1 OHS BRIEFING FOR PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON LABOUR 20 AUGUST 2002

2 OHS – Briefing for Portfolio Committee on Labour 1. Presentation Outline ( OHS Priorities for 2002 a)Integration of OHS and Compensation competencies b)OHS Awareness Campaign c)Capacity Development d)Backlog reduction

3 OHS - Briefing for Portfolio Committee on Labour e)Implementation of Inspection and Enforcement Strategy f)Creation of Stakeholder Structures

4 Integration of OHS and Compensation competencies BACKGROUND Cabinet decision of 1 December The creation of single statute for OHS and compensation competencies and that these functions ultimately vest in the Department of Labour.

5 Integration of OHS and Compensation competencies Ministers of Minerals and Energy and of Health amend their relevant legislation and thereby making the Minister of Labour responsible for the administration thereof and arrange transfer of funds for these functions.

6 Integration of OHS and Compensation competencies Minister of Labour to initiate and oversee all OHS and compensation activities and steps necessary for integration on advice of the interim tripartite structure that would monitor the process.

7 Integration of OHS and Compensation competencies Implementation Strategy The 3 DG’s established the Interdepartmental Committee to facilitate the implementation of cabinet decision. The interim National Steering Committee was created with tripartite representatives to advise Minister of Labour and monitor this integration process.

8 Integration of OHS and Compensation competencies The 3 DG’s advised that the cabinet vision be translated into a national policy developed under the leadership of the Minister of Labour in conjunction with Ministers of Health and Minerals and Energy.

9 Integration of OHS and Compensation competencies The national Steering Committee facilitated the drafting of overarching national OHS policy. Key tripartite stakeholders (COSATU, NACTU, FEDUSA and Business South Africa) made inputs.

10 POLICY PROPOSALS READY FOR ADOPTION BY THREE MINISTERS POLICY PROPOSAL TO BE TABLED IN CABINET GOVT POLICY TO BE DISCUSSED AT NEDLAC LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO BE TABLED IN PARLIAMENT

11 THE WAY FORWARD FOR INTEGRATION Approval of this draft policy document by cabinet as a basis for stakeholders debate at NEDLAC National Occupational Health and Safety Integration Bill be tabled in Parliament the earliest possible time. The purpose of the bill is to establish a National Occupational Health and Safety Authority which will effect cabinet decision, establish and implement the integrated national OHS system (pp 32-34)

12 OHS Awareness Campaign OHS strategic focus is prevention through awareness Signed National OHS Accord on 8 April 2002 Established National Forum for OHS Stakeholders. Launched the campaign on appointment of Health and Safety Representatives (HSR). Provincial Forums for OHS Stakeholders being created HSR blitz launched in August 2002

13 Joint Ventures with Social Partners Five provinces have created OHS Stakeholders Forum. Two provinces have signed OHS Accord with provincial partners. Nine provincial offices have created backlog focus units. The Advisory Council for OHS and the Diving Council meet periodically.

14 Joint ventures with Social Partners Liaison with Business Chambers has started (27 B/ Chambers targeted. Launched National Committee for OHS in Construction on 17 July Launched Electrical Safety forums in Gauteng and Limpopo.

15 CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Cleaning up the records to establish extent of backlog. Defining the backlog. Disaggregate cases. Developed strategy to handle backlog.

16 Capacity Building Technikon-SA & DOL agreement for inspector training inspectors completed training, 143 completed some modules. - In-house Training for inspectors with OHS focus. - Introduction to the SA Legal System 27 inspectors, OHS ACT 31 inspectors, HBA Re- gulations & Diving Regulations 126 inspectors and Construction Regulations 22 inspectors

17 Cooperative Governance Signed Memorandum of Understanding with: - NDT (National Department of Transport). - DME and SAPS agreed to sign MOU with DOL

18 Legislation/Regulations For improved enforcement these regulations have been developed & published for comments. - Explosives Regulations - Noise Induced Hearing Loss Regulations - General Administrative Regulations - Electrical Installation Regulations - Construction Regulations

19 Inspection & Enforcement Services(IES) IES Strategy introduced integrated inspection which is starting to increase awareness and reduce incidents Proactive Inspections Reactive Inspections Total Inspections – 4076 Tools of trade( cars & Cell phones) supplied

20 I THANK YOU