Environeering

Environeering Occupational Health, Safety, Environment and Engineering Consulting Environeering cc is Cape Town based and was established in 2007.

We are specialists in Occupational Health and Safety in every industry ranging from Administration offices, hotels, farms, food and meat industries, beverage industries, metal industries, waste management industries, contruction industries, clothing industries, printing companies, IT companies, Educational Institutes, right up to mining industries, etc. We also make use of other companies affiliat

ed with us in other facets of health and safety namely: Fire Team and First Aid training, Hygiene Surveys and Employee Health Screening.

08/09/2025

ENVIRONEERING- CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CPUT)- EXCURSION- 05 September 2025

Environeering was asked by CPUT to take their 4th Year Environmental Health students on an excursion to the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, in order to give them a lecture and practical on Health and Safety Risk Assessments in the Workplace.

The Lecture and Practical was presented by our Brent Lawrence. They have also received an assignment to create their own Workplace Risk Assessment which will be evaluated by Environeering and will also go towards their yearend marks.

And because students are always hungry, we arranged some snacks and drinks for them.

We would like to once again thank Wendy and Jean of Groot Constantia for allowing us to do this excursion with the students on their premises. This is our fifth year doing the practical and the students have learnt so much through the wine farm's processes.

It's always an honor passing on knowledge and experience to the next generation of Environmental Health Practitioners. We would also like to thank Dr. Roslynn Baaitjies, the CPUT Occupational Health and Safety Lecturer, for allowing Environeering to guest lecture her students for the past five years.

For more info on us, please contact: [email protected] / [email protected]

OFFICE SAFETY TIPSWith their climate control, soft chairs, and armrests, office environments don’t conjure up thoughts o...
28/08/2025

OFFICE SAFETY TIPS

With their climate control, soft chairs, and armrests, office environments don’t conjure up thoughts of workplace hazards like, say, construction sites.

It is true that office workers are at a lower risk for workplace injuries than most, however, it is still important to talk about office safety with your employees.

Here are some office safety tips for you to follow:

1. Make sure your desk setup is ergonomic
To maintain a neutral posture, your head should be centered above your neck and shoulders, your wrists should be flat, and your elbows should be resting comfortably at your side. If your feet only touch the ground when you lean forward, use a footrest.

2. Take regular breaks to get up and move around
Sitting all day puts office workers at risk for numerous health problems, therefore it is best to take regular breaks to move around and stretch your muscles.

3. When the floor is slippery put a “slippery floor” sign by the wet area
Winter slips and falls in parking lots and offices are extremely common. To avoid them, walk like a penguin by walking with a flat foot and by taking short, slow steps. It is also important to wear sensible footwear and to only carry what you can handle.

4. Use a headset for prolonged or frequent phone use
Cradling the phone between your shoulder and ear can cause neck and back pain, so rather use a headset to avoid hurting yourself.

5. Keep your workplace tidy
Clean up spills immediately and avoid using liquids around electrical devices. Keep aisles free of clutter and tie up or secure cords so that they do not pose a tripping hazard.

6. Don’t let electrical cords create a fire risk
Avoid running electrical cords under carpets or through windows and doorways and do not fasten them with unapproved devices, such as staples.

7. Know your office emergency procedures
Make sure you know what to do in the event of a fire, a storm, a violent intruder, a medical problem, or any other emergency.

8. Have a Health and Safety team
Have Health and Safety Representatives, Fire Fighting Team members, and First Aiders trained to keep the Health and Safety standards of the office in place and to handle emergency situations.

For more info, please contact us: [email protected] / [email protected]

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS SAFETY TIPSWorking at heights can result in numerous injuries like breaking bones, disabilities occur...
20/08/2025

WORKING AT HEIGHTS SAFETY TIPS

Working at heights can result in numerous injuries like breaking bones, disabilities occurring, and even death, which can all occur when falling from a height. That is why it is important to have a safety system in place when working at heights such as on ladders, on the roof, on top of buildings, etc.

Below are some safety tips to help you when you are working at heights:

1. Plan your job first, don’t just start working at heights without mapping out the specifics.

2. Make sure you have the proper equipment: ladders, harnesses, lifelines, etc.

3. Inspect your equipment to make sure it is safe and that everything is in proper working condition.

4. Use proper safety clothing and equipment: overalls, safety boots, hard hats, harnesses, lanyards, safety lines, etc.

5. Have a Fall Protection Plan specific to the site: plan how you will do the job, check for any uneven surfaces that might topple your ladder/scaffolding, etc.

