3 Tips to Get Your Employees to Comply with Health and Safety laws

Employees think that safety is something “management’ must do. They’re wrong.

Employees also have duties to comply with the OHS Act. Some companies make their employees sign indemnities to relieve their employer of any responsibilities. This isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. The CEO will ALWAYS remain liable for compliance with the Act.

88% of all accidents are caused by unsafe acts of workers. This is because they either don’t know how to do the job safely or because they don’t want to.

Never assume your employees are trained because they have been with you for a long time. Keep official records in writing e.g. Training certificates or acknowledgement if training done. Train them to ensure they know how to use it and use your disciplinary process to enforce it.

How Do You Get Your Employees to Comply with Your Health and Safety Laws?

The Health and Safety Advisor will make it easy for you. Order your trial copy today and you’ll also receive two bonus reports, a H&S Toolkit CD, regular updates, a weekly bulletin, online access to past Health and Safety updates and a H&S Helpdesk.

Tip #1: Include a health and safety clause in all contracts of employment
Include a clause in your employees’ contracts of employment stating that “failure to adhere to health and safety regulations may lead to disciplinary action and/or possible dismissal”. This rule must be applied consistently and continuously to build a culture of safety awareness and ensure that workers can’t claim they’re being singled out for punishment.

Tip #2: Your employees can be fined R50 000
If the Department of Labour does an inspection of your workplace and your employee is found guilty of negligence or willful misconduct, he could be fined. The maximum penalty for non-compliance is R50 000 or 1 year in jail – or both!

Give your employees the useful 22 point checklist from Health & Safety Advisor to help them understand their health and safety obligations.

Tip #3: Stop employees damaging safety equipment
In terms of the OHS, it’s an offence to intentionally or recklessly misuse or damage any safety equipment. Ensure that this rule is known and enforced. You can take disciplinary action in cases of abuse.

You need to make sure your employees comply with health and safety laws so accidents don’t happen in your company, or you will be held responsible.

Health & Safety Advisor will give you additional tips, actionable steps and advice to make your employees comply with your health and safety rules. Including how to set examples, encourage correct usage, assist with maintenance, follow-up with complaints, ensure attendance and implement training.

For a quick peek at what else is inside the handbook: