16.2 Legal Liability Course Introduction

The 16.2 legal liability course is specifically designed for managers and supervisors tasked with ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) within their organisations. Under the Health and Safety Act, particularly Section 37, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) bears the ultimate responsibility for providing a safe and healthy working environment, free from risks that could harm employees. This 16.2 legal liability course equips managers and supervisors with the knowledge, skills, and practical guidance necessary to fulfil these obligations effectively, translating legal requirements into actionable workplace practices.

The CEO’s responsibilities under the Act are extensive and require delegation to designated employees within each department. These designated employees, often referred to as Section 16(2) representatives, assume legally binding duties to monitor, manage, and report on health and safety matters. The 16.2 legal liability course focuses on preparing managers and supervisors to oversee these representatives, ensuring that all departmental responsibilities are clearly communicated, understood, and executed. By understanding the legal framework and operationalising it within their departments, participants can prevent workplace incidents and demonstrate compliance with national safety legislation.

A core component of the 16.2 legal liability course is learning how to conduct and manage departmental health and safety meetings. Managers and supervisors are trained to hold monthly and quarterly sessions to discuss hazards, dangers, and risks identified within each department. These meetings provide a platform for evaluating existing control measures, reporting incidents, and implementing strategies to prevent recurrence. Participants in the course will learn how to document discussions, assign responsibilities for corrective actions, and follow up to ensure that measures are effective and compliant with the law.

The 16.2 legal liability course also covers the broader responsibilities of managers and supervisors regarding employee well-being. This includes understanding the management of sick leave, workers’ compensation, and workplace injuries, as well as employees’ rights under the Act. Participants will gain insight into how to respond to incidents, investigate accidents, and liaise with relevant authorities where necessary. By embedding these principles into departmental practices, managers can create a proactive safety culture that minimises risks and protects both employees and the organisation.

Leadership and accountability are central themes in the 16.2 legal liability course. Managers and supervisors must serve as role models in promoting safe practices, reinforcing the importance of compliance, and ensuring that employees are aware of their responsibilities. The course trains participants to communicate expectations clearly, encourage hazard reporting without fear of reprisal, and monitor the implementation of safety measures across all departments. Emphasis is placed on practical application, ensuring that participants are equipped to lead effectively during audits, inspections, or real workplace incidents.

By the end of the 16.2 legal liability course, participants will have a thorough understanding of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the duties delegated from the CEO to Section 16(2) representatives. They will be prepared to manage departmental health and safety meetings, conduct incident investigations, and maintain compliance records. More importantly, participants will gain the confidence and competence to foster a culture of safety, ensuring that every employee works in an environment that is not only legally compliant but also actively prioritises their health and well-being.

This 16.2 legal liability course strengthens organisational resilience, promotes leadership accountability, and ensures that workplace safety is embedded in daily operations. Managers and supervisors completing this course will leave equipped with the tools, knowledge, and practical strategies needed to implement, monitor, and sustain a legally compliant and safe working environment across all departments, aligning with both organisational objectives and legislative requirements.

Click on the link below to see the Act.

https://www.gov.za/documents/occupational-health-and-safety-act?gclid=CjwKCAjw_NX7BRA1EiwA2dpg0kaD1NNf9VBoW4wJ60yfuSS7UiLT7aaR5LPRTh3WoFEjlWO9ZR8HmhoCWWcQAvD_BwE