6. Train your staff on Working at Heights so that they know the correct safety procedures to minimize the risk of an injury occurring.

7. Do not work on heights during bad weather such as strong winds, ice on the roof, rain, etc.

8. Have a rescue plan in place, in case someone falls off the roof or a ladder and is dangling in the air in their harness.

9. Have a First Aider on site to take care of staff that might have fallen and injured themselves.

10. Always have two or more people on the roof or at the height, if one person falls then the others will know about it and they can call for help.

11. Have everyone wear a whistle or radio so that if someone falls off a secluded part of the roof, they will be able to alert their colleagues.

If you or anyone you know are looking for Working at Heights Safety Training or any other Health and Safety Courses, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] / [email protected]

Please follow us on Instagram and on TikTok ☺️

13/08/2025
SAFETY TIPS FOR RESTAURANT PLAY AREAS FOR YOUR KIDSA child's safety is always the foremost thing on a parent's mind. Whe...
13/08/2025

SAFETY TIPS FOR RESTAURANT PLAY AREAS FOR YOUR KIDS

A child's safety is always the foremost thing on a parent's mind. Whether it's making sure they get to school safely or that they have the correct shoes to protect their feet.

Safety tips for playing safely in restaurant play areas:

1. Take a look at the play area.
If you see anything (broken toys, etc.) that bothers you, call management and have them fix the problem.

2. Keep an eye on your kids.
If there are strangers hanging around the play areas making you uncomfortable, call management or security.

3. Shoes are important!
Especially when visiting an outdoors restaurant. Harmful materials like glass can be hidden by grass and sand. So, make sure your child’s shoes are kept in a safe place.

4. Wash up after playing.
Wet wipes or a good scrub in the bathroom is essential after playing in public places. Germs can easily be picked up by kids in this way.

5. Be prepared
If you are driving long distances make sure you know the location of the nearest hospital and that you have a first aid kit available in your car.

For info on any of our courses, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] / [email protected]

Please follow us on Instagram and on TikTok ☺️

Social Media Safety TipsWith so many of us using social media today, sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn make us ...
16/07/2025

Social Media Safety Tips

With so many of us using social media today, sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn make us the perfect targets for scams.

Here are a few tips to stay safe on social media:

1. Use a strong password. The longer your password is, the more secure it will be.

2. Use different passwords for each of your social media accounts.

3. If the option is available, set up the security answers on your social media accounts.

4. If you have social media apps on your phone, be sure your device is password protected so that not just anybody can access your accounts.

5. Be selective when it comes to friend requests. If you don’t know the person, rather don’t accept their request, because it could be a fake account.

6. Click on links with caution. Social media accounts are regularly hacked, so look out for language or content that does not sound like something your friend would post, before clicking on a link.

7. Be careful about what you share. Don’t reveal sensitive or personal information about yourself or anyone else on the internet. For example, your home address, financial information, your phone number, etc. The more you post about yourself, the easier it is to have your information stolen.

8. Become familiar with the privacy policies of the different social media channels you use and customize your privacy settings to control who can see what.

9. Protect your computer by installing an antivirus software to safeguard your information. Also ensure that your browser, operating system, and software are always kept up to date.

10. Last but not least, remember to log off when you are done.

For info on any of our courses, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

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Environeering training. Some early Monday morning training.Brent giving Working at Heights Safety Training  in Elgin, an...
14/07/2025

Environeering training.

Some early Monday morning training.

Brent giving Working at Heights Safety Training in Elgin, and Chavon giving Food and Hygiene Safety Training at a food production factory.

Contact us if your company needs any type of Health and Safety Training.

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Preventing Cross-ContaminationCross-contamination is the physical transfer of harmful bacteria from one person, object, ...
01/07/2025

Preventing Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is the physical transfer of harmful bacteria from one person, object, or place to another. It is a major contributor to foodborne illnesses, so preventing it is essential when handling, storing, and preparing food.

Here are some helpful tips on how to prevent cross-contamination:

1. When shopping, it's important to separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other items in your grocery cart. Place these products in plastic bags to stop their juices from dripping onto other foods. At checkout and when packing grocery bags, try to keep raw items apart from ready-to-eat products to avoid contamination.

