Persons Responsible For Inspections

In terms of Section 16 of the OHS Act the CEO of the company is responsible for the company’s compliance to legislation, which makes him directly responsible for inspections prescribed by law.

Section 16(2), however, states that he may delegate his duties to any person under his control, who will act subject to the control and direction of the CEO.

Management must ensure that inspections are carried out by people adequately qualified for the task.  Adequate training should be provided to develop and improve skills of inspectors.  It is eventually to the company’s benefit to use highly skilled inspectors to identify potential problem areas timely as this will prevent incidents and ultimately loss of profit.

Inspectors may include:

• health and safety reps for regular inspections in their area of responsibility,
• competent persons for legal compliance inspections, (Demand certificate of competence if necessary)
• maintenance personnel and supervisors will follow planned maintenance schedules,
• line supervisors will carry out regular and legal compliance inspections and also monitor inspections done by workers under him,
• union representatives,
• contracted specialists in their fields of expertise, e.g. engineer, health practitioner, safety or environment consultant, etc.