Agriculture provides an abundance of circumstances, landscapes, and situations where employees work, live, and rest. This complexity can be a problem when considering a standardised rule or requirement for adequate rest and eating spaces.
When looking at the Facility Regulations, in terms of South African legislative frameworks, it requires that employers should ensure that there are adequate and designated areas for eating and rest, which does not:
- Have exposure to hazardous chemical substances or biological agents
- Create an environment for physical contact with poisonous substances
- Exposed to filth, dirt or dust
- Handle or process untanned hides or skins, or unwashed wool or mohair
There must be adequate ventilation, light, drinking water and access to an environment that is not harmful to the employee. For example, it is not always possible to have dining rooms or facilities across different areas on a farm. Although the legal requirement can be interpreted differently, according to the SIZA Social Standard, for example, auditors will always have to take a subjective view and evaluate the risk when looking at the set-up of a business and ensure occupational health and safety standards, dignity of employees and fair treatment are considered.
For more information, refer to the Facility Regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which are available on the SIZA website here.
