The OHSA clearly sets out the legislative requirements for companies to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. The group’s health and safety policy has been implemented in accordance with the guidelines set down in the Act and articulates the group’s commitment to ensuring a secure work environment. This includes 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.

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.
• Appointment and training of health and safety representatives, first aiders and fire marshalls at head office and branches.
• 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, policies and procedures 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.
• Conducting business activities in a manner which ensures the general wellbeing of our staff from a physical, mental and social perspective.

The three main health and safety risks identified for the group include fire, motor vehicle accidents and those related to a general office environment. The group reported 17 non-reportable health and safety incidents during the year under review.

The disabling injury frequency rate increased by 0.477 from 2011 to 2012 and the number of incidents increased from 8 to 17. The majority of the incidents related to the general office environment and motor vehicle accidents.

The group continues to offer the “Wellness for Life” programme to staff which is aimed at addressing and reducing their stress levels. The programme partners with organisations which specialise in areas such as debt counselling, trauma counselling, substance abuse and physical wellbeing, including support for HIV and Aids, cancer, tuberculosis and diabetes sufferers. The group regularly arranges presentations to staff by external parties covering medical insurance, financial planning and retirement funding.