Pretoria � The Gauteng Department of Health says occupational health and safety audits were conducted at health facilities across the province last month.

This was disclosed by Health MEC, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, in a Legislature response to questions about the Department of Labour inspections at 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 MEC Ramokgopa.

She said practical on-site training was done during audits and inspections, ensuring all facility CEOs 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 MEC Ramokgopa.

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

Source: South African Government News Agency