2. In the refrigerator, raw meat, poultry, and seafood should be stored in containers or sealed plastic bags to prevent their juices from leaking onto other foods. Since raw juices often carry harmful bacteria, this step is critical. Eggs should be kept in their original cartons and refrigerated as soon as possible.

3. During food preparation, cleanliness is key. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water before and after handling food, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or touching pets. Wipe kitchen surfaces with hot, soapy water using paper towels or clean cloths, and launder the cloths regularly in the hot cycle. Always clean cutting boards, dishes, and countertops between preparing different foods.

4. Use clean cutting boards, and if possible, dedicate one board for fresh produce and another for raw meat, poultry, and seafood. Cutting boards that become worn or have hard-to-clean grooves should be replaced to reduce the risk of contamination.

5. When marinating food, always do so in the refrigerator rather than on the countertop. Any marinade used on raw meat, poultry, or seafood should not be reused on cooked food unless it is brought to a boil beforehand.

6. Fruits and vegetables should be rinsed under running tap water to remove visible dirt. Discard the outer leaves of heads of lettuce or cabbage. As bacteria thrive on cut surfaces, avoid contaminating produce during slicing, and don’t leave cut fruit or vegetables at room temperature for extended periods.

7. Finally, when serving food, always use clean plates and utensils. Never place cooked food back onto the same plate or cutting board that held raw food, as this can easily transfer bacteria.

If you or anyone you know are looking for Food and Hygiene Safety Training or any other Health and Safety Courses, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

Please follow us on Instagram and on TikTok 😊

Food Safety When ShoppingEven if food producers and sellers follow all the food safety laws, your actions after purchase...
26/06/2025

Food Safety When Shopping

Even if food producers and sellers follow all the food safety laws, your actions after purchase can affect the safety and quality of the food. Once you buy food, it's your responsibility to handle it safely.

Who Is Most at Risk?
Some people are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses, including:

• Pregnant women
• Young children
• The elderly
• People with chronic illnesses

Take extra care when buying, storing, and preparing food for these groups.

Smart Food Choices While Shopping

Poor handling, packaging, or storage can pose risks to food safety and quality. To stay safe, shop at clean, well-maintained stores and only buy food from trusted suppliers.

Avoid purchasing:

• Cans or containers that are dented, swollen, or leaking
• Items with damaged or broken packaging
• Cracked or dirty eggs
• Refrigerated or frozen foods that have been left out
• Moldy or dirty products
• Ready-to-eat food left uncovered on counters
• Hot foods that aren’t steaming hot
• Any product you’re unsure about

Be Cautious with High-Risk Foods
Certain foods are more likely to carry harmful bacteria. These high-risk foods include:

• Raw and cooked meats (especially chicken and mince), and dishes made with them (e.g., curries, lasagna)
• Dairy products and desserts (like custard and cheesecake)
• Eggs and egg-based foods (like mousse)
• Smallgoods (ham, salami)
• Seafood and seafood-based dishes (salads, stews, fish balls)
• Cooked rice and pasta
• Prepared salads (coleslaw, pasta/rice salads)
• Cut fruit salads
• Ready-to-eat foods with any of the above ingredients (sandwiches, pizzas, rolls)

These should be kept out of the temperature danger zone which is between 5 °C and 60 °C. Always store these foods below 5 °C or above 60 °C. To reduce the risk pack high-risk foods properly and take them home immediately after purchasing them.

Always Check the Date on Labels
Before buying perishable food, check the date:

• Use-by date: The food should be eaten by this date. It must not be sold after this date.
• Best before date: The food is still safe to eat after this date, but quality may decline.

Plan Your Shopping Trip for Safety
Here are some helpful tips:

• Pick up chilled and frozen items last.
• Buy hot foods (like rotisserie chickens) toward the end of your shop and keep them separate from cold foods.
• Prevent raw meat, chicken, or fish juices from dripping onto other products.
• If buying from a deli, check that staff use different utensils for different food types.
• Wash reusable shopping bags regularly, especially if they’ve been exposed to raw food liquids.

Safe Food Transport

If you buy frozen, chilled, or hot food, get it home quickly. On hot days or longer trips (over 30 minutes), use an insulated bag or cooler to keep food at the right temperature. Once you’re home, immediately store cold and frozen food in the fridge or freezer.
By following these simple shopping and handling tips, you help keep your food safe and reduce the risk of food poisoning for yourself and others.

