Biological risks such as
pathogens or mould spores can
be extremely dangerous.
KNOW THE LAW
Section 8 of the OHS Act says that employers need
to consider all aspects of their scope of works and
ensure that their staff as well as others are in a safe
environment. Section 14 places the onus on the
employee by promoting an individual commitment to
health and safety as well as the encouragement to
ensure the safety of others.
The key issue of why compliance is lacking is simple:
enforcement! Due to various factors, many do not
regard health and safety management compliance as
a key factor in their business. As plumbers, you form
an integral part of everyone’s daily lives; thus, keeping
yourselves as well as your employees free from risks at
the workplace should be a complementing influence.
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
73
Working on and in roofs is a
widespread practice for plumbers and
the correct fall protection is essential.
Attention to health and safety is not just about being
socially responsible — it also makes good business
sense. Essentially, any plumbing company should
strive to ensure absence of risk to safety and health
of employees and others’ as far as is reasonably
practicable.
Increasing employees’ awareness of health and safety
as well as introducing a good safety culture system
through a thorough and efficient safety system, where
management plays a key role in the development and
the delivery of a responsible health and safety plan, is
the key to successful safety management.
When it comes to health and safety, there should
always be a clear goal. PA
About the author
Chris Coetzee is a director
of OHSS Consulting. He
is an occupational health
and safety practitioner, a
SAIOSH member, as well
as an IOPSA corporate
member, who specialises in
the full understanding and
development of health and
safety systems.
August 2018 Volume 24 I Number 6