BL Premium reports that a state-commissioned report has found that the government needs to develop a national policy and strategy on occupational safety and health (OSH) to instil a culture of compliance with health and safety regulations across all sectors of the economy.

The report indicates that although SA has a comprehensive legal framework on OSH, it is “fairly complex and fragmented”, with the main legislation falling under three government departments and other regulatory agencies. The report, titled “The Profile of Occupational Health and Safety SA”, was launched virtually by Department of Employment & Labour (DEL) Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi on Friday. It was commissioned by the DEL and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The report is the first of its kind and it will be produced every three years. Four main pieces of legislation under three departments govern OSH. These include the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Coida) under the DEL; the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) under the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy; and the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act (ODMWA) under the Department of Health. The report’s recommendations include developing an integrated data collection system on occupational injuries and diseases that will inform national policy and strategy on OSH. “As a member of the ILO, SA has an obligation to develop a national OSH policy and a national OSH strategy,” the report advised. Fedusa general secretary Riefdah Ajam said the country should not be left wanting in terms of international best practices on OSH and that a strategy and policy on OSH should be a non-negotiable.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (paywall access only)
• Read too, Labour report shows long road ahead for improving occupational health and safety, at Fin24

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page