Return To Work Risk Assessment for South Africa

Return To Work Risk Assessment Template for South Africa

A comprehensive workplace risk assessment document designed to comply with South African occupational health and safety legislation, specifically focused on evaluating and mitigating risks for employees returning to work. The assessment incorporates requirements from the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Labour Relations Act, and other relevant South African regulations. It provides a structured approach to identifying potential hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing appropriate control measures to ensure a safe return to work environment. The document includes both general workplace safety considerations and specific provisions for various return-to-work scenarios, such as returns from medical leave, long-term absence, or in response to changing workplace conditions.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
Return To Work Risk Assessment

Let Genie AI's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.
Upload your Doc

What is a Return To Work Risk Assessment?

The Return To Work Risk Assessment is a crucial document required under South African workplace safety regulations, primarily governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) No. 85 of 1993 and related legislation. This assessment becomes necessary when employees return to work after extended absences, medical leave, workplace injuries, or during significant workplace changes affecting health and safety conditions. The document serves as a systematic tool for identifying potential hazards, evaluating associated risks, and implementing appropriate control measures to ensure a safe working environment for returning employees. It includes detailed evaluations of physical workspace, job duties, necessary accommodations, and specific health and safety protocols. The assessment must be conducted in compliance with South African legal requirements and should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing workplace conditions or new safety considerations.

What sections should be included in a Return To Work Risk Assessment?

1. 1. Document Control: Information about the document version, date, approval status, and review schedule

2. 2. Purpose and Scope: Defines the purpose of the risk assessment and its scope of application

3. 3. Legislative Framework: Lists relevant South African legislation and regulations that govern the assessment

4. 4. Definitions and Abbreviations: Defines key terms and abbreviations used throughout the document

5. 5. Risk Assessment Methodology: Explains the methodology used to identify and evaluate risks

6. 6. Workplace Overview: Description of the workplace environment, departments, and general working conditions

7. 7. Hazard Identification: Systematic identification of potential hazards in the workplace

8. 8. Risk Evaluation: Assessment of identified risks including likelihood and severity

9. 9. Control Measures: Detailed description of measures to minimize or eliminate identified risks

10. 10. Monitoring and Review: Procedures for ongoing monitoring and periodic review of control measures

11. 11. Roles and Responsibilities: Defines responsibilities of management, supervisors, and employees

12. 12. Emergency Procedures: Procedures to follow in case of emergencies or incidents

13. 13. Training Requirements: Specifies required training for employees returning to work

14. 14. Documentation and Record Keeping: Requirements for maintaining records related to the risk assessment

What sections are optional to include in a Return To Work Risk Assessment?

1. Industry-Specific Hazards: Additional section for industries with unique hazards (e.g., mining, construction, healthcare)

2. COVID-19 Specific Measures: Section specifically addressing COVID-19 risks and controls, required if returning after COVID-related absence

3. Disability Accommodation: Section addressing specific accommodations for employees returning with disabilities

4. Remote Work Considerations: Section for hybrid work arrangements where part of work is conducted remotely

5. Medical Surveillance Program: Required for workplaces with ongoing health monitoring requirements

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Detailed section on PPE requirements, necessary for high-risk environments

7. Psychological Health Considerations: Section addressing mental health and psychosocial risks, particularly relevant for long-term absence returns

What schedules should be included in a Return To Work Risk Assessment?

1. Schedule A: Risk Assessment Matrix: Template for risk evaluation showing likelihood and severity scales

2. Schedule B: Hazard Checklist: Comprehensive checklist of potential workplace hazards

3. Schedule C: Control Measure Implementation Plan: Template for documenting and tracking implementation of control measures

