Thus far we touched upon pre-employment-, periodic- and exit medicals. But what is this ergonomic stuff MIWA talks about? Surely that is not part of occupational health?
Yes, it is! The Department of Employment and Labour gazetted the Ergonomics Regulations 2019 as part of the OHS Act (85/1993) in December 2019. And they are taking it seriously.
Here are a few pointers by eHealth Africa:
The employer
An employer must, after consultation with the health and safety committee and before the commencement of any work that may expose employees to ergonomic risk, have an ergonomic risk assessment (ERA) performed by a competent person.
This risk assessment must be repeated every two years and includes hazard identification and identification of all employees subjected to these risks. Subsequently, the employer must ensure exposure of employees to these risks is prevented or controlled.
Medical surveillance
Employees identified in the ERA must be placed under medical surveillance of an Occupational Medical Practitioner (doctor) along with any employees identified by an Occupational Health nurse (OHNP). This is another area where medicals kick in…
And that’s it really. The ergonomic regulations are part and parcel of Occupational Health, and it protects you. And old Homer. And could save you a lot of money.
Click here for more information.
Until next time, eHealth Africa wishes you the very best festive season ever. Come back safely, please.
PS. Oh, and never let Homer anywhere near your ergonomic risk assessment, please?