Council appoints 50 occupational health and safety reps
Representatives from three regions covering all the sections within the various departments were appointed recently.
HIGHVELD – The Govan Mbeki Municipality has appointed 50 occupational health and safety representatives from the three regions covering all the sections in the various departments.
This is in compliance with Section 17(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85, 1993.
The functions of the representatives are, among others, to:
• identify potential hazards at the workplace
• conduct regular inspections at the workplace to ensure the health and safety of employees
• investigate and make recommendations to the employer regarding health and safety incidents
• make representations to the relevant Health and Safety Committee on health and safety matters
• attend health and safety representatives meetings
• review the effectiveness of health and safety measures in the workplace
• review corrective measures put in place following an incident or an injury.
The health and safety representatives meet on a monthly basis to discuss health and safety issues affecting the various sections within the various departments and make recommendations to the employer to improve the health and safety of employees and visitors.
They also form part of the five health and safety committees that are established within the institution.
The activities of the health and safety representatives are coordinated by the Occupational Health and Safety and Industrial Relations (OHS & IR) Section.
