OHS Services
and audits

Ensuring health and safety compliance is crucial for every business in South Africa, as mandated by the OHS Act 85 of 1993. A comprehensive workplace risk assessment conducted by certified health and safety auditors is essential to achieve compliance and obtain a Health and Safety Compliance Certificate. These audits meticulously identify potential hazards, evaluate existing safety measures, and ensure all standards are met, thereby safeguarding employees and visitors. Partnering with a reputable service like Driving Sense not only fulfills legal obligations but also fosters a secure working environment, reinforcing trust and confidence among stakeholders.
 
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Health and Safety Compliance Audit 

Every business in South Africa is legally required to comply with the OHS Act 85 of 1993 and must have a valid Health and Safety Compliance Certificate. Achieving compliance typically involves a comprehensive workplace risk assessment conducted by health and safety auditors. These auditors should be affiliated with health and safety institutes registered with the relevant national boards.
 
During the audit, auditors will identify any hazards or workplace risks that could affect the health and safety of employees or visitors. They will also evaluate the effectiveness of existing safety control measures. If the premises are found to be free from current and potential future risks and meet all relevant standards, they will be declared legally compliant. Subsequently, the business will be issued a Health and Safety Compliance Certificate, confirming its safe operation status. Compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a crucial aspect of ensuring a safe working environment for everyone.
 
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Risk Assessments

A risk assessment is a systematic process used to identify potential hazards and analyze what could happen if those hazards cause an incident. It involves evaluating the likelihood and potential consequences of undesired events, allowing for informed decisions on how to manage and mitigate risks. The main steps typically include:
 
Identifying Hazards: Recognizing anything that may cause harm, such as chemicals, electricity, working from heights, etc.
Evaluating Risks: Determining the likelihood and severity of harm from the identified hazards.
 
Implementing Control Measures: Deciding on appropriate ways to eliminate or control the risks.
 
Recording Findings: Documenting the hazards, their associated risks, and the measures taken to control them.
Reviewing and Updating: Regularly reassessing risks to account for any changes in the workplace or processes.
 
Risk assessments are essential for ensuring the health and safety of employees and others who may be affected by workplace activities. They help organizations comply with legal requirements and create a safer work environment.
 

OHS Monthly retainer

An OHS retainer is a service agreement where an organization pays a predetermined fee to secure ongoing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) support and services from Driving Sense. This arrangement typically includes access to OHS expertise, regular site visits, audits, risk assessments, training, and consultation to ensure the organization remains compliant with relevant health and safety regulations.
 
Key benefits of an OHS retainer include:
 
  • Consistent Support: Regular access to OHS professionals for guidance and advice.
  • Proactive Management: Ongoing monitoring and management of workplace health and safety risks.
  • Cost-Effective: Fixed fees help with budgeting and often cost less than ad-hoc services.
  • Compliance Assurance: Ensures continuous compliance with health and safety laws and regulations.
  • Tailored Services: Customized support and services to meet the specific needs of the organization.
 
Overall, an OHS retainer provides peace of mind by maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Health and Safety Files 

A Health and Safety File is a comprehensive collection of documents and records that provide detailed information about the health and safety management of a specific project or workplace. It serves as an essential tool for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and is typically required in construction and various other industries.
 
Key components of a Health and Safety File include:
  • Company or Project Details: Information about the Company / Project, including its scope, duration, and key stakeholders.
  • Risk Assessments: Documentation of identified hazards, assessed risks, and implemented control measures.
  • Safety Plans: Detailed plans outlining health and safety procedures and protocols to be followed.
  • Training Records: Records of health and safety training provided to employees and contractors.
  • Incident Reports: Documentation of any accidents, incidents, or near-misses that occurred during the project.
  • Legal and Compliance Documents: Copies of relevant permits, licenses, and compliance certificates.
  • Emergency Procedures: Plans and procedures for dealing with emergencies, including contact details for emergency services.
  • Inspection and Audit Reports: Records of safety inspections, audits, and any corrective actions taken.
  • Communication Records: Logs of health and safety meetings, toolbox talks, and other communications.
  • Maintenance Records: Documentation of the maintenance and inspection of equipment and machinery. The Health and Safety File is maintained throughout the lifecycle of a project and is handed over to the client upon project completion. It ensures that all necessary health and safety information is available for future reference and ongoing safety management.
 

Evacuation Drills

An evacuation drill is a structured practice exercise designed to prepare an organization’s workforce for an emergency or disaster that requires evacuation. Conducting these drills bi-annually ensures that everyone knows the procedures to follow and can evacuate safely and efficiently in a real emergency.

Driving Sense offers comprehensive evacuation drill services to assist organizations in this crucial safety practice. Our services include:

  • Scenario Staging: We send a team to your organization to help create a realistic emergency scenario, simulating conditions that might occur during an actual disaster.
  • Drill Execution: Our team conducts the evacuation drill, guiding employees through the process and ensuring all steps are followed correctly.
  • Performance Evaluation: After the drill, we generate a detailed written report. 

By providing these services, Driving Sense helps organizations ensure their workforce is well-prepared for emergencies, enhancing overall safety and compliance with legal requirements.

Evacuation Plan An evacuation plan outlines the procedures and routes for safely exiting a building or area in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, natural disaster, or other hazardous situations. It is a crucial component of an organization’s overall safety strategy and is essential for protecting the health and safety of employees, visitors, and other occupants.

Components of an Evacuation Plan:

  • Clear Evacuation Routes: Maps and diagrams showing primary and secondary exits.
  • Assembly Points: Designated safe areas where evacuees should gather after exiting the building.
  • Roles and Responsibilities: Assignment of specific roles, such as evacuation coordinators and fire wardens, who will assist and guide others during an evacuation.
  • Communication Procedures: Methods for alerting occupants about the emergency and coordinating the evacuation.
  • Special Provisions: Plans for assisting individuals with disabilities or other special needs.
  • Emergency Contacts: Information on who to contact during and after the evacuation.

An effective evacuation plan helps to minimize risks by ensuring that everyone knows how to respond in an emergency, thereby reducing the likelihood of injuries or fatalities.

 Regularly practicing the evacuation plan through drills ensures that employees are familiar with the procedures, making actual evacuations smoother and more efficient.

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