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Mauritius - 2015

  • 1 Description of national OSH regulatory framework

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  • 2 Scope, coverage and exclusions

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    • 2.1 Health and safety covers physical and psychological health

      Summary/citation: The Occupational Safety and Health Act 28 of 2005 has been enacted to widen the scope of legislation on safety, health and the welfare of emlpoyees at work. This act defines 'bodily injury' to include any disease or impairment of a person's physical or mental condition.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (Preamble and §2)

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    • 2.2 Definition of worker

      Summary/citation: Employee' is defined as a person who has entered into, or works under, a contract of employment with an employer, and includes a casusal worker or a manual worker, and however remunerated.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 2)

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      • 2.2.1 Coverage of particular categories of workers

        Yes.

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        • 2.2.1.1 Migrant workers

          Summary/citation: “guest employee” means an employee of foreign nationality who has migrated from his country with a view to being employed on contract, otherwise than on his own account, and includes any person regularly admitted as a migrant for employment.
          (§ 2)

          Where the Permanent Secretary is of the opinion that the safety, health or welfare of any employee or guest employee living in a place, other than a place of work, is or is likely to be adversely affected and the arrangements made for the residence of any such employee are inadequate, he may by written notice served on the employer, give such directions to the employer as he thinks fit.
          (§ 24(6))

          The Minister may make regulations for the purposes of regulating lodging accommodation and other facilities provided by an employer, whether or not as a term of his contract of employment with his employees, and whether or not the employees are citizens or residents of Mauritius, or are guest employees.
          (§ 100(5))

          • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 2, 24(6), 100(5))

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        • 2.2.1.2 Domestic workers

          Summary/citation: The definition of 'employee' is broad enough to include domestic workers.

          • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 2)

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        • 2.2.1.3 Home workers

          Summary/citation: The definition of 'employee' is broad enough to include home workers.

          • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 2)

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        • 2.2.1.4 Self-employed persons

          Summary/citation: The act applies whenever work is performed by a self-employed person. A self-employed person' is defined as an "individual who works for gain or reward otherwise than under a contract of employment"

          • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§§ 2, 3(2)(b))

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    • 2.3 Definition of employer

      Summary/citation: Employer' is defined as a person a person liable or responsible under a contract of employmentfor the payment of remuneration to an employee, and includes his/her agent and a job contractor.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 2)

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    • 2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity

      Sometimes.

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    • 2.5 Definition of occupational accident

      Summary/citation: An occupational accident is defined as an accident arising out or in connection with the employee’s work. The types of occupational accidents notifiable to the Director, Occupational Safety and Health are covered by the law at Section 85 (1).

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 85 (1))

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    • 2.6 Definition of occupational disease

      Sometimes.

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      • 2.6.1 List of occupational diseases

        Summary/citation: The 14th Schedule of Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005) contains the List of notifiable occupational diseases.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 86)

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      • 2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones

        Remarks / comments: The Minister may make regulations for extending the Workmen's Compensation Act to diseases not specified in the second Schedule of the Act, and to injuries due to the nature of any employment specified in this regulations, not being injuries by accident. either without modification or subject to such modifications as may be contained in the regulation.

        • Workmen's Compensation Act (RL 5/605). (§ 37)

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  • 3 Institutions and programmes relating to OSH administration and/or enforcement

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    • 3.1 Competent national authority for safety and health at work

      Summary/citation: The Ministry of Labour. Industrial Relations, Employment and Training is the main authority on labour issues. “Permanent Secretary” means the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to which responsibility for the subject of occupational safety and health is assigned, but where the official head of the Ministry is a Senior Chief Executive Officer, reference to the Permanent Secretary shall be reference to the Senior Chief Executive Officer.

      For the purpose of giving advice and assistance to the Minister in respect of matters affecting the safety, health and welfare of employees at their place of work or lodging accommodation, or any other persons whose safety, health and welfare may be affected by work activities, the Minister shall appoint an Advisory Council for Occupational Safety and Health.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§§ 2, 28 (1))

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      • 3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

        Summary/citation: The Advisory Council for Occupational Safety and Health gives advice and assistance to the Minister in respect of matters affecting the safety, health and welfare of employees at their place of work or lodging accommodation, or any other persons whose safety, health and welfare may be affected by work activities.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 28 (1))

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      • 3.1.2 Chairperson and composition

        Summary/citation: The Council shall consist of –
        (a) a Chairperson who shall be the Director, Occupational Safety and Health or his representative ;
        (b) 8 members representing the government;
        (c) 8 members representing employers;
        (d) 8 members representing employees;
        (e) 2 members having wide experience in Occupational Safety and Health.
        The members of the Council shall be appointed by the Minister for such period and on such terms and conditions as the Minister may determine.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 28 (2))

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    • 3.2 National OSH research programme or institute

      Summary/citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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      • 3.2.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

        Summary/citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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      • 3.2.2 Governance board constitution and chairmanship

        Summary/citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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      • 3.2.3 Source of funding

        Summary / Citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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    • 3.3 National OSH programme

      Summary/citation: The Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, in consultation with all stakeholders and in particular with the employers and workers organisations at the level of the Advisory Council for Occupational Safety and Health, has formulated a national safety and health policy.

      Under the National Occupational Safety and Health Profile made in 2009, a National Occupational Safety and Health Programme finalised at the level of the Advisory Council for Occupational Safety and Health is being implemented.

      • National Occupational Safety and Health Policy 2015

      • National Occupational Safety and Health Programme 2010

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      • 3.3.1 Consultation on the national OSH programme

        Summary/citation: The Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, in consultation with all stakeholders and in particular with the employers and workers organisations at the level of the Advisory Council for Occupational Safety and Health, has formulated a national safety and health policy.

        Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

        • National Occupational Safety and Health Policy 2015

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  • 4 Employers’ duties and responsibilities to protect the safety and health of workers and others

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    • 4.1 Duty to ensure the health and safety of employees

      Summary/citation: Employers have a duty to, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure the safety, health and welfare at work of all his employees.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 5(1))

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    • 4.2 Duty to protect the health and safety of people other than their own employees

      Summary/citation: The employer shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, in particular ensure that any person not in his employment is not exposed to any risk to his safety or health.

