Introduction
In South Africa, compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act of 1985 is not just a legal obligation but an important component of workplace safety. Staff training plays a pivotal role in ensuring that employees are well-equipped to handle emergencies and maintain a safe work environment. Absolute Health Services (AHS) offers a comprehensive range of OHS training courses, in order to help organisations meet their compliance requirements efficiently. By investing in occupational health and safety training with AHS, businesses can protect their workforce, reduce risks, and adhere to legal standards.
Understanding the OHS Act of 1985
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act of 1985 is South African legislation that aims to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all employees by setting standards and enforcing compliance. The OHS Act covers various aspects, including the identification of hazards, risk management, and emergency preparedness.
Non-compliance with the OHS Act can have severe repercussions for businesses. Penalties can range from hefty fines to legal action, and in extreme cases, even the closure of the business. on-compliance can also lead to workplace accidents, injuries, and even fatalities, which can damage a company’s reputation and employee morale. Therefore, understanding and adhering to these regulations is essential for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
The Importance of Safety Training
All businesses need Occupational Health and Safety training in order to comply with the OHS Act and protect their employees. Well-structured safety training courses equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle emergencies effectively. Through proper safety training, employees gain sufficient knowledge that prepares them for real-world situations.
The benefits of staff training are many. During emergencies, trained employees can act swiftly, reducing the risk of injury and damage. This proactive approach fosters a safer workplace and minimises downtime. Additionally, investing in ongoing learning and development through safety training ensures that employees stay updated on the latest safety protocols and best practices. In the long term, this commitment to safety can lead to a more resilient and compliant organisation.
When to Train Your Staff for Compliance
Knowing when to do staff training for compliance with the OHS Act can be guided by the General Safety Regulations of 1986. According to these regulations, businesses must ensure that for every group of up to 50 employees, at least one person is trained in first aid. For offices and shops, this requirement changes to one person for every 100 employees.
Here is an excerpt from the law:
“Where more than 10 employees are employed at a workplace, the employer of such employees shall take steps to ensure that for every group of up to 50 employees at that workplace, or in the case of a shop or an office, for every group of up to 100 employees, at least one person is readily available during normal working hours, who is in possession of a valid certificate of competency in first aid.”
Absolute Health Services offers a quick quote calculator to help businesses determine how many employees need to be trained. By entering your employee count into the calculator, you can quickly see your compliance requirements and plan an appropriate training programme.
AHS Training Courses Overview
Absolute Health Services (AHS) offers a variety of accredited training courses aimed at ensuring your company’s compliance with the OHS Act and enhancing employee development. Here is a brief overview of ourofferings:
- First Aid NQF Level 1: This course provides essential first aid skills and knowledge, ensuring that employees are prepared to handle medical emergencies at the workplace.
- Basic Firefighting: A course which equips participants with the necessary skills to manage and extinguish small fires, thereby reducing potential damage and ensuring safety.
- Evacuation Planning: We cover the planning and execution of effective evacuation procedures, ensuring that employees know how to respond during emergencies.
- Health & Safety Representative: Our training focuses on the roles and responsibilities of Health & Safety Representatives, providing them with the skills needed to monitor workplace compliance and safety.
- Health & Safety Supervisor: This course is designed for supervisors, teaching them how to maintain safety standards, conduct risk assessments, and manage health and safety within their teams.
By offering these accredited training courses, AHS ensures that your staff gains valuable skills and knowledge, contributing to a safer and more compliant workplace.
Choosing the Right Training Provider and Long-Term Benefits
When selecting a corporate training provider, several factors need to be considered to ensure you receive high-quality training. Look for a service provider with a strong reputation, accredited courses, and experienced subject matter experts.
Absolute Health Services (AHS) stands out among training and development companies in South Africa due to its comprehensive and accredited courses. AHS employs experienced instructors who provide high-quality staff training, ensuring that your staff gains practical skills and knowledge applicable to real-world situations. Our coursesare designed to address OHS compliance requirements while also focusing on long-term employee development.
Choosing AHS as your training provider ensures that your employees are well-prepared to meet the demands of their roles, contributing to a safer and more compliant workplace in the long term.
Conclusion
Investing in compliance-focused staff training at Absolute Health Services is essential for maintaining a safe and legally compliant workplace. To get started, visit our Speedy Quote and get a quote by entering your employee count. Ensure your team’s safety and compliance today by booking your training with AHS.
