Programme Overview

This Health and Safety Representative (H&S Rep) Training equips appointed Safety Reps with the knowledge and practical skills required to perform their duties effectively in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The training focuses on legal responsibilities, workplace inspections, hazard identification, incident reporting, and promoting a strong safety culture.

COURSE MODULES

🟢 Module 1: Introduction to OHS & Legal Framework

  • Purpose of Occupational Health & Safety
  • Employer and employee duties
  • Rights of Safety Representatives
  • Legal appointments (Section 17 & 19)
  • Overview of OHS Act requirements

🟢 Module 2: Role and Functions of a Health & Safety Representative

  • Responsibilities of Safety Reps
  • Conducting inspections
  • Identifying unsafe acts and conditions
  • Participating in investigations
  • Reporting to management
  • Representing employees

🟢 Module 3: Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (Basic HIRA)

  • Types of workplace hazards
    • Physical
    • Chemical
    • Biological
    • Ergonomic
    • Psychosocial
  • Risk assessment steps
  • Control measures (Hierarchy of Controls)
  • Completing a basic risk assessment form

🟢 Module 4: Workplace Inspections

  • Inspection planning
  • Using inspection checklists
  • Identifying non-compliance
  • Writing inspection reports
  • Follow-up and corrective action tracking

🟢 Module 5: Incident Reporting & Investigation Participation

  • Types of workplace incidents
  • Reporting procedures
  • Basic investigation principles
  • Root cause basics
  • Documentation and record keeping

🟢 Module 6: Health & Safety Committees

  • Formation of safety committees
  • Roles and structure
  • Conducting effective meetings
  • Recording minutes
  • Communication between employer & employees

🟢 Module 7: Emergency Preparedness & Basic Fire Safety

  • Emergency procedures
  • Evacuation plans
  • Assembly points
  • Fire extinguisher awareness
  • Role of Safety Rep during emergencies

🟢 Module 8: Promoting a Safety Culture

  • Toolbox talks
  • Safety awareness campaigns
  • Worker engagement
  • Reporting unsafe behaviour
  • Continuous improvement mindset

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

✔ Understand their legal responsibilities
✔ Conduct workplace inspections
✔ Identify and report hazards
✔ Participate in incident investigations
✔ Support safety committee functions
✔ Promote a safe working environment

Target Audience

  • Appointed Health & Safety Representatives
  • Shop Stewards
  • Supervisors
  • Team Leaders
  • Safety Committee Members
  • Employee Representatives

Assessment & Certification

  • Assessment includes:
    • Practical workplace inspection exercise
    • Basic risk assessment activity
    • Short written knowledge test

    Upon successful completion, participants receive:

    🎓 Health and Safety Representative Certificate

Duration

2–3 Days (Contact Training)
OR
Blended / On-site Practical Option Available