OHS Act Legal Appointments

Employers are accountable for employee health and safety. Employers, however, are typically corporate bodies or legal entities and are unable to carry out the obligations imposed on them by the Occupational Health & Safety Act 85 of 1993. As a result, in an effort to comply, the employer is obligated to designate personnel (managers, supervisors, and other staff) to carry out its tasks on its behalf.

When establishing these appointments, the employer must make sure that the individuals chosen are competent and trained to carry out the tasks on its behalf. The person making the appointment is responsible for making sure the person is compliant with the law.