Assessing policies and procedures relating to E&OHS among SGBs

To check for the provisions of policies and procedures, sample key questions from intermediaries to SGBs include:

1. E&OHS policy: Does the SGB have an E&OHS policy, including commitment of the organization, general issues and, where necessary, specific issues?
2. E&OHS procedures: Are there documented E&OHS procedures?
3. E&OHS management: Is there a systematic approach to managing E&OHS risks (hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control and evaluation)?
4. Consultations: Is there a consultative process in place (committee, employee representation, communication) to manage E&OHS?
5. Risk reports: Are injuries and incidents reported and the risks assessed?

Control measures

1. Measure 1 - SGBs to ensure that policies and procedures are strategically made available for staff
2. Measure 2 - SGBs to perform regular review of procedures to update them on current issues.
3. Measure 3 - SGBs to ensure that risk management systems are regularly updated and implemented
4. Measure 4 - Ensure that regular consultations are maintained to ensure smooth operations
5. Measure 5 - Ensure that risk reporting channels and records are maintained and attended to

Preventive measures

1. Measure 1 - SGB must develop its own internal E&OHS Policy (Draft sample provided)
2. Measure 2 - SGBs must develop internal E&OHS procedures
3. Measure 3 - SGBs must develop a systematic approach to managing E&OHS risks (hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control and evaluation)
4. Measure 4 - SGBs should put in place a consultative E&OHS management system (Committee)
5. Measure 5 - SGBs must have an injuries and incidents register

Cocreate the development of policies

Intermediaries can work with SGBs to co-create effective employment, health and safety policies making reference to the templates provided. The process involves active involvement of all staff and the management.

Training and coaching SGBs especially management to enforce document policies and procedures

Policies and procedures are helpful for making a workplace run more efficiently, but they are only effective if they are enforced. Enforcement of the policies and procedures guarantees that SGB operational procedures and decision-making processes are uniform and consistent across cases. When SGBs don’t enforce these procedures, they put their organization at risk. If an employee or external person comes forward with an allegation against their company, having formal policies and procedures in place strengthens their case.

Supporting SGBs to maintain and review E&OHS policy as may be necessary

Over time, as SGBs transition from one stage of business to another and grow, new hazards in their workplace might develop with extra legal requirements for the business. Intermediaries can support business even as they transition from one stage of business to another their policies are UpToDate and can accommodate business growth.