226302-001-01-KM-01, Fundamentals of Occupational Health and Safety, NQF Level 3, Credits 4

Key Stakeholders: Employers (provide safe environment, resources), Employees (comply, report), Trade Unions (support workers reporting unsafe, redress injuries, promote culture), Government Authorities DEL (enforce legislation, inspections, investigations, penalties, awareness campaigns), Occupational Health Professionals (nurses, doctors, hygienists, specialists: risk assessment, medical surveillance, control measures hazardous substances, wellness programs), Suppliers and Contractors (products meet safety standards, clear instructions, risk assessments, comply regulations, communicate hazards). Collaboration creates safer environment.

Consequences when stakeholder does not execute duty: Legal Ramifications OHSA obligation fines penalties criminal charges, Financial Losses compensation claims medical expenses productivity loss damage equipment, Reputation Damage, injuries fatalities. Steps safety rep when others non-compliance: Communication highlighting importance, Risk Assessment identifying hazards resulting from non-compliance, Training and Education, Reporting to authorities, Collaboration with management, Enforcement seeking regulatory agencies legal authorities.

KT0501 Framework: OHSA 1993 mandates workplaces >20 employees appoint health and safety reps elected by employees or appointed by trade unions. Duties: identifying potential hazards, investigating incidents, making recommendations. Committees: workplaces >50 employees establish H&S committees consisting employer+employee reps meeting regularly discussing issues reviewing incidents developing strategies mitigating risks.

KT0502 Specified requirements to conduct representation activities: Training (hazard ID, risk assessment, emergency procedures, legislation), Resources (information, training materials, PPE, management support), Reporting Mechanisms clear, empowerment report without fear retaliation, Compliance OHSA regulations failure penalties.

KT0503 Process addressing SHE issues within scope authority: Understanding Legislation OHSA, MHSA, NEMA, Risk Assessment Hazard Identification systematic, Developing Policies Procedures safety protocols emergency procedures environmental management, Training and Awareness PPE use emergency response, Monitoring Enforcement internal audits inspections regulatory, Incident Reporting Investigation root causes corrective, Continuous Improvement reviewing policies periodic risk assessments lessons learned, Stakeholder Engagement employees communities regulatory industry associations.

KT0504 Compliance activities within structures: Understand Regulatory Framework, Conduct Risk Assessments regular, Implement Safety Management Systems procedures identifying hazards reporting incidents training compliance, Provide Training Awareness, Monitor Compliance audits inspections, Engage Stakeholders, Maintain Documentation risk assessments training incident reports audits.

KT0505 Purpose of OHS rep: Functions as described in legislation, Rights and duties employer employees, Rights and powers health safety representatives. Liaison between employees and management addressing health and safety concerns.

KT0506 Process appointing representations: Negotiation and consultation with trade unions or employee structures, if none consult employees directly, Designation of working places entire factories individual departments specific areas number depends size, Qualification Requirements basic understanding OHS willingness undergo training commitment promoting culture, Election and Appointment free fair all eligible vote appointments by employers if no suitable candidates mandatory training within 3 months.

KT0507 Functions of OHS Committees: Structure various committees, Rights and powers, Legal obligation employer to support provide resources time off meetings training access info funding safety initiatives take recommendations seriously failure fines penalties, Importance compliance Protecting Employees safe environment, Legal Obligations, Productivity Efficiency higher productivity secure environment reduces absenteeism, Reputation Management ethical business.

KT0601 Definition emergency: sudden unforeseen event requiring immediate action to prevent harm. Examples: Fire, Medical (heart attacks, strokes, injuries), Natural Disasters floods storms earthquakes SA prone, Chemical Spills Gas Leaks, Security threats.

KT0602 Difference preparedness vs response: Preparedness planning ahead mitigate impact (risk assessment, emergency response plan, training, drills, communication protocols, assembly points, equipment checks). Response actions during emergency (evacuation, first aid, containment, communication). Examples preparedness: develop plan, train staff, maintain extinguishers alarms exit signs. Response: activate alarm, evacuate, provide first aid.

KT0603 Roles various role players to ensure organisation adequately prepared: Emergency Planning, Resource allocation, Training, Coordination.

KT0604 Roles when emergency occurs: Incident Commander overall leadership decision-making coordinate response delegate tasks assess situation directing evacuation coordinating external agencies. Communication Coordinator manages internal external communication liaise emergency services stakeholders provide updates mitigate panic PR. Safety Officer assesses mitigating hazards monitor safety protocols. Medical First Responder immediate assistance first aid coordinate EMS. Evacuation Coordinator develops implements evacuation plans conducts drills ensures orderly evacuations accounts individuals including disabilities. Operations Manager logistical support resources critical operations resumption. Documentation Specialist records incident details lessons learned continuous improvement.

