JAFO OHS Act and Legal Liability Awareness helps managers, supervisors and appointed personnel understand how South Africa’s occupational health and safety framework affects everyday decisions. The programme focuses on practical responsibilities, due diligence and escalation without presenting general training as individual legal advice.
Who should attend
- Directors, senior managers and operational leaders.
- Supervisors, project managers and department heads.
- Safety officers, health and safety representatives and committee members.
- Procurement, facilities and contractor-management personnel.
Understanding the legal framework
Learners receive an overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, selected regulations and the relationship between employers, employees, users of machinery, mandataries and inspectors. The exact regulatory topics are adjusted to the client’s industry and risk profile.
Management responsibility and delegation
The course explains the difference between assigning tasks and transferring accountability. Written appointments should define authority, resources, competence and reporting lines. Management must monitor whether arrangements operate effectively rather than relying only on signed appointment letters.
Employee and representative participation
Learners examine employee duties, consultation, health and safety representative functions and committee processes. Effective participation includes inspections, recommendations, incident discussions and documented follow-up.
Risk assessment and reasonably practicable controls
Legal awareness is connected to hazard identification, risk assessment and the hierarchy of controls. Participants explore how resources, knowledge, severity and available controls influence decisions, while recognising that specialist advice may be required.
Contractors and section 37
The programme introduces contractor responsibilities and written arrangements under section 37. A standard agreement alone is not an operational contractor-management system; selection, risk controls, supervision, communication and monitoring remain essential.
Incidents, enforcement and records
Participants review the need for prompt incident escalation, reporting, evidence preservation and corrective action. The course also discusses inspections, directions or enforcement at a general awareness level. Specific incidents and prosecutions require qualified legal guidance.
Supporting resources include the incident investigation guide and OHS training-matrix guide.
Delivery and certification
JAFO can discuss management workshops, private groups and on-site delivery in Johannesburg, Gauteng and other South African locations. The quotation will identify programme scope, assessment method, certificate type and issuing arrangement. Attendance does not appoint a person or guarantee competence for every specialised legal role.
Frequently asked questions
Is this legal advice?
No. It is awareness training. Obtain advice from a suitably qualified professional for a particular legal dispute, incident or prosecution.
Can the course focus on our industry?
Yes. Corporate delivery can emphasise relevant regulations and scenarios after the scope and available evidence are agreed.
Does an appointment letter remove management liability?
No automatic conclusion should be drawn. Authority, competence, resources, supervision and actual conduct must all be considered.
Request a management workshop: provide the industry, learner roles, location and priority compliance topics.