Definition: The South African government department responsible for employment policy, labour relations, and occupational health and safety enforcement, including workplace inspections for OHS Act compliance.
Why It Matters: The Department enforces occupational health and safety legislation in workplaces, including cold chain facilities. Non-compliance can result in prohibition notices, fines, or prosecution.
Cold Chain Relevant Functions:
– OHS Act compliance inspections
– Pressure equipment registration (refrigeration systems)
– Hazardous chemical substances oversight (refrigerants)
– Accident investigation
– Occupational health monitoring
Inspection Authority:
– Enter and inspect workplaces without notice
– Issue compliance orders
– Issue prohibition notices (stop work orders)
– Initiate prosecution for serious violations
Key Regulations:
– Pressure Equipment Regulations (refrigeration systems)
– Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations (ammonia, refrigerants)
– General Safety Regulations
– Driven Machinery Regulations (forklifts)
Related Terms: OHS Act, NOSA, Workplace Safety, Pressure Equipment