Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)RegulationsHealth and Safety of Children at Work RegulationsSchedule 1: Guidelines on risk assessments and plans of safe work procedures regarding permitted work by child workers9. Checklist on basic training principles |
| 1) | What to train child worker on: |
| a) | job safety requirements, including safety regarding the specific tasks the worker would perform, and health and safety requirements for such work under the law; |
| b) | how to recognize hazards; |
| c) | what precautions to take; |
| d) | what to do if a problem or emergency arises; |
| e) | how to report an injury; |
| f) | where they can go to for further advice. |
| 2) | How to train: |
| a) | give clear instructions; |
| b) | ask worker to repeat instructions; |
| c) | show worker how to perform the task; |
| d) | watch worker perform the task, and correct errors; |
| e) | make the training age-appropriate and make it fun and easy to understand; |
| f) | encourage them to ask questions. |
| 3) | When to train: |
| a) | when worker is first hired; |
| b) | when worker is given new task or tool; |
| c) | when a new hazard is introduced into workplace; |
| d) | after an incident (an injury or close call); |
| e) | when the child worker returns to the work environment after a significant period of absence; |
| f) | regularly, such as through on-site safety training. |
| 4) | On-site safety training |
| a) | "On-site Safety Training" means a short, concise safety training session held out in a work area. It has been widely used in some industries and has proven effective in preventing injuries. Monthly or weekly on-site safety training is recommended to help keep safety on the minds of the workers, make it part of the normal routine, and demonstrate the importance you place on safety. |
| b) | The on-site training session should keep the following in mind: |
| i) | keep the training sessions short, for instance, 10-15 minutes maximum, to keep worker attention; |
| ii) | focus on a single topic and keep it simple; |
| iii) | hold on-site training regularly; a common practice is monthly or weekly on the same day; |
| iv) | select days and times when workers are fully attentive; first thing Monday morning or last thing Friday are not good times; |
| v) | pick a location that is relatively free from distractions, either out in the workplace or where employees normally are found - a quiet break room is acceptable. Sometimes the best place is near where the hazards are; |
| vi) | keep your presentation informal. Use language workers will understand. Be upbeat and enthusiastic. |
| vii) | choose topics that apply directly to your operation, and be specific in telling workers how it applies to them personally. Keep it relevant; |
| viii) | injury incidents or near misses are good subjects. Let the workers suggest topics and highlight issues; |
| ix) | use visual aids such as safety signs, flip charts, diagrams, illustrations, or actual objects. Demonstrate a procedure if appropriate. Use handouts if needed, but keep them simple; |
| x) | encourage questions and discussion. Bl3 sure workers are paying attention and actively learning; |
| xi) | have workers sign a sheet documenting their presence at the training, and keep on file. |