Safety representatives, first aiders, committees and the section 16(2) appointment: who needs what.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act applies to most South African workplaces, not only mines and factories. It requires certain appointments, and an inspector will ask to see them in writing.
The CEO and section 16(2): the chief executive officer is responsible for the employer's OHS duties. The CEO may assign some of those duties to other persons, the section 16(2) assignees, but remains accountable for making sure they are carried out.
Health and safety representatives: an employer with more than 20 employees at a workplace must designate health and safety representatives, generally at least one for every 50 employees (one for every 100 in shops and offices).
Health and safety committee: where two or more representatives have been designated, the employer must establish at least one health and safety committee, which must meet regularly.
First aiders: where more than 10 employees are present at a workplace, the employer must have at least one qualified first aider for every group of up to 50 employees, with a first aid box.
Other appointments depend on your risks, for example construction, electrical installations, machinery, lifting equipment, hazardous chemicals and fire safety.
Make it stick: put every appointment in writing, train the people appointed, keep their certificates current and review appointments when people leave.
This article is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. Speak to a MetaCo consultant about your organisation.