1. How much does SHE Representative training cost?
Our Safety, Health and Environment Representative course costs R2,300 per person and takes 1 day to complete. The training covers SHE representative duties, hazard identification, workplace inspections, incident reporting, risk awareness and safety communication.

2. What is a Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Representative?
A SHE representative is an employee designated to represent workers on matters relating to workplace health and safety. The representative helps identify potential hazards, raises safety concerns and participates in activities that support a safer working environment.

The role also involves communicating employee concerns to management and supporting workplace health and safety arrangements.

3. What are the duties and responsibilities of a SHE Representative?
SHE representatives perform an important role in monitoring workplace conditions and supporting occupational health and safety.

Their responsibilities can include:

• Identifying and reporting workplace hazards.

• Conducting or participating in workplace inspections.

• Raising safety concerns with management.

• Reporting unsafe acts and conditions.

• Participating in incident and accident investigations.

• Making representations to the employer about health and safety matters.

• Monitoring whether reported safety concerns receive attention.

• Communicating safety information to employees.

• Participating in relevant health and safety committee activities.

4. What does SHE Representative training cover?
The course introduces learners to the principles and responsibilities involved in workplace safety representation.

Training topics include:

• Introduction to occupational health and safety.

• Understanding the role of a SHE representative.

• Overview of relevant health and safety legislation.

• Employee and employer responsibilities.

• Hazard identification and risk awareness.

• Workplace health and safety inspections.

• Identifying unsafe acts and conditions.

• Incident and accident reporting.

• Basic investigation principles.

• Personal protective equipment.

• Workplace safety communication.

• Introduction to environmental awareness.

5. What does the Occupational Health and Safety Act say about SHE Representatives?
The South African Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 provides for the designation of health and safety representatives in qualifying workplaces.

Under Section 17, employers must designate health and safety representatives in writing after consulting employees or their representatives. The requirement generally applies where an employer has more than 20 employees at a workplace.

Section 18 sets out the functions of health and safety representatives, including identifying potential hazards, investigating complaints, conducting inspections and making representations to the employer.

6. How do SHE Representatives identify workplace hazards?
Hazard identification involves recognising anything in the workplace that has the potential to cause injury, illness, property damage or environmental harm.

SHE representatives are introduced to common workplace hazards, including:

• Physical hazards such as noise, heat and vibration.

• Chemical hazards such as fumes, gases and hazardous substances.

• Mechanical hazards involving machinery and moving equipment.

• Electrical hazards involving damaged cables and unsafe connections.

• Ergonomic hazards caused by poor posture and repetitive tasks.

• Environmental hazards such as spills, poor ventilation and waste management problems.

7. How do SHE Representatives conduct workplace inspections?
Workplace inspections help identify unsafe conditions, potential hazards and areas where safety improvements are needed.

Training introduces learners to inspection activities such as:

• Checking work areas for visible hazards.

• Observing employee work practices.

• Inspecting tools, equipment and machinery for safety concerns.

• Checking access routes and emergency exits.

• Observing housekeeping and waste management.

• Recording identified hazards.

• Reporting findings to the appropriate person.

• Following up on reported concerns.

8. What is the difference between a SHE Representative and a Safety Officer?
A SHE representative is an employee designated to represent workers on workplace health and safety matters. A Safety Officer is generally employed or appointed to perform a broader health and safety role within an organisation.

A SHE representative focuses on identifying hazards, raising employee concerns and performing the functions set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. A Safety Officer can have wider responsibilities involving safety systems, compliance monitoring, risk assessments, inspections and safety administration.

9. What is the role of a SHE Representative in environmental safety?
The environmental aspect of SHE focuses on recognising workplace activities that can negatively affect the surrounding environment.

SHE representatives are introduced to environmental concerns such as:

• Improper waste disposal.

• Chemical spills and leaks.

• Air and water pollution.

• Excessive noise.

• Poor storage of hazardous materials.

• Unsafe handling of workplace substances.

• Environmental housekeeping.

They help raise concerns and encourage employees to follow relevant workplace environmental procedures.

10. Where are SHE Representatives needed?
SHE representatives are relevant in workplaces where occupational health and safety arrangements are required.

These include:

• Construction sites.

• Mining operations.

• Manufacturing plants.

• Warehouses and distribution centres.

• Engineering workshops.

• Industrial facilities.

• Transport and logistics companies.

• Offices and commercial buildings.

11. Do you receive a SHE Representative certificate after training?
Learners who successfully complete the required training and assessment receive a Safety, Health and Environment Representative training certificate confirming completion of the programme. The certificate can be included in a CV as evidence of SHE Representative training.

12. What are the requirements for SHE Representative training?
The course is suitable for employees, appointed SHE representatives, supervisors and individuals interested in workplace health and safety. Previous SHE experience is not essential.

Learners should be prepared to:

• Participate in theoretical instruction.

• Understand basic workplace safety principles.

• Learn about SHE representative duties.

• Participate in hazard identification and inspection exercises.

• Understand workplace reporting procedures.

• Complete the required course assessment.