- The Business shall ensure that there are systems in place to detect, assess, avoid and respond to potential threats to the health and safety of workers. The Business shall provide a safe and healthy working environment for employees and shall take adequate steps and effective measures to prevent accidents, injury and illnesses arising out of, associated with or occurring in the course of work, by minimizing (so far as is reasonably practicable) the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment.
- The Business shall appoint a senior management representative responsible for the health and safety of all personnel, who is also accountable for the implementation of a healthy and safe working environment. This includes overseeing the election of employee health and safety representatives, where required.
- The Business shall strive towards the implementation of a practical, integrated health and safety framework that allows for a risk analysis, the implementation of measures to reduce or eliminate those risks, mechanisms for decision-making on and monitoring of the implementation of health and safety measures (and record keeping in this regard).
- The Business shall ensure appropriate working conditions for pregnant women which are in line with the Code of Good Practice on the protection of employees during pregnancy and after the birth of their child.
- Notwithstanding the above, the Business shall ensure:
- The safe storage, application and disposal of pesticides and agrochemicals.
- That measures are in place to guarantee that workers and their families residing in close proximity to the site where spraying occurs are not placed at risk through exposure to the chemicals and pesticides being applied.
- That workers are provided with necessary safety equipment and clothing and that steps are taken to prevent injury of persons by farm equipment and heavy machinery.
- That measures are in place to prevent exposure to fumes generated through production in wineries and cellars.;
- That readily visible safety signs are supplied in all relevant languages;
- That workers receive regular, adequate and recorded health and safety training. This should include the handling of chemicals and other hazardous substances, the handling of heavy machinery, and waste management. Training shall be repeated for all new or reassigned workers and management.
- That measures are in place to provide first aid and other emergency treatment in the event of accidents occurring in the workplace and that workers’ compensation documentation (and other accident and illness documentation required by law) are available and utilised in the event of work-related accidents and illnesses.
- That adequate fire prevention, firefighting and fire safety measures are in place on the business premises and at worker accommodation.
- Access to clean toilet facilities for all employees at the workplace
- That access to clean drinking water is provided to all employees employed at the workplace and at, where applicable, sanitary facilities for food preparation and storage.
- The safety and stability of buildings and equipment.
- Shall ensure that where worker accommodation exists on site, such structures are located separately from production facilities and are safe and stable. Appropriate sanitation facilities must also be available with access to potable water.
- The Business will not promote or implement any practices that perpetuate a culture of alcohol dependence. Where alcohol dependence or abuse is identified as a problem, employers shall take reasonable steps to address these risks.
References
South African Legislation
Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993), as amended:
- GNR929 General administrative regulations
- GNR1031 General safety regulations
- GNR924 Facilities regulations
- GNR1179 Hazardous chemical substances regulations
- GNR1521 General machinery regulations
- GNR250 Electrical machinery regulations.
Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases act (130 of 1993)
International Reference
- ILO Convention 155, Occupational Health and Safety, 1981 and Protocol 2002
- ILO Convention 161, Occupational Health and Safety Services, 1985
- ILO Convention 187, Promotional Framework for Occupational Health and Safety, 2006
- ILO Convention 184, Safety and Health in Agriculture, 2001
- ILO Convention 162, Asbestos, 1986
- ILO Convention 170, Chemicals, 1990