Understanding health and safety roles in the workplace can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to determine how positions like Health and Safety Representative, Supervisor, and Officer fit into your organisation. While these roles all contribute to a safer working environment, they each come with distinct responsibilities and training requirements under South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. In the blog below, we break down each role and the requirements and responsibilities to help you as a business owner, manager, or HR professional choose the right training for your team and ensure your workplace complies with the law.
Health and Safety Representative
A Health and Safety Representative (SHE Rep) is a full time employee selected by their colleagues to present their safety interests to management. They need to be acquainted with the conditions and activities (risks and hazards involved) in their specific work areas.
Responsibilities
- Reviewing the effectiveness of health and safety measures in the workspace for which they were appointed
- Identifying potential hazards in the workplace
- Examining the causes of incidents
- Investigating employee complaints regarding health and safety
- Making representations to the employer regarding health and safety, and if successful, to an inspector
- Accompanying inspectors on inspections and participating in consultations with the inspectors
- Receiving information from inspectors as per Section 36 of the OHS Act
- Attending meetings for the health and safety committee of which they are a member
- Participating in any internal health and safety audit.
How Many Health and Safety Representatives Do You Need?
It is required for businesses with more than 20 employees, with one Representative for every 50 employees in medium/high-risk industries or every 100 in low-risk environments.
Training
Health and Safety Representatives need to complete a training course that covers:
- Relevant Sections of the OHS Act – Overview of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act sections that outline the role and functions of Health and Safety Representatives. Emphasis on attending quarterly health and safety committee meetings, which are mandatory for all members.
- Duties and Functions of the Representative – Key responsibilities include conducting quarterly workplace inspections and addressing safety issues. Understanding the importance of appointment letters and how they formalise the role within the organisation.
- Incident Investigations and Hazard Identification Risk Assessments (HIRA) – Introduction to conducting incident investigations and identifying potential hazards. Highlighting these as critical functions for ensuring workplace safety and preventing future incidents.
- Practical Component—This hands-on exercise involves a walkabout with a checklist in a controlled environment. Participants identify health and safety concerns or non-conformances, which are discussed at the next health and safety committee meeting.
This training equips Health and Safety Representatives with the foundational knowledge, skills, and practical experience to effectively fulfil their roles and contribute to a safer workplace. Absolute Health Services offers a comprehensive one-day training course to fulfil all these requirements, which is R795.00 ex VAT per person. Click here to find out more about this course.
Health and Safety Supervisor
A Health and Safety Supervisor is a key role appointed by management, typically under Section 8.2E of the OHS Act, to manage health and safety within a specific department or area of work. The role involves greater responsibilities than those of a representative. Under Section 16.2, the OHS Act allows a company’s CEO to appoint a Health and Safety Supervisor in writing to oversee and implement health and safety initiatives on their behalf. While this appointment delegates the operational management of workplace safety, it does not remove the CEO’s ultimate accountability or liability. This provision ensures that health and safety compliance is effectively managed without overburdening the executive team.
Responsibilities
- Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)
- Assist in investigating workplace incidents and accidents to determine root causes.
- Conduct routine safety inspections to identify and rectify unsafe conditions or practices.
- Work closely with Health and Safety Representatives to address workplace hazards and concerns.
- Provide regular reports to management on health and safety matters and any gaps in compliance or areas requiring improvement.
- Address non-compliance issues and ensure corrective actions are taken and health and safety legislation is complied with.
How Many Health and Safety Supervisors Do You Need?
Health and Safety Supervisors are needed in medium-risk workplaces or businesses with multiple departments, where daily safety management and compliance oversight are required.
Training
Health and Safety Supervisors need to complete a training course that covers:
- Key OHS Act Sections – Supervisors learn about critical sections of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act to help the organisation implement and maintain compliance with legal requirements.
- Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) – Supervisors learn to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures to eliminate or minimise risks and prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Incident and Accident Investigations – Participants gain skills to assist with and contribute to investigations, ensuring all incidents and accidents are thoroughly analysed to prevent recurrence.
- General OHS Act Requirements – The course provides an overview of the OHS Act’s requirements for planning, implementing, and operating a compliant and safe workplace.
Absolute Health Services provides an accredited two-day course for R1,225.00, excluding VAT per person that will equip Health and Safety Supervisors with essential knowledge and practical skills to safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of employees, contractors, and visitors. For more information on this training course, click here.
Health and Safety Officer
Health and Safety Officers play a vital role in planning, implementing, and overseeing an organisation’s health and safety strategy to ensure compliance with the OHS Act 85 of 1993. They safeguard employees, visitors, and contractors by identifying and managing risks. By addressing common causes of incidents, such as unrecognised hazards, employee errors, and faulty equipment, Health and Safety Officers help reduce accidents, illnesses, and unsafe practices.
Responsibilities
- Developing and implementing comprehensive health and safety policies and procedures. Plan and coordinate workplace safety initiatives to promote a culture of safety.
- Conducting regular audits to verify adherence to legal and organisational safety standards.
- Identifying and evaluating workplace hazards through Hazard Identification Risk Assessments (HIRA).
- Investigating workplace incidents and accidents to identify root causes. Recommend and implement corrective and preventative measures to avoid recurrence.
- Collaborating with Health and Safety Representatives and Supervisors to address safety issues.
- Conduct regular workplace inspections to identify non-compliance or unsafe practices.
- Advising management on health and safety matters to aid in decision-making.
- Ensuring contractors and visitors understand and adhere to workplace safety requirements. Monitor contractor compliance with health and safety policies.
How Many Health and Safety Officers Do You Need?
A Health and Safety Officer is essential for high-risk industries or complex operations, where comprehensive health and safety strategies and full compliance management are critical.
Training
Health and Safety Officers need to complete a training course that covers:
- First Aid Level 1 – Learn to assist in emergencies and support first aiders effectively during workplace accidents.
- Firefighting – Understand fire prevention strategies and proper use of firefighting equipment.
- Evacuation Procedures – Plan and execute efficient workplace evacuations for various emergencies.
- Occupational Health & Safety Act – Gain knowledge of key sections of the OHS Act for organisational compliance.
- Incident Investigation – Conduct investigations to identify causes and implement corrective actions.
- Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate workplace hazards through effective risk assessments.
- H&S Management Systems – Implement and maintain a comprehensive health and safety management system.
Absolute Health Services offers a comprehensive 10-day Health and Safety Officer course at R9,895.00(ex VAT) per person. This intensive programme includes advanced risk assessments, incident investigation techniques, and an in-depth exploration of the OHS Act. For more on this course, click here.
Conclusion
Determining the right health and safety roles for your workplace is essential for compliance, employee well-being, and creating a safe environment. Whether you need a Representative, Supervisor, or Officer depends on your workplace size, risk level, and industry. If you’re unsure which roles or training are best for your business and are seeking expert advice and tailored solutions to meet your specific needs, contact us today.
