The Department of Employment and Labour has cautioned employers.

The Department of Employment and Labour has cautioned employers not to purchase wall charts / “posters” from a Company that call themselves “SA Legal Act”.

Legal posters or wall charts are usually a summary of a prescribed legislation. They should be displayed where it could be seen by all employees in order to create an awareness of legislation.

There are various wall charts available like the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity, The Occupational Health and Safety Act, Skills Development Act, Tobacco Products Control Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act etc.

Although it may be good practice to display most of these posters or wall charts it is not a legal requirement. According to legal prescription businesses are obligated to display two summaries, namely the summary of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (Act 75 of 1997) and the summary of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998).

Further, if you are an employer employing five (5) or more employees, then you are required to have a full copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) (OHS) and the relevant regulations readily available at the workplace. The Labour Co. would advise all clients and employers to have a copy of the OHS on premises as, if requested, the employer must, make a copy of the Act available to that employee…

In some instances, the General Machinery Regulations (GMR) of the OHS Act may also be a requirement to display on certain premises depending on the nature of the business.

Employers who don’t comply with the above-mentioned prescriptions may receive penalties from the Department of Employment and Labour.

The Labour Co. is able to assist clients.Should you have further queries regarding your obligations related to the above, The Labour Co. has stock available (posters) for purchase of the prescribed posters which must be displayed.

Sincerely

Jurie Smith MANAGING DIRECTOR