Written by Marietjie du Plessis
Start the Year Strong: Resetting Your Occupational Health and Safety Focus
The beginning of a new year is the ideal time to pause, reflect, and reset. In the world of Occupational Health and Safety, this fresh start presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen systems, reinforce responsibilities, and re-engage everyone in the workplace around safety. Whether you are an appointed Safety Manager, a legal appointee, an employer, or an employee, safety is a shared responsibility, and it starts with the basics done well.
1. OHS Induction: Not Just for New Employees
OHS induction is often seen as a once-off activity for new starters, but in reality, it should be an ongoing process. While new employees need to understand the company’s hazards, rules, and procedures from day one, long-serving employees also benefit greatly from refresher inductions.
Over time, regulations change, procedures are updated, and new risks emerge. Employees who have been with the company for many years may unknowingly rely on outdated practices or become complacent. Regular refresher inductions help remind everyone of key legal requirements, safe work procedures, emergency protocols, and their personal responsibility for health and safety.
Most importantly, induction sessions reinforce that safety is not just about complying with regulations, it is about taking care of yourself and your colleagues. A well-structured induction sets the tone for the year and reminds everyone that safety remains a priority, regardless of experience or job title.
2. Making Safety Rules Clear and Visible
Safety rules are only effective when they are known, understood, and consistently applied. At the start of the year, it is good practice to revisit company safety rules and ensure they are clearly communicated to all employees.
This can be done through toolbox talks, Health and Safety meetings, notice boards, signage, awareness campaigns, health and safety topics discussed in Departmental Meetings and even informal discussions on the shop floor. Employees should not only know what the rules are but also understand why they exist. When people understand the purpose behind safety rules, compliance becomes more natural and meaningful.
Consistency is key. Safety rules must apply to everyone, from management to contractors to employees. When leadership visibly supports and follows safety rules, it sends a powerful message and encourages a strong safety culture across the organisation.
3. Reviewing and Updating the Training Matrix
A training matrix is more than just a spreadsheet, it is a vital tool for managing competence and ensuring compliance. As the year begins, reviewing and updating the company’s training matrix helps confirm that all required training is identified, relevant, and up to date.
This includes legal and statutory training, role-specific skills training, refresher training, and any competency requirements linked to machinery, equipment, or hazardous tasks. Changes in job roles, processes, or legislation should be reflected in the training matrix to ensure no gaps exist.
An updated and well-managed training matrix supports Safety Managers and employers in planning training proactively, rather than reacting to incidents or audits. For employees, it provides clarity on expectations and helps build confidence in their ability to perform tasks safely and competently.
4. Reviewing Risk Assessments: Keeping Them Relevant
Risk assessments are not static documents to be filed away and forgotten. Workplaces evolve, and so do the risks associated with them. Starting the year with a thorough review of existing risk assessments is essential.
This review should confirm whether identified hazards are still relevant and whether existing control measures remain effective. It is equally important to consider changes such as new equipment, modified processes, different materials, or changes in staffing that may introduce new risks.
Involving employees in risk assessment reviews adds significant value. Employees often have first-hand insight into day-to-day tasks and can identify hazards that may otherwise be overlooked. Ensuring that new risks are added and control measures are updated helps prevent incidents and demonstrates a proactive approach to safety management.
A Shared Commitment for the Year Ahead
Starting the year by focusing on OHS induction, safety rules, training, and risk assessments sets a strong foundation for the months ahead. These actions show a commitment to compliance, care, and continuous improvement.
Most importantly, they reinforce the message that safety is everyone’s responsibility. By working together, we can create safer, healthier workplaces where everyone can perform their duties with confidence and peace of mind.
Here’s to a safe and successful year ahead!
