1. Employers shall provide a safe and healthy working environment for employees, and shall take adequate steps to prevent accidents and injury to health 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.
2. The CEO shall appoint a senior management representative responsible for the health and safety of all personnel, and accountable for the implementation of a healthy and safe working environment. As required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the CEOs shall ensure the election of employee health and safety representatives.
3. Employers shall strive towards the implementation of a practical integrated health and safety framework that allows for the analysis of risks, 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.
4. Notwithstanding the above, employers shall ensure:
- the safe storage, application and disposal of pesticides and agrochemicals;
- 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 workers receive regular, adequate and recorded health and safety training, including in the handling of chemicals and other hazardous substances, in the handling of heavy machinery, and in managing of 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 at 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 readily visible safety signs are supplied in all relevant languages;
- that adequate fire prevention, firefighting and fire safety measures are in place;
- that measures are in place to prevent exposure to fumes in wineries and cellars;
- that measures are in place to ensure that employees working or 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;
- access to clean toilet facilities for all employees employed at the workplace;
- access to clean drinking water is provided to all employees employed at the workplace and where applicable sanitary facilities for food preparation and storage;
- the safety and stability of buildings and equipment, including on farm accommodation of workers.
- that on-farm accommodation provided is structurally sound and weatherproof, is provided with adequate floor screeding; toilet facilities and waste disposal, as well as electricity or other appropriate energy resources for heating, cooking and lighting; is adequate to the number of residents and that there is no overcrowding and that measures are taken to ensure the maintenance and upkeep of the accommodation provided.
- appropriate working conditions for pregnant women, in line with the code of good practice on the protection of employees during pregnancy and after the birth of their child.
5. Employers 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 this at the work place.
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