COVID-19: CONSOLIDATED DIRECTION ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES IN CERTAIN WORKPLACES
Title: Direction by the Minister of Employment and Labour in terms of Regulation 4 (10) of the Regulations R480 of 29 April 2020 issued by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in terms of Section 27 (2) of the Act.
Government Gazette Notice: GN R639 in GG 43400 of 4 June 2020
Commencing date: 4 June 2020
The Minister of Employment and Labour issued a Consolidated Direction on Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Certain Workplaces under regulation 4(10) of the Regulations issued in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (“Consolidated COVID-19- Direction”). The Consolidated COVID-19- Direction will remain in force for as long as the declaration of a national disaster remains in force and replace the Directions on Occupational Health and Safety measures in certain workplaces that were issued on 29 April 2020 (GN 479 in GG 43257 of 29 April 2020). For a copy of the Government Gazette Notice click here
The purpose of the direction is to prevent the escalation of COVID-19 infections in workplaces and relate to industries outside of the mining industry. The Consolidated COVID-19- Direction requires that all workplaces must undertake a risk assessment and on the basis of that risk assessment develop a plan outlining protective measures for the phased return of its employees. The Consolidated COVID-19- Direction furthermore provides for administrative; social distancing and health and safety; measures and provides for the obligations of employees and matters relating to the refusal by employees to work due to exposure to COVID-19.
How can Shangoni assist with compliance?
Shangoni focus on managing operational risks and ensure that such is integrated in and aligned with hazards and unwanted events that employees and other workers may be exposed to. As such, we can assist organisation with:
- Conducting or updating of existing risk assessment and mitigation plans to reflect the risk that COVID-19 has had on organisations. This relate to the new hazard but also how COVID-19 action plans are affecting other control measures required to manage other operational risks;
- Developing of action and response plans (based on management of change principles) to facilitate the return to work (start-up) process;
- Develop “Return to work” and “Re-opening” plans;
- Conducting occupational health and safety legal compliance audits, including compliance with these Regulations;
- Developing of personal hygiene programme; and
- Developing awareness material to ensure that all workers are aware of the new control measures required to maintain a safe workplace, temporary measures required to mitigate site incidents and emergencies and other aspects of the business affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
For more information please contact Gert van der Waal at Gert@shangoni.co.za
