100+ Free ZA SHE Representative Practice Questions

Prepare for the South Africa Workplace Health and Safety Representative (SAQA US 259622 & OHS Act) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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Key Facts: ZA SHE Representative Exam

100

Practice Questions

SAQA US 259622 Study Adaptation

s17 & s18

OHS Act Sections

Act 85 of 1993

>20 Employees

Mandatory Designation Threshold

OHS Act Section 17(1)

1:50 / 1:100

SHE Rep Ratios

General / Shop & Office

At least 1x/3mo

Committee Frequency

OHS Act Section 19(4)

US 259622

SAQA Unit Standard

NQF Level 2

The South Africa SHE Representative exam aligns with SAQA Unit Standard 259622 and Sections 17 & 18 of the OHS Act 85 of 1993. It covers statutory powers of SHE Reps, monthly hazard inspections, committee meetings (s19/20), Section 24 incident reporting, and employee protection (s26). DISCLOSURE: Our 100 MCQs are an English-language MCQ study adaptation for SHE Representative certification and do not replace official employer designation or practical SETA portfolio of evidence requirements.

Sample ZA SHE Representative Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ZA SHE Representative exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Section 17(1) of the South African Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993), when is an employer legally required to designate health and safety representatives in writing?

A.When the employer employs more than 20 employees in a workplace

B.When the employer employs 5 or more employees in any sector

C.Only after an occupational fatality occurs on site

D.When requested by a registered trade union regardless of employee numbers

Explanation: Section 17(1) of the OHS Act 85 of 1993 specifies that every employer who employs more than 20 employees in a workplace must designate in writing, for a specified period, health and safety representatives for such workplace or for different sections thereof. Employers with 20 or fewer employees are exempt from mandatory designation unless directed by an inspector. The designation must be done in writing for specific shop-floor areas.

2What is the statutory minimum ratio of Health and Safety Representatives required by Section 17(2) of the OHS Act for general workplaces such as factories and warehouses?

A.At least one representative for every 100 employees or part thereof

B.At least one representative for every 50 employees or part thereof

C.At least one representative for every 20 employees or part thereof

D.At least two representatives per shift regardless of workforce size

Explanation: Section 17(2)(a) of the OHS Act mandates that in general workplaces (such as factories, construction sites, and warehouses), there must be at least one health and safety representative for every 50 employees or part thereof. For shops and offices, Section 17(2)(b) sets the ratio at at least one representative for every 100 employees or part thereof. This ensures adequate safety coverage based on risk levels.

3What is the statutory minimum ratio of Health and Safety Representatives required for shops and offices under Section 17(2)(b) of the OHS Act?

A.At least one representative for every 25 employees or part thereof

B.At least one representative for every 50 employees or part thereof

C.At least one representative for every 100 employees or part thereof

D.At least one representative per department

Explanation: Section 17(2)(b) of the OHS Act prescribes that for shops and offices, the employer must designate at least one health and safety representative for every 100 employees or part thereof. This lower ratio compared to general industrial workplaces (1:50) reflects the lower inherent risk profile of commercial office and retail environments.

4To be eligible for designation as a Health and Safety Representative under Section 17(4) of the OHS Act, an individual MUST meet which criterion?

A.Be an external independent safety consultant

B.Hold a formal tertiary qualification in Occupational Health and Safety

C.Be a member of senior management or executive leadership

D.Be a full-time employee employed at the specific workplace and acquainted with its conditions

Explanation: Section 17(4) of the OHS Act explicitly requires that only full-time employees who are employed at the specific workplace and acquainted with conditions and activities at that workplace are eligible to be designated as health and safety representatives. This ensures the representative understands everyday shop-floor operational risks.

5Which of the following is a primary statutory function of a Health and Safety Representative under Section 18(1) of the OHS Act?

A.Review the effectiveness of health and safety measures in the workplace

B.Issue binding legal fines to non-compliant employees

C.Approve the financial budget of the company's safety department

D.Dismiss workers who violate safety rules

Explanation: Section 18(1)(a) states that a health and safety representative may review the effectiveness of health and safety measures. Additional functions under Section 18 include identifying hazards, examining causes of incidents, investigating employee complaints, and making representations to employers or Department of Labour inspectors. SHE Reps have review and representational powers, not disciplinary or financial approval authority.

6Under Section 18(2) of the OHS Act, how frequently is a Health and Safety Representative entitled to perform workplace inspections?

A.Only once every six months during annual audits

B.At least once a month or at intervals agreed upon with the employer

C.Exclusively when accompanied by a Department of Labour inspector

D.Only after an employee sustains a lost-time injury

Explanation: Section 18(2) specifies that a SHE Rep is entitled to inspect the workplace, including plant, machinery, and health and safety equipment, at least once a month or at such other intervals as agreed upon with the employer. The representative must give reasonable notice of intention to inspect, unless an incident has occurred requiring immediate investigation.

7Under Section 18(3) of the OHS Act, how must an employer treat the time spent by a Health and Safety Representative performing statutory safety duties?

A.As overtime paid at half-rate

B.As unpaid leave that must be made up after normal working hours

C.As ordinary working time spent in the service of the employer, with full pay

D.As personal time deducted from annual leave allowance

Explanation: Section 18(3) of the OHS Act provides that all activities performed by a health and safety representative in connection with their statutory functions shall be performed during ordinary working hours, and any time reasonably spent shall for all purposes be deemed to be time spent in the service of the employer. Employers cannot penalize or deduct pay for time spent on SHE Rep duties.

8Under Section 26 of the OHS Act, what protection is explicitly granted to Health and Safety Representatives and employees?

