Important terms and concepts within OHSA

Important terms and concepts within OHSA

Want to ensure you’re well-informed of important terms and concepts within OHASA, which affect the legal protection of these rights and obligations, as well as the standards and duties expected of employers and employees?

Remote or virtual working outside the traditional work environment and away from the premises of the employer has now become the norm for many businesses and industries navigating the new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers and employees must therefore remain informed of the legal aspects pertaining to working in this new manner, and their rights and obligations in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 ("the OHASA").

The OHASA is a general statute which aims to ensure a healthy and safe working environment, and applies to all workplaces, except if such workplaces are excluded from the application of the Act.

When applying provisions of the OHASA and the regulations which are binding in terms thereof, cognisance must also be taken of the regulations and directions issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002.

Where there is any conflict between the provisions of the two Acts and their regulations, preference must be given to the Disaster Management Act and its regulations, which must comply with the principles of legality.

Download this free White Paper, authored by Willem le Roux, Executive Consultant for the Mine and Occupational Health and Safety Department at ENSafrica.