Evacuation Principles: Identify Evacuation Routes clearly mark exits, Establish Assembly Points outside building, Employee Training regular drills familiarize procedures assisting individuals disabilities, Communication alarms intercoms messaging systems designate wardens coordinating accounting employees, Accessibility Special Needs consider disabilities mobility challenges, Review and Update based feedback drills changes layout new regulations, Collaboration Authorities local fire police emergency services compliance national standards, Clear Routes unobstructed well-lit accessible, Assistance Vulnerable, Accountability tracking personnel, Emergency Equipment Checks maintenance fire extinguishers alarms exit signs, Post-Emergency Evaluation continuous enhancement.

KT0701 Hazard identification risk assessment: Process identifying hazards assessing risks rating. Practical Examples manufacturing moving machinery hazardous chemicals ergonomic repetitive tasks. Steps: Identification thorough inspections risk assessments historical data, Risk Assessment likelihood occurrence severity consequences, Risk Rating low medium high, Priority Setting higher ratings greater likelihood severe consequences given higher priority mitigation, Monitor and review effectiveness control measures regular inspections evaluations. Example crush injuries from machinery lacking guarding evaluating frequency safeguards implementing guards training lockout/tagout inspections ensure intact.

KT0702 Priority setting relate to hazard risk rating: Decision-making limited resources ranking importance urgency criteria severity likelihood potential impact. Process steps as above. Mitigation hierarchy.

KT0704 Basic health and safety principles in and around workplace: Governed OHSA 1993 Risk Assessment regular identifying risks evaluating impact control eliminate, Training Information proper operation equipment handling hazardous materials emergency procedures, PPE head injuries eye respiratory, Emergency Procedures fires chemical spills natural disasters trained regularly, First Aid trained first-aiders well-equipped kits, Safe Work Practices lifting techniques ergonomic workstation regular breaks prevent musculoskeletal injuries, Reporting Systems hazards near misses accidents timely rectification.

KT0706 Harmful gases and vapours, KT0707 Fans, measurements performance, KT0707 Toxicological principles: SA regulations ventilation cooling compliance safety standards. Toxicology adverse effects chemicals living organisms. Identification Hazardous Chemicals properties health effects safety measures, Risk Assessment exposure level, Exposure Monitoring measuring chemical concentrations air surfaces biological samples blood urine, Control Measures engineering ventilation administrative training PPE gloves masks goggles, Emergency Response spills leaks exposures training, Health Surveillance medical examinations biological monitoring records, Compliance Department Employment Labour penalties. Fans: installation meet standards.

KT0708 Human anatomy, physiology, pathology – behavioural aspects human factors ergonomics repetitive injuries: Behavioural aspects workplace stress management communication teamwork leadership coping mechanisms cultural diversity historical contexts SA. Human Factors humans interact tools equipment tasks cognitive abilities physical sensory emotional states optimizing reduce errors improve satisfaction prevent accidents. Ergonomics designing workspaces fit physical cognitive abilities preventing musculoskeletal disorders proper workstation ergonomic furniture posture breaks long-term well-being. Repetitive Injuries common mining manufacturing agriculture healthcare repetitive tasks awkward postures extended training ergonomic interventions job rotation health assessments.

KT0709 Uncontrolled explosions, KT0710 Fires, KT0711 Hand Operated Fire Fighting Equipment: Uncontrolled explosions risks individuals property environment factors mechanical failures improper handling hazardous substances inadequate safety measures. Fires workplace. Use Hand Operated Fire Fighting Equipment: Portable extinguishers designated types expected fires hands-on training discharging specific types designated to use training sessions, Exclusion training requirement if instructed evacuate immediately specified emergency action plan fire prevention plan unless specific mandates requiring trained personnel firefighting tasks while all workers must receive education on extinguishers.

KT0901 Difference between accident and incident: Accident sudden event causes serious illness or injury significant harm damage property significant consequences individuals organizations often property damage. Incident any unplanned event unwanted consequences may involve near-misses minor injuries property damage environmental harm work disruption productivity loss while negative not result major harm fatalities situations could have led accidents if preventive measures not in place. Accident is type incident results serious consequences severity outcome difference.

KT0902 Hierarchy how incidents lead to accidents: Hazardous Thoughts Attitudes Mindsets first level negative thoughts attitudes mindsets influence behavior ego-driven apathetic disregard safety protocols best practices leading potential hazards. Hazardous Conditions and Situations second level physical conditions situations workplace risks slippery surfaces congested areas inadequate resources failure recognize respect hazards increase likelihood. Hazardous Behaviours third level unsafe actions behaviours disregarding safety procedures taking unnecessary risks reckless conduct puts oneself others at risk. Leads to incidents then accidents.

KT0903 Basic process investigation: Respond to Incident promptly notify emergency responders secure site emergency equipment personnel transport injured medical facilities shutdown work block access dangerous materials. Plan Investigation take time plan ensure incident response team prepared avoid hasty mistakes. Gather Data and Accounts from Eyewitnesses collect evidence scene interview eyewitnesses fresh. Release Incident Scene for Further Work once initial data collected. Analyse Collected Data identify causes. Create Accident Report Share Findings detailed report share stakeholders. Determine Corrective Steps prevent future. Make Changes implement necessary changes based findings. References: Faith 1997 Black Box, OSHA Step-By-Step Guide, safetyresources.com breakdown, Taylor et al Enhancing OHS.