When managing your business, do you:

� Notify the Department of Labour as required by the Occupational Health andSafety Act?

� Give enough time to plan, organise and control your work?� Observe what actually happens and act on dangerous practices?� Have someone to turn to if you need health and safety advice?� Allow workers the freedom to report unsafe activities or conditions and adress

these reports?

If someone you employ, or who is working on your site, has an accident,make sure that you:

� Notify your nearest Labour Centre immediately if the accident is fatal orinvolves a major injury, such as a fracture, amputation or loss of sight

Treatment for an injured knee.

Manage

Report accidents

2

� Report any work related accident which results in more than 14 days off work� Report if a member of the public is killed or sent to hospital as a result of an

accident on your site or related to your worksite acitivities.

When you employ or control people doing work for you, do you make surethat:

� They are trained and competent to do the job safely and without putting theirhealth at risk?

� They are properly supervised and given clear instructions and know what isrequired of them?

� They have access to washing and toilet facilities?� They have the right tools, equipment, plant and protective clothing?� You discuss health and safety issues with them and or their representatives?

When you subcontract work to others, do you:

� Periodically check the health and safety performances of the people you planto use?

� Give them the health and safety information they need for the work andensure that they are competent before they start with the work?

� Discuss the work with them before they start?� Make sure that you have provided everything you agreed to (e.g. safe

scaffolds, the right plant, access to welfare, etc)?� Check their performance and remedy shortcomings?

� Can everyone get to their place of work safely – and work there safely?� Are access routes in a good condition and clearly signposted?� Are edges from which people could fall provided with sufficient guard rails or

other suitable edge protection?� Are holes covered, guarded, fenced and clearly marked to prevent falls?

Employ

Subcontract

Acces on site

3

� Is the site tidy and are materials stored safely?� Is lighting adequate?

� Are toilets readily available and are they kept clean and properly lit?� Are there washbasins, running water, soap and disposable towels?� Is there a space to change, dry and store clothing?� Is drinking water and cups provided?� Is there a facility where workers can sit and prepare hot drinks etc.?� Can everyone who needs to use the welfare facilities access it easily and

safely?

� Are scaffolds erected,altered and dismantled bycompetent people?

� Are all uprights providedwith base plates (and,where necessary, timbersole plates)?

� Are all uprights, ledgers,braces and struts inposition?

� Is the scaffold secured tothe building or structure inenough places to preventcollapse?

� Are there sufficient guardrails and toe boards, orother suitable protection, atevery edge to preventfalling?

� Are additional brick guardsprovided to preventmaterials falling fromscaffolds?

Problem: This scaffold was not attached to the walland as a loose standing platform endangered the livesof workers.

4

Scaffolds

Welfare

� Are the working platforms fully boarded, and are the boards arranged to avoidtipping or tripping?

� Are there effective barriers or warning notices in place to stop people usingan incomplete scaffold, e.g. where working platforms are not fully boarded?

� Is the scaffold strong enough to carry the weight of materials stored on it andare these evenly distributed?

� Are scaffolds being properly maintained?� Does a competent person inspect the scaffold regularly, e.g. at least once a

week, and always after it has been altered, damaged and following extremeweather?

� Are the results of inspections recorded?� Have proprietary tower scaffolds been erected and are they being used in

accordance with suppliersʼ instructions?� Have the wheels of tower scaffolds been locked when in use and are the

platforms empty when they are moved?

� Are ladders correctly usedto do the job?

� Are they in a goodcondition?

� Do ladders rest on andagainst a solid surface andnot on or against fragile orinsecure materials?

� Are ladders secured toprevent them slippingsideways or outwards?

� Do ladders rise a sufficientheight above their landingplace? if not, are thereother hand-holdsavailable?

� Are the ladders positionedso that users donʼt have toover-stretch?

5

A scaffold should neverbe used as a ladder.

Ladders

� Is there edge protection to stop people or materials falling?� During industrial roofing, have nets been provided to stop people falling from

the leading edge of the roof and from partially fixed sheets?� Where nets are used, have they been hung safely?� Have you identified fragile materials such as cement sheets and roof lights?� Have you taken precautions to stop workers falling through fragile materials

when working on the roof?� Has there been demarcated areas and are workers kept away from the area

below the roof work?

� Is there adequate support for the excavation, or has it been sloped, steppedor battered back to a safe angle?

� Is a safe method used for putting in the support, without people working in anunsupported trench?

� Is there safe access into the excavation, e.g. a sufficiently long, securedladder?