      E.g.:Every employer or self-employed person shall, in respect of any employee from an outside undertaking who is working in his undertaking, ensure that the employer of that employee is provided with adequate information on the risks to that employee's safety and health arising out of, or in connection with, the conduct of his undertaking by the first-mentioned employer, or bt the self-employed; and the measures taken by the firstmentioned employer, or by the self-employed person, in compliance with the requirements and prohibitions imposed upon him by, or under any enactment.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§§ 5(2)(e)), 13(1))

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    • 4.3 Collaboration among two or more employers at the same workplace

      Summary/citation: E.g.: Every employer shall –
      (a) ensure that the employer of any employees from an outside undertaking who are working in his undertaking is provided with sufficient information to enable the second-mentioned employer to identify any person nominated by the first-mentioned employer in accordance with section 12(1)(b) to implement evacuation procedures as far as those employees are concerned; and

      (b) take all reasonable steps to ensure that any employees from an outside undertaking who are working in his undertaking receive sufficient information to enable them to identify any person nominated by him in accordance with section 12(1)(b) to implement evacuation procedures as far as they are concerned.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 13 (4))

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    • 4.4 Surveillance of workers’ health in relation to work

      Summary / Citation: Employers have a duty to ensure that an employee exposed, or liable to be exposed, to a substance hazardous to health be placed under suitable health surveilance, including medical surveilance. The employer is required to arrange medical surveilance, free of charge, at interval of not less than once every 6 months or shorter intervals as the medical practitioner may advise or the Permanent Secretary may direct.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 77(1) §77 (2))

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      • 4.4.1 Specific hazards for which surveillance is required

        Summary / Citation: List of substances hazardous to health is contained in Shechule appended to the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

        Every employer shall cause a driver who is —
        (a) 60 years of age or above; and
        (b) involved in the transportation of employees pursuant to these regulations,
        to undergo a medical examination once every 12 months, at the expense of the employer, to
        ascertain his fitness to drive.
        (2) Any medical practitioner who examines a driver under paragraph (1) shall -
        (a) issue a health fitness certificate to the driver; and
        (b) send a copy of the certificate to the employer.
        (3) Every employer shall keep a record of the health fitness certificate issued under
        paragraph (2).
        (Occupational Safety and Health (Transportation of Employees) Regulations 2014, §7)

        • Occupational Safety and Health (Transportation of Employees) Regulations 2014 (GN No. 210 of 2014). (§ 7)

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (Ninth Schedule)

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    • 4.5 Surveillance of the working environment and working practices

      Summary / Citation: Every employer has an obligation to, within 30 days of the start of operation of his undertaking, make suitable and sufficient risk assessment. Such an assessment should be reviewed by the employer not later than 2 years after it was done or earlier where the employer is informed by the Permanent Secretary that it is no longer valid or where there has been significant change in the matters to which it relates.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 10)

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    • 4.6 Duty to provide personal protective equipment

      Summary / Citation: Employers have a duty to provide personal protective equipment and clothing to employees.

      • Occupational Safety and Health (Personal Protective Equipment) Regulations 2012 (GN No. 146 of 2012).

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 82)

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    • 4.7 Duty to ensure the usage of personal protective equipment

      Summary / Citation: The employer shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, in particular provide information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of his employees.

      A health and safety officer, who is appointed by the employer, has a duty to exercise adequate supervision to ensure the effective implementation of arrangements made, and preventive measures taken, by the employer.

      Every employer who provides any control measure, personal protective equipment and clothing shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that it is effectively used or applied, as the case may be, and is properly maintained.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§§ (5)(2)(d),(20),(67)(6))

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    • 4.8 Duty to provide first-aid and welfare facilities

      Yes.

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  • 5 Employers’ duty to organize prevention formally along generally accepted OSH management principles and practices

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    • 5.1 Elements of an OSH management system

      Yes.

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      • 5.1.1 Policy or plan specifying responsibilities and arrangements for health and safety

        Summary/citation: An employer has a duty to make written statement of his or her policy with respect to the safety and health of his or her employees.

        Restrictions / obligations: This applies to employers employing 50 or more persons.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 6(1))

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      • 5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety

        Summary/citation: (1)Every employer of 100 or more, but less than 500 employees, at one or more places of work shall employ a Safety and Health Officer, whether on part-time or full time employment for the purpose of assisting him and any employee and of exercising general supervision regarding compliance with the provisions of this Act and generally to promote the safe conduct of work.
        (2)An employer having 500 or more, but not more than 2000, employees at one or more places of work shall employ at least one Safety and Health Officer on full-time employment to perform solely the duties of Safety and Health Officer.
        (3)An employer shall, for every additional 2000 employees or fraction thereof, employ one additional Safety and Health Officer on full-time or part-time employment as may be directed by the Permanent Secretary.
        (§ 30)

        Employers using machinery where the total power used or generated by the machinery installed exceeds 750 kilowatts have a duty to employ a registered professional engineer to be in general charge of such machinery.
        (§ 7)

        Restrictions / obligations: No employee or Safety and Health Officer who is employed on a full-time basis shall also be employed as a Safety and Health Officer on a part-time basis unless –
        (i) he is authorised to do so by the Permanent Secretary; and
        (ii) he is employed by another employer.
        (b) The Permanent Secretary may, after making such enquiry as he deems appropriate, grant an authority under paragraph (a) in respect of not more than one other employer.
        (§ 29 (3A))

        • Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2009 (Act No. 8 of 2009). (§ 29)

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 30, § 7)

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      • 5.1.3 Written risk assessment

        Summary/citation: Every employer shall, within 30 days of the start of operation of his undertaking, make suitable and sufficient asessment of any risk to the safety and health to which any employee is exposed while he is at work; and any risk to the safety and health of any person not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking". Employers employing more than 5 persons are required to register the significant findings of any assessment carried out on any group of employees identified as being specially at risk.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§10(1) , §11)

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      • 5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures

