How can the OHS unit enhance its contribution to the Department of Employment and Labour's vision of decent work?

To enhance the contribution of the OHS unit to the Department of Employment and Labour's vision of decent work, several key actions can be taken:

1. Strengthened Enforcement and Compliance:

   • Action: Increase the frequency and thoroughness of OHS inspections, ensuring consistent application of penalties for non-compliance.
   • Substantiation: This directly supports the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Sections 29 and 38), which grants inspectors powers and outlines offences. More rigorous enforcement helps deter contraventions and ensures employers meet their legal obligations, thereby reducing workplace incidents.

2. Enhanced Proactive Risk Management and Training:

   • Action: Shift focus from reactive incident investigation to proactive risk assessment and management strategies, coupled with comprehensive OHS training for all employees and management.
   • Substantiation: The OHS Act (Section 8) mandates employers to provide a safe working environment and necessary information. Specific regulations like the Construction Regulations and Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations require detailed risk assessments. Proactive measures, aligned with international standards such as ISO 45001, prevent incidents before they occur, fostering a safer work culture.

3. Improved Social Dialogue and Worker Participation:

   • Action: Promote active involvement of employees, health and safety representatives, and trade unions in the development and implementation of OHS policies and procedures.
   • Substantiation: The OHS Act (Sections 17-19) mandates the establishment of health and safety representatives and committees. Empowering these structures ensures that OHS measures are practical and effective, reflecting the realities of the workplace and aligning with the ILO's principles on decent work which emphasize worker voice.