� Are there ladders at regular intervals?� Are there barriers or other protection to stop people and vehicles falling in?� Are properly secured stop blocks provided to prevent tipping vehicles falling

in?� Are vehicles allowed to approach a trench to a distance within an area that

can cause a collapse?� Could the excavation affect the stability of neighboring structures or services?� Are materials, remains (rubble) and plant stored away from the edge of the

excavation to reduce the chance of a collapse?� Is the excavation regularly inspected by a competent person?

� Are there heavy materials such as roof trusses, concrete lintels, curbstones orbagged products which could cause problems if they have to be moved byhand?

6

Excavations

Manual handling

Roofwork

If so, can you:1. Choose lighter

materials?2. Use wheelbarrows,

hoists, telehandlers,and other plant orequipment so thatmanual lifting of heavyobjects is kept to aminimum?

3. Order materials suchas cement andaggregates in 25 kgbags?

4. Avoid the repetitivelaying of heavy buildingblocks weighing morethan 20 kg?

� Have people been instructedand trained how to lift heavyobjects safely?

� Are vehicles and pedestrians separated by barriers?� If not, do you:

1. Use barriers to separate work areas?2. Raise awareness about the risk areas, and what to do about it?3. Display warning signs?

� Is there adequate clearance around slewing vehicles?� Can reversing be avoided e.g. by using a one-way system or, if not, are

properly trained banksmen used?� Are vehicles and plant properly maintained, e.g. do the steering, lights,

7

Use wheelbarrows, hoists,telehandlers, and other plant orequipment so that manual lifting ofheavy objects is kept to a minimum?

Traffic, vehicles and plant

handbrake andfootbrake workproperly?

� Have drivers receivedproper training andcertificates requiredfor operating certaintypes of liftingvehicles or plant theyare operating?

� Are loads properlysecured?

� Have you made surethat passengers areonly carried onvehicles designed tocarry them?

� Have you made surethat plant andvehicles are not usedon dangerousslopes?

� Are the right tools or machinery being used for the job?� Are all dangerous parts guarded, e.g. gears, chain drivers, projecting engine

shafts?� Are guards secured and in good repair?� Are tools and machinery maintained in good repair and are all safety devices

operating correctly?� Are all operators trained and competent?

8

Tools and machinery

Protective clothing shouldalways be worn during

manual handling. Note theone worker without glovesand two without hard hats.

� Has the equipment been installed by a competent person?� Are the operators trained and competent?� Is the rated capacity clearly marked?� Does the hoist have a current report or thorough examination and a record of

inspection?� Is there a suitable base enclosure to prevent people from being struck by any

moving part of the hoist?� Are the landing gates kept shut except when the platform is at the landing?

� Are there emergency procedures, e.g. for evacuating the site in case of fire?� Do people on site know what the procedures are?� Is there a means of raising the alarm, and how often is it tested?� Is there a way to contact the emergency services from the site?� Are there adequate escape routes and are these kept clear?� Is there adequate first aid provision?

� Is the quantity of flammable materials, liquids and gases kept to a minimum?� Are they properly stored?� Are flammable gas cylinders returned to a ventilated store at the end of the

shift?� Are full and empty cylinders stored separately and clearly indicated?� Are smoking and other ignition sources banned in areas where gases or

flammable liquids are store or used?� Are gas cylinders, associated hoses and equipment properly maintained and

in good condition?� When gas cylinders are not in use, are the valves fully closed?� Is flammable and combustible waste removed regularly and stored in suitable

bins or skips?� Are suitable fire extinguishers provided?

9

Hoists

Emergencies

Fire

� Have you identified all harmful substances and materials, such as asbestos,lead, solvents, paints, cement and dust?

� Have you checked whether a licensed contractor is needed to deal withasbestos on site? (Most work with asbestos requires a license, although youcan do some very limited work with materials that contain asbestos withoutone)

� Have you identified and put into place precautions to prevent or controlexposure to hazardous substances, by:

- doing the work in a different way, to remove the risk entirely?- using a less hazardous material?- using tools fitted with dust extraction?

� Have workers had information and training so they know what the risks arefrom the hazardous substances used and produced on site, and what theyneed to do to avoid those risks?

� Have you got procedures to prevent contact with wet cement (as this cancause dermatitis and cement burns)?

10

Hazardous substances

Are suitable fire extinguishers provided?

� Have you arranged health surveillance for people using certain hazardoussubstances (e.g. lead)?

� Have the workers had the information and training so they know what therisks are from noise on site, and what they need to do to avoid those risks?