        Summary/citation: This part is laid down under Safety (General Provisions) and Safety (Machinery) and covers issues such safe means of access and safe place of employment, steam boilers - maintenance, examination and use; steam boilers - attachments and construction; escalators; hoists and lifts; chains, ropes and lifting tackles; and cranes and other lifting machines respectively.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (Part Part VI & V)

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      • 5.1.5 Training and information on risks

        Summary/citation: Employers are required to provide information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of his employees.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 5(2)(d))

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      • 5.1.6 Review or assessment of the results of preventive measures

        Summary/citation: An employer employing 50 or more employees is required to review the policy referred to in paragraph (a) as and when required; provide such resources, as appropriate, having regard to the nature of his or her activities and the size of his undertaking for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventive and protective measures required to be taken by him or her under the OSH Act.
        Every employer shall consult representatives of his employees who sit on the Safety and Health Committee with a view to the making and maintenance of arrangements which will enable him and his employees to cooperate effectively in promoting and developing measures to ensure the safety and health at work of the employees, and in checking the effectiveness of such measures.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 6(1)(e ), § 5(3))

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      • 5.1.7 Consultation with workers in health and safety

        Summary/citation: Every employer shall consult representatives of his employees who sit on the Safety and Health Committee with a view to the making and maintenance of arrangements which will enable him and his employees to cooperate effectively in promoting and developing measures to ensure the safety and health at work of the employees, and in checking the effectiveness of such measures.

        Restrictions / obligations: Every employer of 50 or more employees shall establish a Safety and Health Committee. The Permanent Secretary may require any employer of less than 50 employees to establish a Safety amd Health Committee.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§§ 5(3), 21(1)(2))

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    • 5.2 Obligation to implement a specific OSH management system or standard

      Summary/citation: Every employer of 50 or more employees shall provide such resources, as appropriate, having regard to the nature of his activities and the size of his undertaking for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventive and protective measures required to be taken by him under this Act.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 6 (1) (e))

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  • 6 Employers’ duty to ensure availability of expertise and competence in health and safety

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    • 6.1 OSH competence

      Sometimes.

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      • 6.1.1 Requirement to access expert advice and/or support in health and safety

        Summary / Citation: (1)Every employer of 100 or more, but less than 500 employees, at one or more places of work shall employ a Safety and Health Officer, whether on part-time or full time employment for the purpose of assisting him and any employee and of exercising general supervision regarding compliance with the provisions of this Act and generally to promote the safe conduct of work.
        (2)An employer having 500 or more, but not more than 2000, employees at one or more places of work shall employ at least one Safety and Health Officer on full-time employment to perform solely the duties of Safety and Health Officer.
        (3)An employer shall, for every additional 2000 employees or fraction thereof, employ one additional Safety and Health Officer on full-time or part-time employment as may be directed by the Permanent Secretary.
        (§ 30)

        Employers using machinery where the total power used or generated by the machinery installed at any place of work exceeds 750 kilowatts have a duty to employ a registered professional engineer to be in general charge of such machinery.
        (§ 7)

        Restrictions / obligations: No employee or Safety and Health Officer who is employed on a full-time basis shall also be employed as a Safety and Health Officer on a part-time basis unless –
        (i) he is authorised to do so by the Permanent Secretary; and
        (ii) he is employed by another employer.
        (b) The Permanent Secretary may, after making such enquiry as he deems appropriate, grant an authority under paragraph (a) in respect of not more than one other employer.
        (§ 29 (3A))

        • Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2009 (Act No. 8 of 2009). (§ 29)

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§§ 30, 7)

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        • 6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services

          No.

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    • 6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner

      Yes.

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      • 6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners

        Summary/citation: (1)Every employer of 100 or more, but less than 500 employees, at one or more places of work shall employ a Safety and Health Officer, whether on part-time or full time employment for the purpose of assisting him and any employee and of exercising general supervision regarding compliance with the provisions of this Act and generally to promote the safe conduct of work.
        (2)An employer having 500 or more, but not more than 2000, employees at one or more places of work shall employ at least one Safety and Health Officer on full-time employment to perform solely the duties of Safety and Health Officer.
        (3)An employer shall, for every additional 2000 employees or fraction thereof, employ one additional Safety and Health Officer on full-time or part-time employment as may be directed by the Permanent Secretary.
        (§ 30)

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 30)

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  • 7 Workers' rights and duties

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    • 7.1 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own safety and health

      Summary / Citation: Every worker has a duty to, while at work, take reasonable care for the safety and health of himself or herself.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 14(1)(a))

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    • 7.2 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

      Summary / Citation: Every worker has a duty to , while at work, take reasonable care for the safety and health of other persons who may be affected by his or her acts or ommission at work.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 14(1)(a))

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    • 7.3 Supervisors’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

      Summary / Citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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    • 7.4 Senior officers’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

      Summary / Citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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    • 7.5 Self-employed persons’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own and other people’s health and safety

      Summary / Citation: Every self-employed person has a duty to conduct his or her undertaking in such a way as to ensure , so far as is reasonably practicable, the he or she or any other person who may be affected thereby is not exposed to risks to his or her safety or health.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 16)

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    • 7.6 Duty to comply with OSH-related requirements

      Summary / Citation: Employees have a duty to cooperate with his or her employer in the discharge of any duty or requirement placed upon the employer in the OSH Act.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 14(b))

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    • 7.7 Right to enquire about risks and preventive measures

      Summary / Citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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    • 7.8 Right to remove themselves from a dangerous situation

      Summary / Citation: Employers have an obligation to enable employees to stop work and immediately proceed to a place of safety in the event of his or her being exposed to seriuos and imminent danger.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 12(2)(b))

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    • 7.9 Right to be reassigned to non-hazard work

      Summary / Citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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      • 7.9.1 Right to withdraw with compensation when workers are not reassigned to non-hazard work

        Summary / Citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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  • 8 Consultation, collaboration and co-operation with workers and their representatives

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    • 8.1 National OSH committee, commission, council or similar body

      Summary / Citation: The Minister is required to appoint an Advisory Council for Occupational Safety and Health.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 28(1))

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      • 8.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

        Summary / Citation: To give advice and assistance to the Minister in respect of matters affecting the safety, health and welfare of employees at their place of work or lodging accomodation, or any other persons whose safety, health and welfare may be affected by work activities.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 28(1))