The 7th of June was world food safety day. If you would like to find out more about it, you can follow this link: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-food-safety-day/2025

If you or anyone you know are looking for Food and Hygiene Safety Training or any other Health and Safety Courses, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] /
[email protected] / [email protected]

Please follow us on Instagram and on TikTok 😊

Food and Hygiene Safety TrainingWhy Is Food Safety and Hygiene Training Important?According to the World Health Organiza...
25/06/2025

Food and Hygiene Safety Training

Why Is Food Safety and Hygiene Training Important?

According to the World Health Organization, foodborne illnesses are a serious public health concern globally. In South Africa, outbreaks of foodborne illness, such as the 2017–2018 listeriosis outbreak, have underscored the need for strong food safety and hygiene standards. Proper food safety training helps employees understand how to handle and prepare food safely to prevent contamination and protect public health.

What Is Food Safety?

Food safety involves the essential practices and procedures required to ensure that food is safe to eat. These include proper handling, preparation, processing, storage, and distribution of food. By following food safety measures, businesses can reduce the risk of contamination and prevent foodborne illness or injuries.

Types of Food Contaminants:

Food can be contaminated in several ways:

1. Biological contaminants: such as bacteria, viruses, moulds, and parasites.

2. Physical contaminants: such as hair, metal shavings, and glass.

3. Chemical contaminants: including pesticides, cleaning agents, or food additives used incorrectly.

4. Allergenic contaminants: such as milk, eggs, nuts, soy, and other common allergens.

Do You Need Food Hygiene Training?

Under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act No. 54 of 1972) and related municipal health regulations, all individuals who work with food in South Africa must be trained in food safety practices appropriate to their role. Municipal by-laws also require that food premises obtain a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA), which is only issued if food handlers are properly trained and competent in hygiene and food safety standards.

Legal Requirements for Food Safety and Hygiene in South Africa
Several laws and regulations govern food safety in South Africa:

1. Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972

This Act regulates the manufacture, labelling, and sale of food to ensure it is safe for consumption. It prohibits selling food that is contaminated, unfit for consumption, or mislabeled.

2. Regulations Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, the Transport of Food and Related Matters (R638 of 2018)

These regulations require that:

2.1. All food premises must have a valid Certificate of Acceptability.

2.2. Food handlers are trained in hygienic practices.

2.3. A food safety system based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is implemented and maintained.

3. Consumer Protection Act, 2008

This Act requires that food products are safe, correctly labelled, and not misleading. It gives consumers the right to fair and responsible services and to be protected from hazardous goods.

4. Municipal Health By-Laws

Local municipalities (e.g., City of Cape Town) may enforce additional requirements, such as routine inspections and hygiene certifications.

Benefits of Food Hygiene and Safety Training

1. Prevent Foodborne Illnesses

Most foodborne illnesses result from improper food handling. Training ensures that employees understand safe practices and how to minimize health risks to customers.

2. Reduce Food Waste

Trained staff are better at managing storage, temperature control, and stock rotation, which helps minimize spoilage and saves money.

3. Improve Staff Efficiency

Employees who know what to do can work more effectively, handle food safely, and avoid costly mistakes.

4. Create a Positive Workplace Culture

When staff feel competent and understand the value of their role in maintaining food safety, morale and responsibility improve.

5. Build a Strong Business Reputation

Consistent food safety practices lead to cleaner operations, better customer reviews, and trust in your brand. This can lead to more business and increased revenue.

Food safety and hygiene training is not only a legal requirement in South Africa—it’s a critical investment in public health, your staff, and your business. With proper training, food handlers can confidently serve safe, high-quality food, reduce risk, and protect both your customers and your reputation.

The 7th of June was world food safety day. If you would like to find out more about it, you can follow this link: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-food-safety-day/2025

If you or anyone you know are looking for Food and Hygiene Safety Training or any other Health and Safety Courses, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] /
[email protected] / [email protected]

Please follow us on Instagram and on TikTok 😊

KITCHEN SAFETY TIPSHistory has shown that minor and major incidents can occur in the safety of your own home especially ...
19/06/2025

KITCHEN SAFETY TIPS

History has shown that minor and major incidents can occur in the safety of your own home especially in the Kitchen. Below are some
Kitchen Safety Tips to practice in your home:

1. Before you begin roll up long sleeves, tie back long hair, and remove loose clothing that might get in the way or catch on something.

