Sanjay Munnoo

The right to health and safety at work is a fundamental human right. Globally, there are robust laws, as well as industry regulations and occupational safety best practice rules in place to ensure the safety of workers. The International Labour Organization describes occupational health and safety (OHS) as “the discipline dealing with the prevention of work-related injuries and diseases, as well as the protection and promotion of the health of workers”. Many companies, particularly those in comparatively high-risk industries (such as construction, manufacturing and mining) have dedicated health and safety officers, and in larger organisations, health and safety committees, to ensure adherence to safety laws and regulations. South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993, requires the employer to bring about and maintain, as far as reasonably practicable, a work environment that is safe and without risk to the health of the workers.