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      • 8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities

        Summary / Citation: The Advisory Council for Occupational Safety and health consist of (a) a Chairperson who shall be Director, Occupational Safety and health or his representative; (b) 8 members representing the government; (c) 8 members representing employers; (d) 8 members representing employees; (e) 2 having wide experience in Occupational Safety and Health.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 28(2))

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    • 8.2 Employers’ duty to consult workers on risks

      Summary / Citation: Every employer has a duty to consult representatives of his employees who sit on the Safety and Health Committee with a view to the making and maintenance of arrangements which will enable him and his employees to cooperate effectively in promoting and developing measures to ensure the safety and health at work of the employees, and in checking the effectiveness of such measures.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 5(3))

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    • 8.3 Workers’ right to select their representatives for health and safety matters

      Summary / Citation: No person shall be a represntative of the employees on the Safety and Health Committes unless he is an employee of an employer and he has been so appointed at a meeting where all the employees had been convened for the purpose of such appointment.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 21(4))

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      • 8.3.1 Workforce size conditions for workers’ representation in health and safety

        Summary / Citation: An employer of 50 or more employees is obliged to establish a Safety and Health Committee. However, the Permanent Secretary may require any employer of less than 50 employees to establish a Safety and Health Committee.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 21(1), §21 (2))

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      • 8.3.2 Conditions of eligibility to represent workers in health and safety

        Summary / Citation: No person shall be a representative of the employees on the Safety and Health Committees unless he is an employee of an employer and he has been so appointed at a meeting where all the employees had been convened for the purpose of such appointment.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 21(4))

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    • 8.4 OSH representatives’ functions, rights and powers

      Sometimes.

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      • 8.4.1 Right to inspect the workplace

        Summary / Citation: However, the broad function of the of the Safety and Health Committee to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of the functions of the committee could be interpreted to include such a power.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005).

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      • 8.4.2 Right to access OSH information

        Summary / Citation: The employer has a duty to provide representatives of employees on the Safety and Health Committee with relevant information to enable them to examine factors affecting safety and health.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 22(2)(b))

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      • 8.4.3 Right to be present at interviews

        Summary / Citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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      • 8.4.4 Right to receive professional assistance from OSH experts

        Summary / Citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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      • 8.4.5 Right to accompany inspectors

        Summary / Citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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      • 8.4.6 Right to use facilities

        Summary / Citation: The employer is required to provide the Safety and Health Committee with such facilities and assistance, as are reasonably required for the purpose of carrying out its functions. Since the OSH representatives from part of the Safetry and Health Committee, it could be argued that this right extends to them.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 22(2)(a))

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      • 8.4.7 Right to have time off work with pay to perform duties

        Summary / Citation: A representative of employees on a Safety and Health Committee is enttitled to reasonable time-off with pay for the prupose of excercising his functions as a member of that committee.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 23(5))

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      • 8.4.8 Right to issue remedial notices

        Summary / Citation: Not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005)

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      • 8.4.9 Right to resolve OSH issues in consultation with employers

        Summary / Citation: Every employer shall consult representatives of his employees who sit on the Safety and Health Committee with a view to the making and maintenance of arrangements which will enable him and his employees to cooperate effectively in promoting and developing measures to ensure the safety and health at work of the employees, and in checking the effectiveness of such measures.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 5(3))

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      • 8.4.10 Right to direct that dangerous work cease

        Summary / Citation: The Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005) does not make such provision.

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    • 8.5 Right of workers’ representatives from outside the undertaking to address OSH issues at the workplace

      No.

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      • 8.5.1 Right to enter the workplace

        Summary / Citation: The Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005) does not make such provision.

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      • 8.5.2 Right to investigate suspected non-compliance with OSH legislation

        Summary / Citation: The Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005) does not make such provision.

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      • 8.5.3 Right to consult with workers

        Summary / Citation: The Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005) does not make such provision.

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      • 8.5.4 Right to advise workers

        Summary / Citation: The Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005) does not make such provision.

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      • 8.5.5 Right to initiate enforcement action

        Summary / Citation: The Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005) does not make such provision.

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    • 8.6 Joint OSH Committee

      Summary / Citation: Every employer of 50 or more employees shall establish a Safety and Health Committee. The Permanent Secretary may require any employer of less than 50 employees to establish a Safety amd Health Committee.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). ( § 21(1), § 21 (2))

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      • 8.6.1 Participation of workers’ representatives in joint OSH committee

        Summary / Citation: The Committee shall consist of - (a) a Chairperson who shall be the employer, or a senior member of the management who is responsible for safety, health and welfare of employees at work; (b) a Vice-Chairperson, designated by the employees in such a manner as may be required by the employer; (c) a secretary who shall be the registered Safety and Health Officer; and (d)(i) 4 members, where the number of employees is 50 or more but less than 100; or (ii) 8 members, where the number of employees is 100 or more, to represent equally the employer and the employees. The Act states that no person shall be a representative of the employees on the Committe unless - (a) he is an employee of an employer and he has been so appointed at a meeting where all the employees had been convened for the purpose of such appointment.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 21(3), § 21 (4))

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      • 8.6.2 Conditions for establishing a joint OSH committee

        Summary / Citation: Every employer of 50 or more employees shall establish a Safety and Health Committee. The Permanent Secretary may require any employer of less than 50 employees to establish a Safety amd Health Committee.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 21(1), § 21 (2))

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      • 8.6.3 Objectives, roles and/or functions of joint OSH committees

        Summary / Citation: Functions of the OSH committee are to: (a) promote co-operation between the employer and the employees in achieving and maintaining safe and healthy working conditions; (b) make proposals to the employer on matters regarding the safety, health and welfare of employees; (c) seek specialist advice from any person, whether employed by the employer or not, on any matter related to safety, health and welfare of employees; (d) make recommendations to the employer on training requirements and eductaion programmes for particular employees or group of employees; (e) discuss occupational accidents, dangerous occurances and occupational diseases and make recommendations to the employer; (f) do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of the functions of the committee."