2. Wash your hands and dry them well. Wet hands can be slippery.

3. If you can't quite reach the countertop, use a sturdy stool or wooden step to help.

4. Keep cabinet doors and drawers closed so you won't bump into them.

5. Wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Wet spots can be slippery.

6. Always use oven mitts to handle food on the stove, in the oven or microwave, and under the broiler.

7. When working with pots on the stove, be sure to hold the handle while stirring to prevent the pot from slipping off the burner.

8. Always pick up knives by their handle and do not point them at anyone. Be sure to only use a knife when an adult is close by and with permission.

9. Keep electrical cords away from the stovetop, oven, and sink.

10. Before leaving the kitchen, check that the oven and burners are all turned off.

11. If you burn yourself, tell an adult immediately.

12. Don't put knives or other sharp objects in a sink full of water. Someone could reach in and get hurt.

13. Never put water on a cooking fire - it could make the fire bigger. Call for an adult to help and use baking soda or flour to put the fire out.

14. Don't put cooked food on an unwashed plate or cutting board that held raw food. Always use a clean plate.

15. Never add water to a pan with hot oil in it. It could splatter and burn someone.

16. Keep paper towels, dish towels, and potholders away from the stovetop so they don't catch on fire.

The 7th of June was world food safety day. If you would like to find out more about it, you can follow this link: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-food-safety-day/2025

If you or anyone you know are looking for Food and Hygiene Safety Training or any other Health and Safety Courses, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] /
[email protected] / [email protected]

Please follow us on Instagram and on TikTok 🤩

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the WorkplaceIn accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993...
17/06/2025

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Workplace

In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993:

1. Employers must conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards within the workplace and determine the appropriate PPE required for employees when working in that environment.

2. All necessary PPE must be provided to employees by the employer free of charge.

3. Employees must receive proper training on the use and care of the PPE provided.

4. Clear signage, compliant with SANS standards, must be displayed at the entrance to any area where specific PPE is required.

5. No employee or visitor may enter a designated PPE zone without wearing the required protective equipment.

6. PPE must not be tampered with or altered in any way.

If you or anyone you know are looking for more information on the necessary PPE required for different work areas or any other Health and Safety matter, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

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Starting a Food Business? Here’s What You Need to Know About Regulations If you want to run a food business, whether it’...
12/06/2025

Starting a Food Business? Here’s What You Need to Know About Regulations

If you want to run a food business, whether it’s a restaurant, takeaway place, coffee shop, or even a food stall, you need to follow certain health and safety rules to make sure your business is legal and safe for the public. Below are the licenses and certificates that you will need to start up your food business:

Business License

If you’re preparing or selling food to the public, whether formally (like in a restaurant) or informally (like as a street vendor), you must have a business license. This rule applies to businesses that operate from a physical location, such as entertainment venues or massage parlors.

Certificate of Acceptability (CoA)

Anyone selling food or drinks needs a Certificate of Acceptability. This certificate shows that your premises meet all health and hygiene standards and are safe for handling and serving food. It is a key part of keeping your business in line with food safety laws.
You need to apply for this certificate separately, and an inspection will be done to check your food preparation area.
What’s Included in the Application?

When you apply for a business license, you’ll be asked for some details about how your business will operate. For example:

• Will you serve meat?
• Will there be any noise impacts?
• Do you need a smoking area?

Your answers will help the City decide on how to issue your license and under what conditions.

Using Public Space

If you want to place tables and chairs on pavements or in public areas (like pedestrian malls or squares), you must get permission from the city. This is only allowed if it doesn’t interfere with foot traffic, vehicle access, or city planning.

Informal Trading

If you’re an informal trader (for example, selling food from a stall), you also have to follow strict hygiene and safety rules. Here’s what you need:

• An Informal Trading Permit
• A Certificate of Acceptability

You must apply for these separately. Even informal traders must ensure that the food they sell is safe and prepared in clean conditions.

Food Safety Matters

To protect customers, all food businesses must meet national food and hygiene standards, and all staff must receive the proper training to know the safety procedures and protocols when working in spaces that have high risks like a kitchen. These protocols are enforced by local laws, regulations, and the City’s health department.

The 7th of June was world food safety day. If you would like to find out more about it, you can follow this link: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-food-safety-day/2025

If you or anyone you know are looking for Food and Hygiene Safety Training or any other Health and Safety Courses, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] /
[email protected] / [email protected]

Please follow us on Instagram and on TikTok 😊

To***co Laws in South AfricaSince the 31st of May was To***co Day, we thought we would give you an update on the to***co...
02/06/2025

To***co Laws in South Africa

Since the 31st of May was To***co Day, we thought we would give you an update on the to***co laws in South Africa.

