The South African government launched the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 to protect the health and safety of persons at work. All business owners and employers should comply with the act and obtain an Occupational Health and Safety Certificate in South Africa. In this passage, we will introduce what the certificate is and how to apply for it.
What is an Occupational Health and Safety Certificate
According to the OHS Act, an organization is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of anyone involved in a production procedure or anyone in the workplace, including visitors and contractors. The Occupational Health and Safety Certificate, also known as the OHS certificate, is a qualification document proving that a business or organization has understood and complied with the OHS Act. Individuals who have participated in an OHS training program and obtained the necessary OHS knowledge and skills can get the document. The certificate is valid for one year and will be reissued after passing the next year’s OHS compliance audit.
When will Health and Safety Compliance Certificate be Issued
The OHS certificate is issued after a Health and Safety Company authorized by the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH) conducts a Health and Safety Audit of the workplace and confirms the compliance with OHS Act. The audit will go through a comprehensive assessment of the workplace and identify any potential risks, including architectural structure, machinery, equipment, infrastructure, health and safety training requirements, emergency preparations, personal protection, related compensation, etc.
Who will Issue Health and Safety Certificate
Only those health and safety institutes registered with SAIOSH are eligible to issue an authentic occupational health and safety certificate. SAIOSH is a registered non-profit organization (NPO) in South Africa and was appointed as the professional body for Occupational Health and Safety Professional registration by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) in 2013. Its members. It regularly holds seminars and workshops for its members to improve their professional skills and share the latest information in the field.
How to Get Occupational Health and Safety Certificate
Employers, contractors, and suppliers who wish to get an OHS certificate must comply with the OSA Act. Candidates have to go through the following stages to achieve the goal.
- Have a Health and Safety Training
Employers must be familiar with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 of South Africa and associated Regulations, one of which is to train the employees. Through the training, workers will learn about how to work safely. Some institutions also provide free online health and safety courses with certificates, which will be more convenient to perform training.
- Contact a Health and Safety Institute
The Institute must be authorized by SAIOS, such as SafetyWallet, FAFST, Hesscon, etc. Their inspector will perform an audit to verify the OHS compliance.
- Determine the Level of Compliance
Auditors will make an audit plan based on the law and SAIOSH standards. They will have a site visit to assess the existing facilities and equipment of your company and determine how it satisfies the OHS Act.
- Generate an Audit Report
Auditors demonstrate all findings during a workplace inspection in the reports whether the result is positive or negative. Any strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement are included.
- Make an Action Plan
The plan is used to address any potential risks stated in the findings, such as insufficient policies, lack of awareness of safety, aging infrastructure, etc. Employers should make the necessary changes according to the plan and communicate to all employees. Auditors will assess the areas for improvement again.
- Issue the Occupational Health and Safety Certificate
The OHS service provider will issue an OHS certificate after re-assessing and verifying the company’s Health and Safety Compliance. Some send an occupational health and safety compliance certificate PDF, so applicants can download it online without collecting it in person. Please note that it does not mean an organization will always be qualified and it is subject to further inspection when the certificate expires or there is any change to the company or OHS Act.
How Much Does Health and Safety Certificate Cost
The cost depends on the OHS service providers, ranging from hundreds of Rands to thousands. They have customized offers according to the company’s scale, risk level, and current safety system. It is necessary to note that the cheapest is not the best. Only the institutions certified by SAIOSH can issue a true certificate, so please have a background check and choose a reliable one.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Health and Safety Certificate?
It usually takes 10 weeks to receive an OHS certificate. However, the processing time might be shorter if the result is positive at first inspection. Similarly, the waiting time will be extended on the condition that there is so much to improve.
Importance of OHS Compliance Certificate
Both employers and employees will benefit from OHS compliance. Having an OHS certificate not only shows compliance with the laws and regulations but also expresses a company’s humanistic care. Here is why OHS compliance is necessary.
- Legal Requirement for Workplaces
All businesses and employers are officially required to provide a safe workplace for the sake of the employee’s and other concerned parties’ health and safety. Any entities violating the Occupational Health and Safety Act will face severe punishment, such as fines, halts in production, prosecution, or even imprisonment.
- Staff Care
Companies with an OHS certificate will be able to deal with emergencies, such as fire, sudden illness/injuries, and so on, thus reducing the danger and severe damage to the company’s property and staff. People working in a safe and healthy place will be more confident and productive.
- Corporate Image
A business featuring outstanding safety practices will be more competitive and trustworthy. The certificate proves the responsibility and reliability of a company. There is no worry about business interruption, legal action, or even risk to safety, thus attracting more clients and cooperative partners. Moreover, the health and safety certificate for small business is also important for successful business management and development.
FAQ
Q: How many years to study Occupational Health and Safety?
A: It takes about two years to get a degree in Occupational Health and Safety or a related field. It will be longer for part-time courses.
Q: What NQF level is Occupational Health and Safety?
A: Level 2.
Q: Can I get a job with an OHS certificate?
A: Yes. It is acceptable in health and safety or related industries.
Summary
A safe and healthy working environment is essential, which is certified by an occupational health and safety certificate in South Africa. Any individuals aiming to develop their careers and companies seeking to run smoothly should obtain the OHS certificate. It is suggested to carefully choose a SAIOSH-certified Institute to get the document.