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 22(1))

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      • 8.6.4 Keeping record of the work of joint OSH committees

        Summary / Citation: The employer has a duty to forward a written record of proceedings of a safety and health Committee meeting signed by the Chairperson, one member of the committee representing the employees and the Secretary, to the Director, Occupational Safety and Health within 10 days of the meeting.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 23(6))

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      • 8.6.5 Sharing the minutes of joint OSH committees meetings

        Summary / Citation: The employer has a duty to forward a written record of proceedings of a safety and health Committee meeting signed by the Chairperson, one member of the committee representing the employees and the Secretary, to the Director, Occupational Safety and Health within 10 days of the meeting.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 23(6))

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    • 8.7 Mandatory training for members of joint OSH committee(s)

      Summary / Citation: The employer shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of his employees.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 5(2)(d))

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    • 8.8 Protection against reprisals

      Summary / Citation: No disciplinary action shall lie against any person in respect of anything done in good faith under the OSH Act as a member of the Safety and Health Committte.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 23(7))

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    • 8.9 Immunity from civil and criminal liability for exercising OSH related rights and duties

      Summary / Citation: No civil or criminal action shall lie against any person in respect of anything done in good faith under the OSH Act as a member of the Safety and Health Committte.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 23(7))

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  • 9 Specific hazards or risks

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    • 9.1 Biological hazards

      Summary / Citation: A biological agent is classified as a “substance hazardous to health” in Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005).
      Every employer shall ensure that an employee who is exposed, or liable to be exposed, to a substance hazardous to health be placed under suitable health surveillance, including medical surveillance, where the exposure to that substance is such that an identifiable occupational disease, as mentioned in the Fourteenth Schedule, or an adverse effect may be related to the exposure.

      Where a medical practitioner suspects or finds that any person is suffering from any occupational disease specified in the Fourteenth Schedule, he shall notify in writing the employer of that person and the Director, Occupational Safety and Health.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 2, § 77, § 86)

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    • 9.2 Chemical hazards

      Summary / Citation: “substance hazardous to health” means –
      (a) a substance which has been classified as corrosive, irritant, very toxic, toxic, harmful, sensitising, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction;
      (b) a substance for which an occupational exposure standard or a maximum exposure limit has been prescribed by the Minister;
      (...)
      (e) a substance listed in the Ninth Schedule;
      (f) a substance which may cause any disease referred to in the Fourteenth Schedule;
      (g) a substance, not being a substance mentioned in subparagraphs (a) to (f), which creates a health hazard comparable with the hazard created by any substance mentioned in those sub-paragraphs;

      Every employee who may during the course of his work handle or use any substance hazardous to health shall be fully informed and instructed as to the risks associated with the substance and the necessary precautionary measures to be observed for protection against such risks.

      Every employer shall ensure that the exposure of any employee to a substance hazardous to health is either prevented, or where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.

      Every employer shall ensure that an employee who is exposed, or liable to be exposed, to a substance hazardous to health be placed under suitable health surveillance, including medical surveillance, where the exposure to that substance is such that an identifiable occupational disease, as mentioned in the Fourteenth Schedule, or an adverse effect may be related to the exposure.

      Where a medical practitioner suspects or finds that any person is suffering from any occupational disease specified in the Fourteenth Schedule, he shall notify in writing the employer of that person and the Director, Occupational Safety and Health.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 2, § 67, § 77, § 86)

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      • 9.2.1 Handling, storage, labelling and use

        Summary / Citation: All containers of chemicals shall be marked so as to indicate the identity of the chemicals.

        (2)Chemicals which are explosive, flammable or having oxidising properties shall in addition be labelled in a way easily understandable to workers, so as to provide essential information regarding their nature, the hazards they represent and the safety precautions to be observed.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§68)

        • Dangerous Chemicals Control Act, 2004 (Act No. 16 of 2004) (Part Five)

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      • 9.2.2 Duty of manufacturers, suppliers and importers of chemicals in relation to the safety and health of users

        Summary / Citation: Every person who manufactures, imports or supplies any substance for use at work that presents such instrinsic health or physical hazards has a duty to ensure that the packaging and labelling on containers of the substance comply with such standards as may be prescribed and aslo provide to any person supplied with such substance by him or her, material safety data sheets which comply with such standardas is prescribed.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 17(4)(a) §17(4)(b))

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      • 9.2.3 Pesticides

        Summary / Citation: Every employee who may during the course of his work handle or use any substance hazardous to health shall be fully informed and instructed as to the risks associated with the substance and the necessary precautionary measures to be observed for protection against such risks.
        Every employer shall ensure that the exposure of any employee to a substance hazardous to health is either prevented, or where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.

        The prevention or adequate control of exposure to a substance hazardous to health, except a biological agent, shall as far as possible be secured by measures other than the provision of personal protective equipment.

        Where the measures taken above, do not prevent or provide adequate control of exposure to substances hazardous to health of employees, the employer shall in addition to taking those measures, provide the employees with suitable and appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing that shall adequately prevent their exposure to substances hazardous to health.

        Every employer who provides any control measure, personal protective equipment and clothing shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that it is effectively used or applied, as the case may be, and is properly maintained.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 67)

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    • 9.3 Ergonomic hazards

      Summary / Citation: The employer shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.

      Within the context of the provision of personal protective equipment and clothing, the employer is required to take account of ergonomic requirements and the state of health of the person who is required to wear personal protective equipment.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 5(2)(a)(i), § 82(2)(a))

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    • 9.4 Physical hazards

      Sometimes.

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      • 9.4.1 Ionising radiation

        Summary / Citation: There are provisions concerning ionasing and non-ionanising radiation.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§79, § 80 )

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      • 9.4.2 Vibration and noise

        Summary / Citation: Reduction of noise and vibration
        Where in any place of work persons are employed in any process involving exposure to noise or vibration which may constitute a danger to their health, effective means shall be provided for the reduction of such noise or vibration within the place of work.
        The Occupational Safety and Health (Noise at Work) Regulations 2012 makes specific provisions with respect to exposure and noise control at work.

        • Occupational Safety and Health (Noise at Work) Regulations 2012 (GN No. 107 of 2012).

