DEDAT COVID-19 Workplace Safety Team

Experience in managing the Western Cape water crisis resulted in understanding that close collaboration with the business sector, as well as improved communications was essential to respond to COVID-19. The Team developed guidelines, checklists, FAQs and posters. Radio interviews and presentations were conducted to industry bodies. Support was provided to sector bodies and individual businesses on their workplace safety risk assessments and management plans. This assisted businesses in understanding the requirements to ensure workplace safety.  COVID-19 protocol non-compliance was also addressed, and utilised as business engagement mechanism to build relationships, raise awareness and improve workplace safety. This was also used to improve business reporting on positive cases, which helped the Department of Health obtain information on hotspots, and the Department of Labour identify potential poor workplace safety compliance hotspots. Sectors and spatial areas were identified which required further attention and support.  Regulatory interpretation was also addressed, engaging SAPS and other partners to enable essential businesses to remain open and operate effectively.