Understanding Covid-19 Health and Safety Requirements in the South African Workplace

Product Details:
Author(s):
Keith, D
Year Published:
2021
Edition
1st Edition
Type:
Print | Pocket Size
Language:
English
About this publication
This book explains the health and safety measures that employers are required to implement in the workplace to protect their employees and the public against COVID-19. It contains several checklists that systematically work through and simplify the applicable Directions issued by the Minister of Employment and Labour.
The Consolidated Directions on Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Certain Workplaces were published in the Government Gazette on 1 October 2020. They place a legal responsibility on employers to take further measures to safeguard employees and the public against COVID-19. Penalties can be imposed on employers who fail to comply with the Directions (in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act).
 
Content
PART 1: DEFINITIONS AND APPLICATION OF THE DIRECTIONS
Definitions 
Application of the Directions 
PART 2: RISK ASSESSMENT PLANS AND ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES 
Risk assessment and plans for protective measures 
Administrative measures applicable to all employers 
PART 3: SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES AND SYMPTOM SCREENING 
Social distancing measures 
Symptom screening 
PART 4: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND OTHER SAFETY MEASURES 
Sanitisers, disinfectants and washing of hands 
Cloth masks 
Additional safety measures for workplaces to which the public has access
Ventilation
Specific personal protective equipment 
PART 5: SAFETY MEASURES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Measures to be taken by employers with 10 employees or less 
PART 6: WORKER OBLIGATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE DIRECTIONS
Worker obligations 
Refusal to work due to exposure to COVID-19 
No deduction from employee’s remuneration
Monitoring and enforcing Directions 
Sectoral protocols and guidelines 
Amendment of Annexure A 
Withdrawal of Directions 
Commencement of the Directions 
 
CHECKLISTS AND TEMPLATES 
A. Risk assessment plan checklist 
B. Employees diagnosed with COVID-19 checklist 
C. Employees presenting with COVID-19 symptoms at
the workplace checklist 
D. Additional administrative duties for employers employing more than 50 employees checklist 
E. Personal protective equipment and other safety measures checklist 
F. Example of a COVID-19 workplace policy 
G. Other documents and templates 
Interest / Benefit to
This pocket companion will assist human resource and employee relations managers, trade union officials, business owners, occupational health practitioners, workplace safety committees, safety officers and COVID-19 compliance officers.