The Occupational Health and Safety Act Flashcards
What is the purpose?
To provide for:
-The health and safety of people at work and those in connection with the use of plant and machinery
-The protection of other people from hazards to health and safety caused by the activities of people at work
-The establishment of an Advisory Council
What is the scope of the Act?
-Covers the civil service, the agricultural and domestic sectors
-Covers the users of machinery
-Covers injuries to people who are not employees, etc.
Exceptions:
-The mining industry, which is regulated by the Minerals Act and the Mine Health and Safety Act
-OHSA becomes operational if something happens that is not covered by these acts
What are the duties of an employer?
Providing safe systems of work, plant, and machinery
Eliminating hazards
Arranging for the safe production, processing, use, handling, storage or transport of articles or substances
Providing information, instructions, training, and supervision required to ensure the necessary safety
Not permitting an employee to perform any work unless the precautionary measures have been taken
Ensuring that the requirements of the act are adhered to by all employees
Informing all employees of their duty under the act
What are the duties of an employee?
To take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for that of others
To cooperate with the employer or other designated person as far as health and safety issues are concerned
To obey health and safety rules and procedures laid down by the employer or someone authorised by the employer
To report any unsafe or unhealthy situation, or any incident which may affect their health, or the safety of the employer, or the health and safety representative
Not to interfere with or abuse anything provided to protect the health or safety of all concerned
What are the duties of health representatives?
Check the effectiveness of health and safety measures.
Identify potential dangers in the workplace.
Investigate the causes of incidents in the workplace (in cooperation with the employer).
Investigate complaints by any employee concerning that employee’s health or safety at work.
Make suggestions to the employer.
Inspect the workplace for health and safety issues (the employer needs to be notified of such an inspection and needs to be present during such an inspection).
Consult with inspectors at the workplace and accompany inspectors during their workplace inspections.
Receive information from inspectors on health and safety issues.
Attend meetings of the health and safety committees.