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 81)

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      • 9.4.3 Working at height

        Summary / Citation: There are legal requirements in respect of, for example, ladders, work at height and safety of scaffolds.

        Remarks / comments: The Occupational Safety and Health (Safety of Scaffolds) Regulations 2013 will come into force on 22.11.2015 and will repeal the Occupational Safety and Health (Scaffold) Regulations 2011.

        • Occupational Safety and Health (Safety of Scaffolds) Regulations 2013 (GN No. 16 of 2014).

        • Occupational Safety and Health (Work at Height) Regulations 2013 (GN No. 190 of 2013).

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§§ 64, 66)

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      • 9.4.4 Working in confined spaces

        Summary / Citation: The provisions of subsections (2) to (7) of this section shall have effect where work has to be done inside any vessel, tank, pit or similar confined space in which dangerous fumes are liable to be present to such an extent as to involve risk of persons being overcome thereby.

        (2) The confined space shall, unless there is other adequate means of egress, be provided with a manhole, which may be rectangular, oval or circular in shape, and shall be not less than 450 millimetres long and 400 millimetres wide or (if circular) not less than 450 millimetres in diameter, or in the case of tank wagons and other mobile plant, not less than 400 millimetres long and 350 millimetres wide or (if circular) not less than 400 millimetres in diameter.

        (3) Subject to subsection (4), no person shall enter or remain in, and no person shall require, instruct or direct any person to enter or remain in, the confined space for any purpose unless the person entering or remaining in the confined space is wearing a suitable breathing apparatus (which shall not include a respirator) and has been authorised to enter by a competent person, and, where practicable, is wearing a belt with a rope securely attached and a person keeping watch outside and capable of pulling him out, is holding the free end of the rope.

        (4) Where the confined space has been certified by a competent person as being, for a specified period, safe for entry without breathing apparatus and the period so specified has not expired, subsection (3) shall not apply, but no person shall enter or remain in the space unless he has been warned when that period will expire.

        (5) A confined space shall not be certified under subsection (4) unless –
        (a) effective steps have been taken to prevent any ingress of dangerous fumes;
        (b) any sludge or other deposit liable to give off dangerous fumes has been removed and the space contains no other material liable to give off dangerous fumes in significant quantities; and
        (c) the space has been adequately ventilated and tested for dangerous fumes and has a supply of air adequate for breathing.

        (6) There shall be provided and kept readily available a sufficient supply of suitable breathing apparatus, belts and ropes, and of suitable reviving apparatus and oxygen, and the apparatus, belts and ropes shall be properly maintained and shall be thoroughly examined, at least once every 3 months by a competent person who shall make a report on every such examination, which shall be kept available for inspection.

        (7) A sufficient number of employees shall be trained and given practice in the use of the apparatus specified in subsection (6) and in a method of restoring breathing.

        (8) No person shall enter or remain in any confined space in which the proportion of oxygen in the air is liable to have been substantially reduced unless–
        (a) he is wearing a suitable breathing apparatus; or
        (b) the space has been and remains adequately ventilated and a competent person has tested and certified it as safe for entry without breathing apparatus.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 70)

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      • 9.4.5 Risks arising from poor maintenance of workplace facilities

        Summary / Citation: The employer shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.

        There shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, be provided and maintained safe means of access to every place at which any person has at any time to work, and every such place shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, be made and kept safe for any person working there.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§§ 5(2), 64)

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      • 9.4.6 Exposure to extreme temperatures

        Summary / Citation: Every refrigeration plant capable of being entered by an employee shall (a) have all control valves situated outside the cold storage room; and (b) have all doors of the cold storage room capable of being opened easily and quicly from the inside and outside.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 60(1))

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      • 9.4.7 Fire risks

        Summary / Citation: In every building there shall be provided and maintained, so as to be readily accessible, means of extinguishing fire, which shall be adequate and suitable having regard to the circumstances of the premises and the process, as required by the Fire Services.

        In every place of work, a sufficient number of employees shall be trained in the proper use of the means of extinguishing fire.

        Every building shall be provided with such means of escape in case of fire for the employees as may reasonably be required by the Fire Services in the circumstances of each case.

        A fire certificate issued by the Fire Services is required in respect of specified places of work.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 74, §75, § 76)

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      • 9.4.8 Tobacco

        Summary / Citation: Employees have a duty to, while at work, not smoke at the place of work, except in an area demarcated for the purpose.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 14(1)( e))

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      • 9.4.9 Asbestos

        Summary / Citation: No employer shall handle, store or use asbestos of the amphibole group or raw asbestos at his place of work.

        No employer shall spray any form of asbestos at his place of work.

        The handling, using and storing of existing asbestos of the amphibole group and raw asbestos for the purpose of removal and disposal are permitted.

        Every employer shall –
        (a) provide adequate information, instruction and training to his employees with regards to the steps to be taken to ensure their safety and health when handling, storing and using asbestos; and
        (b) clearly identify and inform his employees of any form of asbestos present at the place of work.

        Every employee shall, while handling, storing or using any form of asbestos –
        (a) take reasonable care for the safety and health of himself and other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions; and
        (b) cooperate with his employer in the discharge of any duty or requirement placed upon the employer under these regulations.

        The Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare (Asbestos) Regulations 2004 (G.N. No. 17 of 2004) will be replaced by the Occupational Safety and Health (Control of Asbestos at Work) Regulations 2014 on 20 October 2016.

        • Occupational Safety and Health (Control of Asbestos at Work) Regulations 2014 (G.N. No. 216 of 2014).

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      • 9.4.10 Risks related to nanotechnology

        Summary / Citation: Not specifically covered by the Act, but generally covered under the general duty of employer to ensure safety and health at work of its employees.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 5)

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      • 9.4.11 Contraction of HIV in the workplace

        Summary / Citation: Not specifically covered by the Act, but generally covered under the general duty of employer to ensure safety and health at work of its employees.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 5)

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    • 9.5 Psychosocial hazards

      Sometimes.