� Have you identified and assessed workers exposure to noise?� Can the noise be reduced by using different working methods or selecting

quiet plant, e.g. by fitting breakers and other plant or machinery withsilencers?

� Are people not involved in the work kept away from the source of the noise?� Is suitable hearing protection provided and worn in noisy areas?� Have hearing protection zones been marked?� Have you arranged health surveillance for people exposed to high levels of

noise?

11

Noise

Is suitable hearing protection provided and worn in noisy areas?

� Have the workers had information and training so they know what the risksare from hand-arm vibration (HAV) on site, and what they need to do to avoidthose risks?

� Have you identified and assessed risks to workers from prolonged use ofvibrating tools such as concrete breakers, angle grinders or hammer drills?

� Has exposure to HAV been reduced as much as possible by selectingsuitable work methods and plant?

� Are reduced-vibration tools used wherever possible?� Have vibrating tools been properly maintained?� Have you arranged health surveillance for people exposed to high levels of

hand-arm vibration, especially when exposed for long periods?

12

Hand-arm vibration

Have vibrating tools been properly maintained?

� Have all necessary services been provided on site before work begins andhave you also identified existing services present on site (e.g. electric cablesor gas mains) and taken effective steps, if necessary, to prevent danger fromthem?

� Are you using low voltage for tools and equipment, e.g battery operated toolsor low voltage systems?

� Are cables and leads protected from damage?� Are all connections to the system properly made and are suitable plugs used?� Are tools and equipment checked by users, visually examined on site and

regularly inspected and tested by a competent person?� Have hidden electricity cables and other services been located (e.g. with a

locator and plans) and marked, and have you taken precautions for safeworking?

13

Electricity control boxes should always be covered and locked properly.

Electricity and other services

� Where there are overhead lines, has the electricity supply been turned off, orhave other precautions been taken, such as providing ʻgoal postsʼ or tapedmarkers?

� Is the work fenced off from the public?� Are roadworks barriered off and lit?� Are the public protected from the falling material?

� When work has stopped for the day:

1. Is the perimeter of the site adequately protected?2. Are all ladders removed or their rungs boarded so that they cannot be

used?3. Are excavations and openings securely covered or fenced off?4. Is all plant immobilised to prevent unauthorized use?5. Are bricks and materials safely stacked?6. Are flammable or dangerous substances locked away in secure storage

places?

14

Protecting the public

15

Eastern Cape

Aliwal North Tel: (051) 633 2633Butterworth Tel: (047) 491 0656Cradock Tel: (048) 881 3010East London Tel: (043) 702 7500Fort Beaufort Tel: (046) 645 4686Graaf-Reinet Tel: (049) 892 2142Grahamstown Tel: (046) 622 2104King Williamʼs

Town Tel: (043) 643 4756Lusikisiki Tel: (039) 253 1996Maclear Tel: (045) 932 1424Mdantsane Tel: (043) 761 3151Mount Ayliff Tel: (039) 254 0282Mthatha Tel: (047) 501 5600Port Elizabeth Tel: (041) 506 5000Queenstown Tel: (045) 807 5400Uitenhage Tel: (041) 992 4627

Free State

Bethlehem Tel: (058) 303 5293Bloemfontein Tel: (051) 505 6215Botshabelo Tel: (051) 534 3789Ficksburg Tel: (051) 933 2299Harrismith Tel: (058) 623 2977Kroonstad Tel: (056) 215 1812Petrusburg Tel: (053) 574 0932Phuthaditjhaba Tel: (058) 713 0373

Sasolburg Tel: (016) 970 3200Welkom Tel: (057) 391 0200Zastron Tel: (051) 673 1471

Gauteng North

Atteridgeville Tel: (012) 386 5116Bronkhorstspruit Tel: (013) 932 0197Garankuwa Tel: (012) 702 4525Krugersdorp Tel: (011) 955 4420Mamelodi Tel: (012) 805 5090Pretoria Tel: (012) 309 5050Randfontein Tel: (011) 693 3618Soshanguve Tel: (012) 799 7395Temba Tel: (012) 717 9500

Gauteng South

Alberton Tel: (011) 861 6130Benoni Tel: (011) 747 9601Boksburg Tel: (011) 898 3340Brakpan Tel: (011) 744 9000Carletonville Tel: (018) 788 3281Germiston Tel: (011) 345 6300Johannesburg Tel: (011) 497 3163Kempton Park Tel: (011) 975 9301Nigel Tel: (011) 814 7095Randburg Tel: (011) 781 8144Roodepoort Tel: (011) 766 2000Sandton Tel: (011) 444 7631

