Health and safety responsibility practices

The Group health and safety policy articulates the Group’s commitment to ensuring a secure work environment for all, and is implemented in accordance with the guidelines set out in the OHS Act. Regular fire drills, monthly health and safety forum meetings and regular training workshops for elected representatives in respect of first aid, fire marshalling and evacuation procedures, are held.

Health and safety activities include:

  • Appointment of a Group Health and Safety Manager who assumes full responsibility for the management and facilitation of health and safety-related activities inclusive of policy, practices and procedures nationally.
  • Appointment and training of health and safety representatives, first aiders, and fire marshalls at head office and branches nationally.
  • Facilitated and documented meetings conducted monthly to evaluate Group health and safety performance and requirements.
  • Identification of all health and safety hazards by means of a formal hazard survey done monthly and taking appropriate action to mitigate identified risks.
  • Display all relevant health and safety plans, evacuation procedures and policies in strategic points throughout the business.
  • Create awareness and training of employees around health and safety requirements via rigorous induction, regular drills and awareness presentations.
  • Conducting business activities in a manner which ensures the general wellbeing of our staff from a physical, mental and social perspective.
  • Regular evaluation of Group practices compared to relevant health and safety legislation.

The Group reported nine non-reportable health and safety incidents during the year under review.

  Disabling injury frequency rate 2015 2014 2013 2012
  South Africa 0.92 0.74 0.62 1.102
  Work-related fatalities 0 0 1 0

The disabling injury frequency rate (DIFR) increased to 0.92. This is due to increasing awareness among staff in reporting workplace injuries. The majority of incidents are ascribed to motor vehicle accidents and slipping on stairs. Staff are regularly reminded to exercise caution when descending stairs, by using the two-point contact technique.

Staff are offered a “Wellness for Life” programme for addressing and reducing stress levels. The programme partners with organisations specialising in debt counselling, trauma counselling, substance abuse and physical wellbeing, including advice on HIV/Aids, cancer, tuberculosis and diabetes. Advice from service providers in life and short-term insurance, financial planning and retirement funding is also regularly available.