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      • 9.5.1 Psychosocial risks

        Summary / Citation: Not specifically covered by the Act, but generally covered under the general duty of employer to ensure safety and health at work of its employees.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 5)

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      • 9.5.2 Occupational violence

        Summary / Citation: No person shall (a) harass, sexuakky or otherwise; (b) assault; (c)verbally abuse, swear at or insult; (d) express the intention to cause harm: (e ) bully or use threatening behavious towards; (f) use aggressive gesture indicating intimidation, contempt or disdain towards; (g) by words or act, hinder, a workers, in the course of or as a result of his work.

        • Employment Rights Act 2008 (Act No. 33 of 2008). (§ 54(1))

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    • 9.6 Other hazardous substances

      Summary / Citation: Provision is made for prohibition and adequate control of substances hazardous to health.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 67)

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    • 9.7 Machineries

      Sometimes.

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      • 9.7.1 Risks related to machinery and tools

        Summary / Citation: Part V of the Act have several provisions related to machineries and tools.
        Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005, §§ 47,48)

        (1) Every employer shall ensure that —
        (a) materials, goods, tools, equipment or other items carried in a portion or compartment of a vehicle are located and secured to prevent injury to the employees in the vehicle;
        (b) there is a designated area for transporting materials, goods, tools, equipment or other items in every vehicle;
        (c) where transportation of goods and articles is likely to constitute a risk to the safety and health of employees, a separate compartment is provided for the transportation of the employees;
        (d) all emergency exits in a vehicle are properly indicated, regularly maintained and kept in good working order;
        (e) the seats provided for the employees are properly maintained, fitted with suitable backrest and positioned in such manner as to prevent fall of employees being transported;
        (f) where anchorage points are provided for seat belts in a vehicle, the vehicle is equipped with appropriate seat belts in the event the vehicle is not already so equipped; and
        (g) every seat belt is properly secured to the structure of the vehicle by the anchorage points provided for it.
        (2) Every employee shall, while travelling in a vehicle, wear the seat belts, if the vehicle is fitted with seat belts.
        (3) In this regulation — “goods” includes animals, whether living or dead.
        (Occupational Safety and Health (Transportation of Employees) Regulations, 2014 § 5)

        Every employer shall ensure that any enclosed portion or compartment of a vehicle has sufficient and suitable lighting and adequate ventilation.
        (Occupational Safety and Health (Transportation of Employees) Regulations 2014, § 6)

        • Occupational Safety and Health (Transportation of Employees) Regulations 2014 (GN No. 210 of 2014). (§ 5, § 6)

        • Occupational Safety and Health (Safety of Lifts at Work) Regulations 2012 (GN No. 108 of 2012).

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 47, § 48.)

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      • 9.7.2 Duty of designers and/or manufacturers of machineries in relation to the occupational safety and health of operators of machineries

        Summary / Citation: Every person who designs, manufacturers, imports or supplies an article for use at work shall ensure, so far as is reasonable practicable, that the article designed is so designed and constructed as to be safe and without risk to health when used in a reasonable manner.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 17(1)(a))

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      • 9.7.3 Duty of designers, manufacturers, importers or suppliers of machineries to provide machineries information

        Summary / Citation: Every person who designs, manufacturers, imports or suplies an article for use at work shall take such steps as are necessary to ensure that there will be available in connection with the use at work of the article, adequate information, by way of certificate, manual, pamphlet or otherwise, about the use for which it is designed and has been tested; and any conditions necessary to ensure that, when put to that use, it will be safe and without risk to health.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§17(1)(b))

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      • 9.7.4 Duty to purchase machineries from authorised/certificated suppliers or only if approved/certificated

        Summary / Citation: No such provision made in the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005).

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      • 9.7.5 Maintenance of machinery and equipment

        Summary / Citation: For example, employers have to ensure that steam-boiles are properly maintained and all its fittings and attachments shall be thoroughly examined by a registered boiler inspector at least once every 12 months.
        (Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005, § 57(1), §57 (5))

        Every employer shall ensure that —
        (a) every vehicle is inspected by a competent person, as per the manufacturer’s
        specifications, before the vehicle is used for any work shift; and
        (b) a record of the inspection is kept.
        (Occupational Safety and Health (Transportationof Employees) Regulations 2014, § 4)

        • Occupational Safety and Health (Transportation of Employees) Regulations 2014 (GN No. 210 of 2014). (§ 4)

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 57(1), §57 (5))

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        • 9.7.5.1 List of equipment where applicable

          Summary / Citation: The Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 makes provision for the regular examination of the following machineries:
          Cranes and other lifting machines
          Vehicle lifts
          Hoists and lifts
          Escalators
          Steam receivers and steam containers
          Air receivers
          Refrigeration plants

          • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 50 - § 60)

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    • 9.8 Provisions to protect workers in specific condition of vulnerability

      Sometimes.

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      • 9.8.1 Protection of pregnancy at work

        Summary / Citation: Employers are prohibited by law from requiring a female worker to perform work in excess of a normal day's work, 2 months before her confinement. In addition, "[subject to medical recommendation, a female worker who is pregnant shall not not be required to perform duties -(a) requiring continuous standing; or (b) that may be detrimental to her health and that of her baby.

        • Employment Rights Act 2008 (Act No. 33 of 2008). (§§ 30(7),(8))

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      • 9.8.2 Protection of lactating women at work

        Summary / Citation: (a) A female worker who is nursing her unweaned child shall, for that purpose, be entitled every day at a time convenient to her and having regard to the needs of the child to at least –
        (i) 2 breaks of half-hour; or
        (ii) one break of one hour.
        (b) The break specified in paragraph (a) shall –
        (i) be for a period of 6 months from the date of confinement or such longer period as may be recommended by a medical practitioner; and 29
        (ii) not be deducted from the number of hours of work of the female worker.

        • Employment Rights Act 2008 (Act No. 33 of 2008). (§ 30(6))

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      • 9.8.3 Limits to women’s access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts

        Summary / Citation: Not covered under the Employment Rights Act 2008 (Act No. 33 of 2008)

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      • 9.8.4 Limits to workers’ access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts by reason of age

        Summary / Citation: No person shall employ, or continue to employ, a young person –
        (a) on work which by its nature, or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to jeopardise the health, safety, physical, mental, moral or social development of the young person; or
        (b) after being notified in writing by the Permanent Secretary that the kind of work for which the young person is employed is unsuitable for the young person, or will interfere with the young person’s education.

