Smoking in the workplace
I was doing a company visit with our in-house risk assessor and while waiting to see the client, Pieter mentioned that the company we were seeing had a lack of non-smoking signs. This sparked a conversation on smoking in the workplace. What many people may not know is that it is in fact illegal to smoke in any other place other than in a designated smoking area.
The Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act No. 83 of 1993
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after the inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a significantly toxic gas, but, being colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating, it is very difficult for people to detect.[1] Exposures at 100 ppm can be life-threatening. In the United States, OSHA limits long-term workplace exposure levels to 50 ppm.
Should companies appoint health and safety representatives for the workplace?
The strangest thing about Occupational Health and safety in the workplace is that employers still view the subject as a “grudge purchase”. What employers must understand that there are inherent benefits to the company too. A safe working environment is good for everyone in the workplace; yes it even includes the management. Having an expert do a risk assessment often exposes areas that may seem to be safe when in fact may cause serious problems.
Hazardous Material
The strange thing about hazardous materials is that we all think that we are not exposed to them. In fact, what is surprising about them is that we are exposed to them more times than we know. People are exposed to dangerous products in the workplace and often even in the home.
Health and Safety in small businessThe concept of Health and Safety in a small business is an awkward one. In fact for most people in their own business the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993 applies only to large companies and not to them. The act however, does not distinguish a large company from a small one man owned business.
Smoking in the workplace
I was doing a company visit with our in-house risk assessor and while waiting to see the client, Pieter mentioned that the company we were seeing had a lack of non-smoking signs. This sparked a conversation on smoking in the workplace. What many people may not know is that it is in fact illegal to smoke in any other place other than in a designated smoking area.
The Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act No. 83 of 1993
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after the inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a significantly toxic gas, but, being colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating, it is very difficult for people to detect.[1] Exposures at 100 ppm can be life-threatening. In the United States, OSHA limits long-term workplace exposure levels to 50 ppm.
Should companies appoint health and safety representatives for the workplace?
The strangest thing about Occupational Health and safety in the workplace is that employers still view the subject as a “grudge purchase”. What employers must understand that there are inherent benefits to the company too. A safe working environment is good for everyone in the workplace; yes it even includes the management. Having an expert do a risk assessment often exposes areas that may seem to be safe when in fact may cause serious problems.
Hazardous Material
The strange thing about hazardous materials is that we all think that we are not exposed to them. In fact, what is surprising about them is that we are exposed to them more times than we know. People are exposed to dangerous products in the workplace and often even in the home.
Health and Safety in small businessThe concept of Health and Safety in a small business is an awkward one. In fact for most people in their own business the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993 applies only to large companies and not to them. The act however, does not distinguish a large company from a small one man owned business.