This book explains the health and safety measures that employers are required to implement in the workplace to protect their employees and the public against COVID-19. It contains several checklists that systematically work through and simplify the applicable Directions issued by the Minister of Employment and Labour.

The Consolidated Directions on Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Certain Workplaces were published in the Government Gazette on 1 October 2020. They place a legal responsibility on employers to take further measures to safeguard employees and the public against COVID-19. Penalties can be imposed on employers who fail to comply with the Directions (in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act).

PART 1: DEFINITIONS AND APPLICATION OF THE DIRECTIONS

• Definitions 
• Application of the Directions 

PART 2: RISK ASSESSMENT PLANS AND ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES 

• Risk assessment and plans for protective measures 
• Administrative measures applicable to all employers 

PART 3: SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES AND SYMPTOM SCREENING 

• Social distancing measures 
• Symptom screening 

PART 4: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND OTHER SAFETY MEASURES 

• Sanitisers, disinfectants and washing of hands 
• Cloth masks 
• Additional safety measures for workplaces to which the public has access
• Ventilation
• Specific personal protective equipment 

PART 5: SAFETY MEASURES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

• Measures to be taken by employers with 10 employees or less 

PART 6: WORKER OBLIGATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE DIRECTIONS

• Worker obligations 
• Refusal to work due to exposure to COVID-19 
• No deduction from employee’s remuneration
• Monitoring and enforcing Directions 
• Sectoral protocols and guidelines 
• Amendment of Annexure A 
• Withdrawal of Directions 
• Commencement of the Directions 

CHECKLISTS AND TEMPLATES 

A. Risk assessment plan checklist 

B. Employees diagnosed with COVID-19 checklist 

C. Employees presenting with COVID-19 symptoms at

the workplace checklist 

D. Additional administrative duties for employers employing more than 50 employees checklist 

E. Personal protective equipment and other safety measures checklist 

F. Example of a COVID-19 workplace policy 

G. Other documents and templates 

This pocket companion will assist human resource and employee relations managers, trade union officials, business owners, occupational health practitioners, workplace safety committees, safety officers and COVID-19 compliance officers.