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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MAY
2016
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Evans suggests informing employees of the necessity for such a
programme by elaborating on the legal basis of testing in line with
the OHSAct as well as the dangers associated with the consump-
tion of alcohol.
“You need to stipulate what the accepted alcohol levels will be. Most
companies believe that this should be zero tolerance or a 0,000% BAC (blood
alcohol concentration) while others may accept anything above 0,020%
BAC as unacceptable. You then need to stipulate when such testing may
take place. For example compulsory testing upon entry, random testing,
post-accident testing and suspicion based testing,” he continues.
Furthermore, one needs to state who may be tested and who is allowed
to conduct testing. The procedure for testing should be clearly outlined.
An example here is that there will be a first screening test followed
20 minutes later by a confirmation test if the first test is positive for alcohol.
The repercussions of having a positive test result as well as those for
employees refusing to take the test, need to be explained.
“It’s important to consult with unions or employee representatives to
obtain their input and to establish their understanding of how the alcohol
testing equipment works and the procedure that will be followed for testing.
A full outline of the implications of not abiding by both the OHSAct and
individual company regulations, should be provided for discussion with both
employees and their representatives and unions,” Evans notes.
ALCO-Safe provides assistance in the formulation of alcohol and
substance abuse programmes and the provision of police grade breathalysers
to ensure high quality and consistent results, together with drug testing
equipment suitable for workplace use. The company undertakes calibra-
tions and maintenance on all of the equipment that it supplies. If positive
test results are obtained ALCO-Safe can also assist with expert witnesses in
CCMA cases and labour court hearings.
A-OSH EXPO 2016
“The incidence of alcohol abuse in the workplace is an ongoing issue
for South African businesses. The dangers of an intoxicated employee
reporting for work on a construction site are all too obvious. A-OSH EXPO
2016 focuses not only the administration of PPE to ensure worker safety
on site, but furthermore on the prevention of accidents and incidents
through the deployment of adequate substance abuse educational and
testing programmes,” says Joshua Low, A-OSH EXPO Event Director at
Specialised Exhibitions.
Held between 24 and 26 May 2016 at Gallagher Convention Centre in
Midrand, Johannesburg, A-OSH EXPO is a huge drawcard for visitors from
a number of industries who are quick to recognise the convenience of
accessing a wide offering of products and services under one roof.
In addition to a solid round-up of health and safety service providers,
suppliers andmanufacturers, A-OSH EXPOwill offer the ever popular free-to-
attend NOSHEBO Seminar Theatre sponsored by Ansell, and PASMAWorking
at Height Theatre. For the fifth consecutive year, Saiosh will also be running
their comprehensive conference alongside A-OSH EXPO.
An attraction which was launched at A-OSH EXPO last year will be
continued in 2016. The Business Matchmaking Programme, sponsored by
Ideco, sees visitors matched up with the most relevant exhibitors prior to the
exhibition. This process provides visitors with the opportunity to schedule
their appointments prior to the exhibitions and thereby allows them to
maximise their exhibition experience.
A-OSH EXPO 2016 enjoys the endorsement of a number of leading
industry associations, including the Institute for Working at Height (IWH),
IOSM, Nebosh, FPASA, NOSHEBO, PASMA, the Safety First Association, SAIOH,
Sapema and Saiosh.
SAVING MONEY AND LIVES
One of the factors that affects risk control on
construction sites is the absence or presence
of a suitable and effective substance abuse
workplace programme. This is according to
Rhys Evans of ALCO-Safe.
>
A-OSH EXPO is a huge drawcard for visitors from a number of indus-
tries who are quick to recognise the convenience of accessing a wide
offering of products and services under one roof.