Discuss all things related to Health and Safety Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:47:12 +0000 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:47:12 +0000 Safe Build Forum http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?forums/general-discussion.47/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:27:06 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/safety-share-contractor-management.1679/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/safety-share-contractor-management.1679/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin Safety Share: Contractor Management

Objective: To ensure all personnel understand that safety responsibility extends to everyone on site, including subcontractors. Effective contractor management is key to preventing incidents and ensuring a harmonised, safe work environment.

Key Message: We are all responsible for safety. As the principal contractor or client, we own the risk. The companies we hire must work to our standards, not just their own.


1. Why is...

Safety Share: Contractor Management]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:26:20 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/safety-share-the-what-if-game.1678/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/safety-share-the-what-if-game.1678/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin Safety Share: The "What If..." Game

Objective: To proactively identify potential hazards and risks in a task before starting work by encouraging teams to brainstorm unexpected scenarios and develop control measures.

Key Message: If you can think it, you can plan for it. A hazard identified in a discussion is an incident prevented on site.


1. What is the "What If..." Game?

It is a simple but powerful risk assessment technique. Instead of just reviewing...

Safety Share: The "What If..." Game]]> Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:08:10 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/unpacking-the-draft-lead-regulations-webinar-26-march-2024.1619/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/unpacking-the-draft-lead-regulations-webinar-26-march-2024.1619/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin View attachment 383]]> Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:03:42 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/bioremediation-to-save-soil.1618/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/bioremediation-to-save-soil.1618/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin Bioremediation of soil is a viable alternative to landfilling, especially for larger volumes, due to the equipment and time required to achieve the desired result.

Bioremediation is a branch of biotechnology that employs the use of living organisms, like microbes and bacteria, to decontaminate affected areas, removing contaminants, pollutants, and toxins from soil, water, and other environments.

The practical application of bioremediation spans a wide range of environmental...

Bioremediation to save soil]]> Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:46:09 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/ergonomics-tools-to-use-at-work.1577/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/ergonomics-tools-to-use-at-work.1577/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin
Ergonomics tools to use at work]]> Mon, 15 Aug 2022 08:10:18 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/the-best-breathalyser-for-the-job.1551/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/the-best-breathalyser-for-the-job.1551/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin Workplace alcohol testing ensures that machine operators, drivers, and workers in general are safe and sober while doing their jobs. The benefits should be obvious, including a reduced risk of alcohol-related accidents, cost savings from eliminating damage to machines and company property, and protecting on-site workers and drivers from potentially fatal incidents. There are a few things for companies to consider, however, before choosing an appropriate alcohol breathalyser. ...

The best breathalyser for the job?]]> Mon, 08 Aug 2022 07:14:21 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/a-free-tool-to-fight-covid-19.1550/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/a-free-tool-to-fight-covid-19.1550/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) – a scientific charity and the chartered society for worker health protection in the UK – has developed a free, online ventilation tool to help limit the transmission of Covid-19 in workplaces in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The British government has advised businesses to use CO2 monitoring equipment to check whether indoor spaces are sufficiently ventilated, while the Welsh government has announced...

A free tool to fight Covid-19]]> Mon, 07 Dec 2020 12:11:36 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/chs-forum-presentations-recording-launch-of-the-department-of-employment-labour-asbestos-abate.1467/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/chs-forum-presentations-recording-launch-of-the-department-of-employment-labour-asbestos-abate.1467/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin CHS FORUM: Presentations & Recording: Launch of the Department of Employment & Labour Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020_ 27 November 2020



The Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) in collaboration with the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) would like to thank you for attending the webinar on Asbestos Abatement Regulations Launch on Friday, 27 November 2020. Please find below, links to the webinar presentations and the recording for your information...

CHS FORUM: Presentations & Recording: Launch of the Department of Employment & Labour Asbestos Abate]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2020 07:09:14 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/reusable-cloth-masks-how-to-sanitise-them.1428/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/reusable-cloth-masks-how-to-sanitise-them.1428/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin With the progressive easing of the lockdown, and with a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), reusable cloth masks are set to play a vital role. CARLA B RIBEIRO examines how to clean them effectively.

Cloth face masks are a last resort and do not replace any of the other measures, such as social distancing, respiratory etiquette, hand washing and avoiding face touching. But, with the lack of PPE – surgical masks or N95 or FFP2 respirators for single use – masks sewn from...

Reusable cloth masks: how to sanitise them]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2020 07:05:37 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/guidance-on-vulnerable-employees-and-workplace-accommodation-in-relation-to-covid-19.1426/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/guidance-on-vulnerable-employees-and-workplace-accommodation-in-relation-to-covid-19.1426/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin Guidance on vulnerable employees and workplace accommodation in relation to COVID-19


The Department of Health has issued the following document that aims to provide guidance to evaluate and manage vulnerable employees in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.


Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993), the employer has an obligation to provide “a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of his employees.” In addition, an employer...

Guidance on vulnerable employees and workplace accommodation in relation to COVID-19]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2020 11:27:08 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/consolidated-health-and-safety-file-what-you-need-to-know.1414/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/consolidated-health-and-safety-file-what-you-need-to-know.1414/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin
The consolidated Health and Safety file for the structure that is handed over from the Principal Contractor to the Client forms the basis for the occupational Health and Safety file for the structure.

It contains the information necessary to occupy and maintain the structure in a healthy and safe manner, and also includes a record...

Consolidated Health and Safety file - what you need to know]]> Tue, 16 Apr 2019 13:35:14 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/can-you-afford-theft.1354/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/can-you-afford-theft.1354/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin
While insurance policies protect business and private individuals against the full cost of the loss, theft has a further toll on businesses.

“The loss of data that goes with the theft of laptops can be even more incapacitating than the financial loss. International statistics say that as much as...

Can you afford theft?]]> Tue, 16 Apr 2019 13:33:35 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/when-risk-controls-fail.1353/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/when-risk-controls-fail.1353/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin During December 2018, I experienced a scenario that could trigger a debate on what happens when risk controls fail

One of the critical skills needed by a bank teller is the ability to recognise potential risks related to cash transactions, as well as the ability to utilise the controls that are in place to mitigate these risks.

The scenario I experienced involved a cash transaction. After all my details were verified at the information desk, I was issued a bank cheque, which I...

When risk controls fail]]> Tue, 12 Mar 2019 20:17:22 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/saiosh-recognised-as-professional-ohs-body-by-saqa.732/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/saiosh-recognised-as-professional-ohs-body-by-saqa.732/ invalid@example.com (Neels Nortje) Neels Nortje Confirmation of the only Professionally Registered Chartered Occupational Health and Safety Body in South Africa

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has confirmed that the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh) is the recognised professional body for Occupational Health and Safety Practitioners in South Africa. Saiosh professional body recognition will further be recognised internationally, and not only be limited to South African Borders....

Saiosh recognised as Professional OHS Body by SAQA]]> 5 Wed, 15 Aug 2018 08:18:46 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/cyber-alert.1305/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/cyber-alert.1305/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin What is the greatest risk that businesses currently need to manage? The risks associated with cyber incidents, reports CHARLEEN CLARKE, after studying the Allianz Risk Barometer 2018.

We love it and – thanks to the inherent risks it represents – we also hate it. I am, of course, referring to the internet, which has changed life as we know it. Undoubtedly the greatest invention of the 20th century, the internet comes with a multitude of risks.

Cyber incidents are paramount and,...

Cyber alert!]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2018 08:16:54 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/avoiding-the-big-c.1304/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/avoiding-the-big-c.1304/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin Conflict between employees may result in unnecessary stress and unproductivity and could even lead to physical harm. It is, therefore, important for every manager to be equipped to manage employee conflict.

By retaining employees over the long term, companies can increase productivity and generate more profits for the company. Matt Dodaro, thought leader at Enterprise Software and InsureTech in the United States (US), notes that a third of new hires quit after six months with the...

Avoiding the big C]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2018 07:11:48 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/suffering-from-sick-building-syndrome.1274/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/suffering-from-sick-building-syndrome.1274/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin Sick-building syndrome (SBS) is a health-psychological condition that affects people residing or working in a building with poor indoor air quality.

The term was coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 1980s.

At the time SBS was estimated to be present in almost 30 percent...

Suffering from sick- building syndrome?]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2018 07:10:14 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/going-cold-turkey-on-drug-abuse-part-one.1273/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/going-cold-turkey-on-drug-abuse-part-one.1273/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin The World Drug Report 2016 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that in 2014, around 207 400 people between the age of 15 and 64 died worldwide, due to drug abuse. It also estimates that between 11 and 25 percent of the South African population use drugs.

According to...

Going cold turkey on drug abuse Part one]]> 1 Thu, 29 Mar 2018 13:24:31 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/46-things-a-health-and-safety-professional-would-never-have-in-their-home.1268/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/46-things-a-health-and-safety-professional-would-never-have-in-their-home.1268/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin health and safety expert would never have in their home. Make your home safe and read the full infographic...

46 things a health and safety professional would NEVER have in their home]]> Thu, 29 Mar 2018 13:21:14 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/playing-deaf-to-noise-pollution.1267/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/playing-deaf-to-noise-pollution.1267/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin Noise pollution is caused by loud sounds that distresses and could possibly harm the hearing of employees. Industries such as underground mining and trade workshops with heavy equipment are especially susceptible to noise pollution, as these...

Playing deaf to noise pollution]]>