Injuries Involving Individuals Are Reported

Injuries Involving Individuals Are Reported Promptly To The Relevant Persons (SO3-AC4)

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) is the minimum standard legislation, providing, among others, for the health and safety of persons at work, and for the health and safety of persons in connection with the use of plants and machinery. The Act could be described as a proactive attempt by the government to avoid or prevent work-related incidents, illnesses and diseases. Unfortunately, due to a number of reasons work-related incidents may still occur. The reporting, recording and investigation of work-related incidents are strictly regulated and should form an essential part of any occupational health and safety programme.

Section 24(1) stipulates that certain types of incidents, occurring at work or arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work, or in connection with the use of plant or machinery, in which persons are involved, must be reported to the provincial director.

Reportable incidents include events where any person:

• dies;
• becomes unconscious;
• suffers the loss of a limb or part of a limb;
• is otherwise injured or becomes ill to such a degree that he is likely either to die; 
• suffer a permanent physical defect; 
• is likely to be unable for a period of at least 14 days either to work or to continue with the activity for which he was employed or is usually employed.