Eastern CapeEast London Tel: (043) 701 3000Free StateBloemfontein Tel: (051) 505 6200Gauteng NorthPretoria Tel: (012) 309 5000Gauteng SouthJohannesburg Tel: (011) 497 3222KwaZulu-NatalDurban Tel: (031) 366 2000

LimpopoPolokwane Tel: (015) 290 1744MpumalangaWitbank Tel: (013) 655 8700North WestMafikeng Tel: (018) 387 1800Northern CapeKimberley Tel: (053) 838 1500Western CapeCape Town Tel: (021) 441 8000

Labour Centres of the Department of Labour

Contact detailsProvincial Offices of the Department of Labour

16Layout and design by the Media Production Unit, Chief Directorate of Communication,

Department of Labour. Website: www.labour.gov.za

Sebokeng Tel: (016) 988 2626Soweto Tel: (011) 939 1200Springs Tel: (011) 365 3700Vanderbijlpark Tel: (016) 981 0280Vereeniging Tel: (016) 430 0000

KwaZulu-Natal

Dundee Tel: (034) 212 3147Durban Tel: (031) 336 1559Estcourt Tel: (036) 352 2161Kokstad Tel: (039) 727 2140Ladysmith Tel: (036) 638 1900Newcastle Tel: (034) 312 6038Pietermaritzburg Tel: (033) 341 5300Pinetown Tel: (031) 700 2206Port Shepstone Tel: (039) 682 2406Prospecton Tel: (031) 902 1590Richards Bay Tel: (035) 780 8700Richmond Tel: (033) 212 2768Stanger Tel: (032) 551 4291Ulundi Tel: (035) 879 1439Verulam Tel: (032) 533 5050Vryheid Tel: (034) 980 8820

Limpopo

Giyani Tel: (015) 812 9041Jane Furse Tel: (013) 265 7210Lebowakgomo Tel: (015) 633 9360Lephalale Tel: (014) 763 2162Makhado Tel: (015) 516 0207Modimolle Tel: (014) 717 1046Mokopani Tel: (015) 491 5973Phalaborwa Tel: (015) 781 5114Polokwane Tel: (015) 299 5000Seshego Tel: (015) 223 7020Thohoyandou Tel: (015) 960 1300Tzaneen Tel: (015) 306 2600

Mpumalanga

Baberton Tel: (031) 712 3066Bethal Tel: (017) 647 5212Carolina Tel: (017) 843 1077Eerstehoek Tel: (017) 883 2414eMalahleni Tel: (013) 653 3800Ermelo Tel: (017) 819 7632Groblersdal Tel: (013) 262 3150

Kwamhlanga Tel: (013) 947 3173KaMhlushwa Tel: (013) 785 0010Lydenburg Tel: (013) 235 2368Middelburg Tel: (013) 283 3600Nelspruit Tel: (013) 753 2844Piet Retief Tel: (017) 826 1883Sabie Tel: (013) 764 2105Secunda Tel: (017) 631 2594Standerton Tel: (017) 712 1351Volksrust Tel: (017) 735 2994

Northern Cape

Calvinia Tel: (027) 341 1280De Aar Tel: (053) 631 0952Kimberley Tel: (053) 838 1500Kuruman Tel: (053) 712 3952Postmasburg Tel: (053) 313 0641Springbok Tel: (027) 718 1058Upington Tel: (054) 331 1752

North West

Brits Tel: (012) 252 3068Christiana Tel: (053) 441 2120Klerksdorp Tel: (018) 464 8700Lichtenburg Tel: (018) 632 4323Mafikeng Tel: (018) 381 1010Mogwase Tel: (014) 555 5693Potchefstroom Tel: (018) 297 5100Rustenburg Tel: (014) 592 8214Taung Tel: (053) 994 1710Vryburg Tel: (053) 927 5221

Western Cape

Beaufort West Tel: (023) 414 3427Bellville Tel: (021) 941 7000Cape Town Tel: (021) 460 5911Claremont Tel: (021) 683 2388George Tel: (044) 801 1201Knysna Tel: (044) 382 3150Mitchellʼs Plain Tel: (021) 376 1771Mossel Bay Tel: (044) 691 1140Oudtshoorn Tel: (044) 272 4370Paarl Tel: (021) 872 2020Somerset West Tel: (021) 852 2535Vredenburg Tel: (022) 715 1627Worcester Tel: (023) 347 0152