Reference
Construction safety glossary
Plain-language definitions of the terms used in South African construction safety files, the OHS Act 85 of 1993, and the Construction Regulations 2014.
- Safety file
- A collection of documents required before construction work begins under the Construction Regulations 2014. The file must be site-specific, approved by the client, kept on site at all times, and updated as conditions change. A complete safety file contains 351 documents across nine categories.
- Health and safety plan
- The formal document — required under Regulation 5 of the Construction Regulations 2014 — that a contractor must prepare and submit to the client before work commences. It covers hazard identification, risk controls, safe work procedures, legal appointments, and emergency response. Often used interchangeably with 'safety file'.
- OHS Act
- The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993. The primary piece of South African legislation governing workplace health and safety. It places a general duty on employers to provide a safe working environment and empowers the Department of Employment and Labour to inspect workplaces and enforce compliance.
- Construction Regulations 2014
- Regulations issued under the OHS Act that apply specifically to construction work. They define the obligations of clients, designers, principal contractors, and contractors — including the requirement to prepare a health and safety plan before work begins.
- Principal contractor
- The contractor appointed by the client to be in overall control of a construction site. The principal contractor carries primary responsibility for the health and safety plan and for coordinating the safety management of all subcontractors on site.
- Agent (CR4)
- A competent person appointed in writing by the client under Regulation 4 of the Construction Regulations to act on the client's behalf. The agent's responsibilities include reviewing the contractor's health and safety plan and ensuring it is adequate before approving it.
- Competent person
- A person with the knowledge, training, experience, and qualifications required to perform a specific function under the OHS Act or Construction Regulations. Examples include a competent risk assessor, a competent person to supervise scaffolding erection, and a competent first aider. The regulations specify what qualifies as competence for each role.
- SWMS
- Safe Work Method Statement. A document that describes the specific work activities involved in a high-risk construction task, identifies the hazards associated with each activity, and specifies the control measures required before work begins. SWMS are mandatory for high-risk construction work under the Construction Regulations 2014.
- JSA / JHA
- Job Safety Analysis or Job Hazard Analysis. A structured method for breaking a work task into steps, identifying the hazards at each step, and specifying controls. Often used as the basis for site-specific risk assessments.
- Risk assessment
- A document that identifies the hazards associated with a specific activity, evaluates the likelihood and severity of harm, and specifies the control measures in place. Risk assessments must be site-specific and signed by a competent risk assessor. A complete safety file contains 47 risk assessments.
- Toolbox talk
- A short safety briefing delivered to workers on site before a work shift or specific activity begins. Records of each toolbox talk — the topic, date, presenter, and names of attendees — must be kept in the safety file. A complete safety file includes 41 toolbox talk records.
- Legal appointment
- A written document appointing a named individual to perform a specific safety function required under the OHS Act or Construction Regulations. Examples include Health and Safety Representative, First Aider, Incident Investigator, and Construction Supervisor appointments. Every appointment must be signed by both the appointing person and the appointee. A complete safety file contains 63 legal appointment letters.
- Prohibition notice
- An order issued by a Department of Employment and Labour inspector that prohibits all work on a site or a specific activity until the identified non-compliance is remedied. A prohibition notice takes immediate effect and can halt an entire construction project.
- Contravention notice
- An order issued by a Department of Employment and Labour inspector requiring a contractor to remedy a specific non-compliance within a specified timeframe. Unlike a prohibition notice, a contravention notice does not necessarily stop work — but failure to remedy the contravention within the specified period can lead to prosecution.
- Fall protection plan
- A safety plan required under the Construction Regulations when workers may fall 2 metres or more. It must be prepared by a competent person and must address the specific fall risks at the site, the controls in place, and the emergency response procedure if a fall occurs.
- PPE
- Personal Protective Equipment. Equipment worn or carried by workers to protect against specific hazards — hard hats, high-visibility vests, safety boots, gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection, and fall protection harnesses. The OHS Act requires employers to provide appropriate PPE and workers to use it.
- SAIOSH
- South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The professional body for OHS practitioners in South Africa. SAIOSH Corporate Membership is a recognised indicator of professional standing in the occupational safety industry.
- Department of Employment and Labour
- The South African government department responsible for enforcing the OHS Act and Construction Regulations. Labour inspectors conduct site inspections, issue prohibition and contravention notices, and can refer matters for prosecution under the OHS Act.
- POPIA
- Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013. South Africa's primary data privacy legislation. Construction safety files often contain personal information (worker names, ID numbers, appointment letters) and must be handled in accordance with POPIA requirements.
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