Contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Dear students and colleagues

A group of people have been moving around the University of Cape Town campus and engaging in illegal acts in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (1993).

In terms of the general duties of employees at work, every employee shall at work carry out any lawful order given to them, and obey the health and safety rules and procedures laid down by their employer or by anyone authorised thereto by their employer, in the interest of health and safety. In this respect of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, this is applicable to all students and staff.

All students and staff have a prescribed duty not to interfere with, damage or misuse things. No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with, damage or misuse anything which is provided in the interest of health or safety. Any person who wilfully or recklessly does anything at a workplace, or in connection with the use of plant or machinery, which threatens the health or safety of any person will be guilty of an offence.

I am therefore informing all students and staff that the wilful or reckless setting off of fire alarms and interfering with the alarm systems is an offence in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and therefore a contravention of the university’s policies.

Sincerely

Dr Reno Morar
Chief Operating Officer

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