content Icons-Occupational Health and Safety-250px Risk Assessment (HIRA)
Proviso Training College-Content Icons-Occupational Health and Safety-250px Basic O.H.S
Proviso Training College-Content Icons-Occupational Health and Safety-250px Legal Liability
Proviso Training College-Content Icons-Occupational Health and Safety-250px Occupational Hygiene and Safety Certificate

As far as the occupational health and safety act goes, there are many responsibilities, to both the employer and employee. (More found at www.laborgov.co.za)

  • Responsibilities of the employer: Every employer shall provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of his employees.
  • Every employee shall at work. Take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions.

We face the imperative problem of “I didn’t know” or “I was not aware that it applied to me”. To clear that confusion, it applies to every employer and every business.

For more information on the subject above, contact Proviso at

sim@proviso.co.za

012 653 1322