Health and safety audits conducted at Gauteng heath facilities

Gauteng Department of Health had conducted occupational health and safety audits in health facilities across the province as part of a bid to maintain occupational health and safety standards last month.

This was disclosed by MEC for Health, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa in a Legislature response to questions about the Department of Labour inspections in health facilities. The Department of Labour Inspectorate conducted various audits, inspections, case investigations and complaints investigations at several of the health facilities in the past three years.

The inspections were comprehensive covering much more than just bio-hazards or hazardous biological agents. They included noise measurements construction compliance, safety files of contractors, driven machinery and lift compliance certification and training done for employees exposed to occupational hazards and associated risks and correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the use of such.

“As part of a process to ensure compliance in the Department we are developing mitigation plans based on the outcome of the Department of Labour. The contravention and improvement notices have been served on our health facilities.

“Internal monitoring and evaluation of occupational health and safety programs of our facilities by occupational hygienists employed by the Department continues. This is supplemented by continuous awareness, training and induction programs for staff and official induction for new staff,” said Dr Ramokgopa.

MEC Ramokgopa added that practical training on site was done during audits and inspections, ensuring all facility CEO’s have written delegations from the Head of Department.

“We are also addressing and managing national indicators and targets from the Department of Public Service and Administration for employee health and safety. Additionally the Department has begun a process of entering into contracts with all contractors coming on site of health facilities to ensure compliance with health and safety statutory requirements such as safety files, correct supply and legal liabilities in cases of accidents. We have also developed a PPE policy and compliance therewith is monitored,” said Dr Ramokgopa.

The process to review Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality (SHERQ) policy began in January this year and is being finalised and will be shared with all facility managers within the Department.

For more information please contact Khutso Rabothata on: 060 997 7066/ mediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za; for media releases, speeches and news visit the Gauteng Department of Health’s portal at www.health.gpg.gov.za;

Issued by Gauteng Department of Health