Course Description

This course provides managers and executives with a comprehensive understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and their legal responsibilities in terms of workplace health and safety management. The training focuses on the legal accountability of employers, executives, and management personnel in ensuring compliance with the Act and its regulations.

Participants will explore the principles of legal liability, including criminal liability, employer responsibility, and Section 16 appointments under the OHSA. The course explains how leadership decisions directly influence workplace safety compliance and organisational risk exposure.

Through practical examples and case studies, learners will gain insight into the legal consequences of non-compliance and the importance of effective health and safety governance. The training also provides guidance on implementing legal compliance systems, conducting risk assessments, and developing strategies to manage health and safety obligations within an organisation.

This course is particularly valuable for executives and senior managers who carry legal accountability for occupational health and safety in the workplace.

Course Outline

• Principles of legal liability and accountability in occupational health and safety

• Overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 and its purpose

• Management responsibilities and legal duties under the OHSA

• Minimum compliance requirements and enforcement mechanisms

• Criminal liability and legal consequences of non-compliance

• Overview of key OHSA regulations and their application in the workplace

• Communication, training, and management obligations for safety compliance

• Corporate governance and leadership responsibilities in health and safety management

• Environmental considerations and legal responsibilities affecting organisations

• Developing a legal compliance strategy and implementing risk assessments

Programme Structure

Part A: Principles in Liability
Part B: The Occupational Health and Safety Act and Legislative Criminal Liability
Part C: Overview of OHSA Regulations
Part D: Introduction to Environmental Law
Part E: Corporate Governance and Executive Accountability
Part F: Practical Guidance – Legal Compliance Plan and Risk Assessment
Part G: Legal Compliance Strategy

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Explain the principles and structure of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

• Interpret the legal responsibilities of employers, executives, and managers in terms of OHSA compliance.

• Identify the legal consequences of non-compliance, including criminal liability and organisational risk.

• Implement management controls and systems required to achieve legal compliance.

• Apply practical strategies to manage health and safety responsibilities within their organisation.

• Support the development of legal compliance plans and risk management systems.

Target Audience

• Executive management and directors

• Senior managers and departmental heads

• Section 16 appointees

• Safety managers and safety officers

• Compliance officers

• Risk managers and corporate governance personnel

• Security managers

• Professionals involved in occupational health and safety compliance