        Note: A ‘young person’ is defined under the Employment Rights Act 2008 as ‘a person, other than a child, who is under the age of 18’ and a ‘child’ as ‘a person under the age of 16’.

        Employers are prohibited from employing young persons in any activity involving, among others, the following: work with explosives: exposures to ionising radiation; work with heavy metals, including lead and mercury; work in the forestry and construction sector; work or exposure to any form of asbestos and exposure to benzene or other harmful organic solvents.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§§ 2,8,12(2))

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  • 10 Recording, notification and investigation of accidents/incidents and diseases

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    • 10.1 Duty to record and/or investigate the causes of work accidents, near misses incidents and cases of occupational diseases

      Yes.

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      • 10.1.1 Work-related accidents

        Summary / Citation: The employer has a duty to keep a record of all accidents and dangerous occurances required to be reported.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 85(2))

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      • 10.1.2 Near miss incidents

        Summary / Citation: The employer has a duty to keep a record of all accidents and dangerous occurances required to be reported.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 85(2))

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      • 10.1.3 Occupational diseases

        Summary / Citation: Where a medical practitioner suspects or finds that any person is suffering from any occupational disease specified in the Fourteenth Schedule, he shall notify in writing the employer of that person and the Director, Occupational Safety and Health.

        Upon receipt of a notification under subsection (1), the employer shall forthwith notify the Director, Occupational Safety and Health in writing of the occupational disease which has or is suspected to have occurred together with the name, address and place of work of the person concerned, and shall keep a record of such notification.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 86)

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    • 10.2 Employers’ duty to notify OSH authorities of work related death and/or injuries to health

      Summary / Citation: Employers are required to notify the Director, Occupational Safety and Health about occupational accidents by the quickest practical means and within 7 days send a report thereof to the Director, Occupational Safety and Health.
      Employers are obliged to notify the Director, Occupational Safety and Health in writing of the occupational disease which has or is supsected to have occurred together with the name, address and place of work of the person concerned, and to keep record of such notification.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§85(1)(a)-(b), §86(2))

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  • 11 OSH inspection and enforcement of OSH legislation

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    • 11.1 Appointment of OSH inspectors

      Summary / Citation: “Permanent Secretary” means the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to which responsibility for the subject of occupational safety and health is assigned, but where the official head of the Ministry is a Senior Chief Executive Officer, reference to the Permanent Secretary shall be reference to the Senior Chief Executive Officer. The "Permanent Secretary" undertakes the functions of a Labour Inspectorate.

      • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (Part One, Preliminary)

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    • 11.2 OSH inspectors’ powers

      Sometimes.

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      • 11.2.1 Power to enter workplaces

        Summary / Citation: The Permanent Secretary has the power to enter freely and without previous notice at any hour of the day or night any workplace and in order to make such inspection, examination and investigation as may be necessary.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 24)

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      • 11.2.2 Power to inspect and carry out any examination, test or enquiry

        Summary / Citation: The Permanent Secretary has the power to enter any workplace and in order to make such inspection, examination and investigation as may be necessary.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 24(3)(d))

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      • 11.2.3 Power to investigate

        Summary / Citation: The Permanent Secretary has the power to enter any workplace and in order to make such inspection, examination and investigation as may be necessary.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 24(3)(d))

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      • 11.2.4 Duty to provide advice on OSH

        Summary / Citation: Where the Permanent Secretary is of the opinion that the safety, health or welfare of any employee living or working at a place of work is, or is likely, to be adversely affected, or the arrangements made for the residence or employment of any employee at a place of work are inadequate, he may, by written notice served on the employer, give such directions to the employer as he thinks fit.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 24(5))

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    • 11.3 OSH inspectors’ enforcement powers

      Sometimes.

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      • 11.3.1 Power to issue orders or notices

        Summary / Citation: Where the Permanent Secretary is of the opinion that the safety, health or welfare of any employee living or working at a place of work is, or is likely, to be adversely affected, or the arrangements made for the residence or employment of any employee at a place of work are inadequate, he may, by written notice served on the employer, give such directions to the employer as he thinks fit.

        Where the Permanent Secretary is of the opinion that the safety, health or welfare of any employee or guest employee living in a place, other than a place of work, is or is likely to be adversely affected and the arrangements made for the residence of any such employee are inadequate, he may by written notice served on the employer, give such directions to the employer as he thinks fit.

        The Permanent Secretary has the power to make prohibition orders.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 24(5), § 24(6) § 27(1))

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      • 11.3.2 Power to impose financial penalties

        No data available.

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      • 11.3.3 Power to revoke or suspend licenses or authorisations

        Summary / Citation: Where the Permanent Secretary is satisfied that a registered factory has ceased to operate or a certificate of registration has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation, he may cancel the registration of the factory.

        Where the Permanent Secretary is satisfied that there has been a contravention of any condition subject to which a certificate of registration has been issued in respect of any factory, he may, by giving to the employer not less than 30 days' notice in writing to comply with the condition, cancel the certificate where the condition is not complied with.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 89)

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      • 11.3.4 Power to require the cessation of dangerous work

        Summary / Citation: The Permanent Secretary has the power to prohibit the use of the place of work or the carrying on of the activities until the risk is removed to his or her satisfaction.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 27(1))

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      • 11.3.5 Power to initiate prosecutions

        Summary / Citation: The Permanent Secretary has the authority to lodge a case before the Court regarding non-compliance with the OSH Act by an employer.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 26)

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      • 11.3.6 Power to conduct prosecutions

        Summary / Citation: Without prejudice to the powers of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Permant Secretary or any officer deputed by him, may conduct prosecution under this Act before any Court, other than the Supreme Court, and may in relation to such prosecution, appear before a Magistrate and swear an information.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 26)

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      • 11.3.7 Other enforcement powers

        Summary / Citation: The Permanent Secretary has the power to make prohibition orders.

        • Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (Act No. 28 of 2005). (§ 27(1))

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    • 11.4 Application of sanctions by courts

      Sometimes.

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