VN May 2022

Vetnews | Mei 2022 29 • Persons other than employees who attend the workplace (such as clients) may not be exposed to any hazards to their health or safety, and precautions must be in place. • Preventative measures necessary to protect employees must be set out and documented. It includes adequate safety signs displayed where necessary. • Provide the equipment and other means needed to enable employees to comply with the preventative measures. It includes providing the necessary protective gear and disinfectants. • Employees must be sufficiently trained, informed, and instructed to allow them to understand the risks and take preventative measures. It must be documented, and proof must be provided when requested. Annual refresher training must be done. • Ensure that employees comply with OHSA and its regulations and enforce the control measures prescribed. • If there are more than 20 employees, the employer must appoint a health and safety representative for the workplace in writing. • Theremust bemonitoring of employees’exposure to hazardous biological agents. In certain circumstances, medical surveillance must be done. The OHSA places a significant responsibility on practice owners to ensure the health and safety of their employees and that of visitors. Employers must prevent hazardous events from occurring and document and record their steps to do this. The risks and preventative measures must be revised regularly. If you would like a copy of OHSA and the Hazardous Biological Agents Regulations, send an e-mail to Dr Trudie Prinsloo at trudie@legalvetservices.co.za. v SAVA Legal Column