Determination of Fundamental Principles, Theories, Issues Pertaining to Occupational Safety, Health, Environmental Legislative Framework within Organizations in South Africa

Abstract

Occupational health and safety practices have generally been given little research attention. As a result, occupational health and safety has continued to remain outside mainstream organizational and management researches.  Working environments have various risks, which result in accidents and casualties. To prevent and minimize the occurrence of avoidable accidents, all workers should understand occupational safety and health. In terms of the OHSA and MHSA, the employer is responsible for the provision of health and safety in the workplace, including the costs for hazard identification and control and the provision of a medical surveillance program where applicable. Creating an effective workplace health and safety culture has the single greatest impact on accident reduction. While the health and safety challenges may change in the future, as the ILO’s recently released report indicates, the need to cut costs, keep workers healthy and at work, while reducing company risks, remains.