4. Schedule D: Employee Return to Work Plan Template: Individual employee return to work planning template

5. Schedule E: Health Screening Form: Template for health screening questionnaires

6. Appendix 1: Relevant Legislation Excerpts: Key excerpts from relevant South African legislation

7. Appendix 2: Emergency Contact Information: List of emergency contacts and procedures

8. Appendix 3: Training Record Templates: Templates for documenting completed training requirements

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

South Africa

Publisher

Genie AI

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Relevant Industries

Manufacturing

Mining

Construction

Healthcare

Financial Services

Retail

Information Technology

Education

Agriculture

Transportation

Hospitality

Professional Services

Public Sector

Energy

Telecommunications

Pharmaceutical

Chemical Industry

Food and Beverage

Logistics

Media and Entertainment

Relevant Teams

Human Resources

Occupational Health and Safety

Risk Management

Operations

Facilities Management

Legal and Compliance

Employee Relations

Medical Services

Training and Development

Quality Assurance

Environmental Health

Industrial Relations

Wellness and Benefits

Emergency Response

Workplace Planning

Relevant Roles

Health and Safety Manager

Risk Assessment Officer

Human Resources Director

Occupational Health Nurse

Facilities Manager

Operations Manager

Line Supervisor

Department Head

Compliance Officer

Employee Relations Manager

Wellness Coordinator

Safety Specialist

Industrial Hygienist

Environmental Health Officer

Return to Work Coordinator

Occupational Therapist

Risk Manager

Medical Officer

Training Coordinator

Quality Assurance Manager

Industries
Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) No. 85 of 1993: Primary legislation governing workplace safety and health in South Africa. Establishes fundamental rights and duties of employers and employees regarding workplace safety.
Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002): Provides framework for disaster management, including workplace protocols during national disasters. Relevant for COVID-19 and similar situations affecting return-to-work policies.
Employment Equity Act No. 55 of 1998: Ensures fair treatment and non-discrimination, particularly relevant for employees returning after medical conditions or disabilities.
Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995: Governs the relationship between employers and employees, including rights and obligations during return-to-work situations.
Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997: Sets minimum requirements for employment conditions, including aspects related to return-to-work arrangements and working hours.
Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) No. 130 of 1993: Relevant for employees returning to work after occupational injuries or diseases, outlining compensation and return-to-work procedures.
Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) No. 4 of 2013: Governs the handling of personal information, including medical information collected during risk assessments.
Hazardous Biological Agents Regulations, 2022: Specific regulations governing workplace exposure to biological agents, crucial for health-related risk assessments.
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Fire Risk Assessment For Self Catering Accommodation

A South African-compliant fire risk assessment document for self-catering accommodations, evaluating fire safety measures and providing risk mitigation recommendations.

find out more

Cctv Risk Assessment

A South African-compliant CCTV risk assessment document that evaluates security needs, privacy impacts, and technical requirements while ensuring POPIA compliance.

find out more

Building Survey Risk Assessment

A South African legal document assessing building-related risks, safety concerns, and compliance requirements, providing recommendations for risk mitigation.

find out more

Bcm Risk Assessment

A South African-compliant Business Continuity Management Risk Assessment document that evaluates potential business disruption risks and provides mitigation strategies.

find out more

Baseline Risk Assessment For (Construction)

A mandatory risk assessment document under South African law that identifies and controls construction project hazards, required before commencing any construction work.

find out more

Fire Risk Assessment For Restaurants

A South African-compliant fire risk assessment template for restaurants, evaluating fire hazards and safety measures in accordance with national regulations.

find out more

Restaurant Fire Risk Assessment

A South African-compliant fire risk assessment document for restaurants, evaluating fire safety aspects and providing recommendations under local regulations.

find out more

Covid Hazard Assessment

A South African workplace COVID-19 risk assessment document that evaluates and establishes control measures for managing COVID-19 transmission risks in compliance with local health and safety regulations.

find out more

Fraud Risk Assessment For Banks

A regulatory-compliant fraud risk assessment framework for South African banks, incorporating local banking laws and international best practices.

find out more

Night Worker Risk Assessment

A South African legal compliance document for assessing and managing risks associated with night work operations under OHSA and BCEA requirements.

find out more

Livery Yard Risk Assessment

A South African-compliant risk assessment template for livery yards, addressing facility, horse handling, and staff safety requirements under local health and safety regulations.

find out more

Field Level Risk Assessment

A South African regulatory-compliant document that systematically evaluates and controls operational risks in specific field environments.

find out more

Risk Assessment Policy

A South African-compliant policy document outlining the organization's approach to risk assessment, management procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements.

