Legal Agreements Section 37.2 OHS Act 85 of 1993 and Regulations: An Overview
As a business owner or employer, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety and health of your employees while they are on the job. This includes complying with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993, which outlines the legal requirements for workplace safety in South Africa.
One of the key sections of the OHS Act is Section 37.2, which relates to the legal agreements that employers and employees are required to enter into with regards to health and safety in the workplace. These legal agreements help to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to safety procedures and protocols, and that everyone understands their responsibilities.
What is Section 37.2 of the OHS Act?
Section 37.2 of the OHS Act states that every employer must, in consultation with their employees, establish and implement a health and safety policy for their workplace. This policy should be in writing and should be reviewed at least once every year.
Additionally, the employer is required to enter into agreements with their employees that outline the roles and responsibilities of each party with regards to workplace safety. These agreements should be in writing and should be signed by both parties.
What are the regulations relating to Section 37.2?
The regulations relating to Section 37.2 of the OHS Act outline the specific requirements for the written agreements between employers and employees. These requirements include:
– The agreements should be in writing and should be signed by both parties.
– The agreements should outline the responsibilities of both parties with regards to workplace safety.
– The agreements should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
– The agreements should be readily available for inspection by the Department of Labour.
Why is Section 37.2 important?
Section 37.2 of the OHS Act is important because it helps to ensure that employers and employees are on the same page when it comes to workplace safety. By establishing and implementing a health and safety policy, and entering into agreements with employees, employers can help to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.
Additionally, complying with Section 37.2 can help employers to avoid legal liability in the event of an accident or injury in the workplace. By having written agreements in place, employers can demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to ensure workplace safety.
In conclusion, Section 37.2 of the OHS Act is an important part of workplace safety in South Africa. By complying with this section and entering into agreements with employees, employers can help to prevent accidents and injuries, and protect themselves from legal liability. As a business owner or employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with this section of the OHS Act and the associated regulations.