Smoke Free Places

Only smoke in designated smoking areas in workplaces, public places, and public transport places when smoking indoors. For workplaces and specified public places, up to 25 percent of floor space may be set aside for smoking. Specified public places include smoking establishments, bars, pubs, taverns, night clubs, casinos, restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, Bed & Breakfasts, game lodges, and airports. In passenger ships and passenger trains with more than 10 cars, up to 25 percent of the space may be designated as smoking areas. Passenger trains with fewer than 10 cars may designate only one car as a smoking area. Sub-national jurisdictions can enact smoke free laws that are more stringent than the national law.

To***co Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

Nearly all forms of to***co advertising and promotion is prohibited, with certain exceptions including that to***co products may be visible at point-of-sale tills but must be displayed in such a manner that customers do not handle to***co products prior to purchase. Although sponsorship by the to***co industry is not completely prohibited, publicity of the sponsorship is prohibited.

To***co Packaging and Labelling

Rotating text-only health warnings covering 15 percent of the front of the package and 25 percent of the back of the package are required on cigarette packaging. Misleading packaging and labelling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar,” is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law grants authority to the Ministry of Health to regulate specified contents of ci******es, but no such regulations have been issued to date. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities’ information on the contents and emissions of their products; however, regulations detailing the required disclosures have not yet been issued.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of to***co products via the internet and in health institutions, educational institutions, and pharmacies. In addition, the law restricts the sale of to***co product vending machines to designated smoking areas. However, there are no restrictions on the sale of individual ci******es or in small packets. The sale of to***co products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

For more info on any of our courses, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

Please follow us on Instagram and on TikTok 😊

Cell Phone Workplace Safety TipsCell phones have become a part of our everyday lives. Almost every adult in modern citie...
18/03/2025

Cell Phone Workplace Safety Tips

Cell phones have become a part of our everyday lives. Almost every adult in modern cities owns at least one cell phone device. It has many purposes in our personal and working lives, however, along with the beneficial use of cell phones, also comes the non-beneficial and sometimes dangerous use of these device, especially in the workplace.

Below are some safety tips with regards to cell phone use in the workplace:

1. Vehicle operators
It’s proven that cell phone use, especially texting, takes away 60% of our concentration while driving on the road. Many accidents have occurred due to this, resulting in minor and major injuries, and even death. It's best to use a hands-free kit when driving or turn on the side of the road to take a call. Never text and drive!

2. Heavy workplace vehicles
The above-mentioned points apply the same for workers using heavy duty vehicles such as construction vehicles, workplace forklifts, cherry-picker trucks, tipping trucks, etc. These vehicles can cause much more damage than road vehicles.

3. Workplace Machinery
Just like the above, staff can get seriously injured when using their cell phones while operating and working on workplace machinery, especially if there are moving parts involved. Cell phones are predominantly not allowed when there is heavy machinery present, especially in noisy areas.

4. Working at Heights
Workers working on ladders, scaffolding, ropes, scissor lifts, roofs, etc. are not allowed to use cell phones! This work without the use of cell phones is already high risk, therefore using cell phones in these environments will only increase the risk of injuries and death.

5. Kitchens and Restaurants
Workers are not allowed to use cell phones in these areas due to two main reasons: (a) Working with hot or cold food and drinks while using a cell phone can be catastrophic. Workplace injuries such as burns, slips and trips, bumping into staff or guests, etc. can occur. (b) Hygiene risk! Staff often use their cell phones while in the toilet, wash their hands and then continue to use their phones while handling food. Bacteria from the toilets attach to their cell phones which can result in cross-contamination. Cell phones are also not allowed to be charged in the food making area.

6. General
Workplaces vary; therefore, employers should do a risk assessment of their specific workplace to determine where cell phones would be risky to use. Environeering recommends that a “cell phone safe place” be established on the premise for workers to use and that a cell phone policy is created and communicated to all staff and visitors. This is essential especially for high-risk workplaces.

If you or your business are interested in any health and safety related matter, or training, please contact us at: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

Please follow us on Instagram and on TikTok 🤗

Address

Office G6C, Ground Floor, Sunrise Park, Pinelands
Cape Town
7405

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