find out more

Cherry Picker Risk Assessment

A South African regulatory-compliant risk assessment document for safe cherry picker operations, aligned with OH&S Act requirements.

find out more

Liquidity Risk Assessment

A regulatory-compliant assessment of an organization's liquidity risk profile and management framework under South African financial law and Basel III requirements.

find out more

Information Security Risk Assessment Report

A detailed assessment of an organization's information security risks and controls, providing recommendations aligned with South African regulatory requirements and international standards.

find out more

Eyewash Risk Assessment Form

A South African workplace safety document for assessing risks and requirements related to eyewash facilities, compliant with OHS Act and SANS standards.

find out more

Continuous Risk Assessment

A South African law-compliant framework for implementing and maintaining an ongoing risk assessment process in organizational settings.

find out more

Construction Fire Risk Assessment

A mandatory South African construction document that evaluates fire risks, prevention measures, and emergency procedures for construction sites under national building and safety regulations.

find out more

Community Event Risk Assessment

A South African-compliant risk assessment framework for community events, ensuring comprehensive risk management and regulatory compliance.

find out more

Baseline Risk Assessment For Road (Construction)

A South African legal compliance document for identifying and managing risks in road construction projects, aligned with OHS Act requirements and Construction Regulations.

find out more

Risk Assessment Science Experiment

A comprehensive risk assessment template for scientific experiments, compliant with South African safety regulations and research protocols.

find out more

Risk Maturity Assessment Report

A comprehensive evaluation of an organization's risk management capabilities and maturity level, aligned with South African regulatory requirements and governance standards.

find out more

Risk Assessment Questionnaire For Banks

A comprehensive risk assessment tool for South African banks, aligned with local banking regulations and Basel III requirements.

find out more

Mobile Plant Risk Assessment

A South African OHS Act-compliant risk assessment document for evaluating and controlling hazards associated with mobile plant equipment operations.

find out more

Home Risk Assessment

A South African legal document detailing comprehensive residential property risk assessment and safety evaluation, aligned with national building and safety regulations.

find out more

Government Risk Assessment

A South African government-focused risk assessment document that evaluates and addresses organizational risks in compliance with national legislation and public sector requirements.

find out more

Compressed Air Risk Assessment

A South African OHS-compliant risk assessment document for evaluating and managing hazards associated with industrial compressed air systems.

find out more

Worksite Assessment

A South African law-compliant document for evaluating workplace safety, hazards, and compliance with OHS regulations.

find out more

Risk Assessment Log

A South African workplace document for systematically recording and managing occupational hazards and risks in compliance with OHS Act requirements.

find out more

Risk And Control Assessment

A South African regulatory-compliant document for systematic assessment of organizational risks and control effectiveness, aligned with King IV Code requirements.

find out more

Organisational Risk Assessment

A systematic evaluation of organizational risks compliant with South African legislation, providing comprehensive risk identification, analysis, and management strategies.

find out more

Forestry Risk Assessment

A South African forestry risk assessment document evaluating environmental, operational, and safety risks while ensuring compliance with local forestry regulations.

find out more

Smoking Risk Assessment

A South African law-compliant assessment document for evaluating and managing smoking-related risks in workplaces and public spaces.

find out more

Pressure Washing Risk Assessment

A South African OHS Act-compliant risk assessment document for pressure washing operations, detailing hazards, risks, and safety controls.

find out more

Personal Security Risk Assessment

A South African law-compliant security risk assessment document that evaluates personal security threats and provides protective measure recommendations.

find out more

Person Centred Risk Assessment

A South African law-compliant person-centered risk assessment document that evaluates and manages potential risks to an individual's health, safety, and wellbeing while respecting personal autonomy.

find out more

Participant Risk Assessment

A South African compliance document for assessing and managing individual participant risks in workplace activities, aligned with OHSA requirements.

find out more

Machine Guarding Assessment

A technical safety evaluation report assessing machine guarding compliance and recommendations under South African health and safety legislation.

find out more

New And Expectant Mothers Risk Assessment

A South African workplace risk assessment document designed to identify and mitigate risks to pregnant and nursing employees, ensuring compliance with local health and safety legislation.

find out more
See more related templates

Genie’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

2 Docs LeftAccess Now