Health and Safety Representative Training in South Africa

Become a Certified SHE Rep and Protect Your Workplace

Every organization has a legal and moral responsibility to provide a safe working environment. The Health and Safety Representative (SHE Rep) plays a central role in ensuring that workplaces comply with safety regulations, prevent incidents, and promote a culture of occupational wellness and risk awareness.

The Health and Safety Representative Training offered by Real Skills Training Institute equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to fulfil statutory obligations, identify hazards, and enforce workplace safety policies in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) of South Africa.

Why Must Companies Appoint Health and Safety Representatives?

According to the OHS Act:

• Employers with 20 or more employees must appoint a Health and Safety Representative.

• Shops and offices require 1 representative per 100 employees or part thereof.

• Factories, warehouses, industrial sites, and all other workplaces require 1 representative per 50 employees.

• Inspectors may order the appointment of more SHE reps if workplace risks warrant it.

These representatives must be full-time employees who understand the operational environment, making this qualification both necessary and strategically valuable.

Purpose of the Unit Standard

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:

• Understand the objectives and statutory requirements governing workplace health and safety

• Apply and interpret legislation relevant to HSE structures

• Serve effectively as a representative on organizational safety committees

• Assist employers with compliance, reporting, and incident prevention

• Manage and address workplace health, safety, and environmental issues within their scope of authority

This training ensures learners can actively participate in safety structures and measure activities in accordance with prescribed OHS policies and legislation.

Accredited SHE Rep Course by Real Skills Institute

A Qualified Learner Will Be Able To

Upon completion of this course, learners will be competent in:

✔️ Describing the framework of workplace legislation relating to SHE representatives
✔️ Conducting SHE representation activities in accordance with legal requirements
✔️ Addressing health, safety and environmental concerns in the workplace
✔️ Participating in and complying with company safety structures and procedures
✔️ Identifying, evaluating, and recording hazards and risks in their designated work areas
✔️ Preparing workplace inspection reports for committee review and action

Benefits of Becoming a Certified SHE Rep

🏆 Improved workplace safety culture
🏆 Reduced incident rates and compensation claims
🏆 Increased legal compliance and audit readiness
🏆 Enhanced communication between employer and employees
🏆 Career advancement into OHS and compliance roles

This certification is often the first stepping stone toward a career in Occupational Health and Safety.

Who Should Attend This Course?

• Newly appointed SHE representatives

• Supervisors, team leaders, and safety officers

• Managers responsible for workplace compliance

• Anyone tasked with monitoring workplace safety conditions

This programme is relevant across all industries including construction, warehousing, manufacturing, corporate offices, logistics, retail, and more. Boost your competency with our other accredited Occupational Health and Safety programmes: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), Fire Fighting Level 1 & 2, First Aid Level 1 – 3, Occupational Health and Safety Officer Programme