A.Exemption from obeying general company attendance policies

B.Immunity from all civil lawsuits unrelated to workplace safety

C.Guaranteed double salary increases during their term of office

D.Protection against victimisation, dismissal, or prejudice for performing legal safety functions

Explanation: Section 26 of the OHS Act prohibits employers from dismissing, demoting, reducing remuneration of, or otherwise victimising or prejudicing an employee because that employee has performed any function or given evidence under the Act, including acting as a SHE Representative.

9Which document formally confirms the legal appointment of a Health and Safety Representative under Section 17 of the OHS Act?

A.A written designation letter signed by the employer specifying the area and period of appointment

B.An informal verbal agreement reached during a team tea break

C.A membership card issued by a local trade union branch

D.A certificate of attendance from a first aid course

Explanation: Section 17(1) states that the employer shall 'designate in writing' health and safety representatives. A formal written designation letter signed by the employer (or 16.2 assignee) specifying the designated section/workplace and duration of appointment is legally required for valid designation.

10When an inspector from the Department of Employment and Labour arrives at a workplace, what right does a SHE Representative have under Section 18(1)(g)?

A.To refuse the inspector entry to the facility without a high court warrant

B.To accompany the inspector on any inspection of the workplace section for which they were designated

C.To demand that the inspector issue fines to company management immediately

D.To take over the inspector's legal powers and conduct the audit independently

Explanation: Section 18(1)(g) of the OHS Act grants SHE Reps the power to accompany an inspector on any inspection of the workplace or section for which that representative has been designated. This allows representatives to highlight employee safety concerns directly to government officials.

About the ZA SHE Representative Exam

The South Africa SHE Representative certification is based on SAQA Unit Standard 259622 ('Describe the functions of the workplace health and safety representative') and Sections 17 and 18 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993). It validates essential legal knowledge and practical competencies required by designated workplace health and safety representatives across South African industries. Key topics include statutory designation requirements under Section 17, functions and powers under Section 18, conducting monthly workplace health and safety inspections, participating in Health and Safety Committees under Sections 19 and 20, investigating incidents, representing employees on safety matters, and reporting Section 24 incidents to the Department of Employment and Labour. IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: Our 100 multiple-choice practice questions serve as an English-language MCQ study adaptation for SHE Representative certification prep. This practice bank helps candidates revise key legal provisions and practical inspection concepts, but does not replace formal workplace designation by an employer or practical workplace portfolio assessment required by accredited SETA providers.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions (theoretical study adaptation)

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

75% theoretical pass mark

Exam Fee

R1,000 - R2,500 (Department of Employment and Labour / HWSETA / Accredited Training Providers)

ZA SHE Representative Exam Content Outline

30%

Statutory Powers & Functions under OHS Act s17/18

Mandatory designation thresholds under Section 17, statutory duties and powers under Section 18, inspection rights, representations to inspectors, incident investigations, and protection against victimisation under Section 26.

25%

Workplace Hazard Identification & Monthly Inspections

Hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) principles, monthly workplace inspection techniques, checklist utilization, physical plant/equipment hazards, biological/chemical risks, and ergonomic assessments.

25%

Health & Safety Committee Participation & Reporting

Establishment of Health and Safety Committees under Section 19, meeting frequencies and quorum, committee functions under Section 20, minute-taking, recommendations to employers, and statutory recordkeeping.

20%

Employee Rights, Incident Reporting & Representation

Section 24 reportable incidents, Section 30 prohibition notices, employee duty to report hazards (Section 14), right to refuse dangerous work, incident cause analysis, and safety representation protocols.

How to Pass the ZA SHE Representative Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75% theoretical pass mark
Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions (theoretical study adaptation)
Time limit: 2 hours
Exam fee: R1,000 - R2,500

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ZA SHE Representative Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the legal designation ratios under Section 17: 1 per 100 in shops/offices, 1 per 50 in other workplaces.

2Understand the exact scope of Section 18 powers vs employer obligations under Section 8 of the OHS Act.

3Study the 4 main stages of workplace inspections: preparation, execution/observation, recording, and follow-up.

4Know the statutory timeline and rules for Health and Safety Committee meetings under Section 19 & 20.

5Learn the criteria for Section 24 reportable incidents (fatality, loss of limb, unconsciousness, chemical spill).

6Understand employee duties under Section 14 (taking care of own/others' safety, obeying rules, reporting hazards immediately).

7Review Section 26 protection against victimisation ensuring SHE Reps cannot be dismissed or prejudiced for performing legal safety functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When must an employer designate Health and Safety Representatives in South Africa?

Under Section 17 of the OHS Act (Act 85 of 1993), every employer who employs more than 20 employees in a workplace must designate in writing, for a specified period, health and safety representatives for such workplace or for different sections thereof.

What is the ratio of Health and Safety Representatives required by law?

Under Section 17(2), in shops and offices there must be at least one health and safety representative for every 100 employees or part thereof. In all other workplaces (such as factories, construction sites, and warehouses), there must be at least one representative for every 50 employees or part thereof.

What unit standard governs SHE Representative training in South Africa?

SAQA Unit Standard 259622 ('Describe the functions of the workplace health and safety representative') is the national standard establishing theoretical knowledge and practical workplace requirements for SHE Reps.

What statutory functions are granted to SHE Reps under Section 18 of the OHS Act?

Section 18 empowers SHE Reps to review safety measures, identify workplace hazards, examine causes of incidents in collaboration with employers, investigate employee complaints, make representations to employers or inspectors, inspect the workplace, and attend Health and Safety Committee meetings.

Does this 100 MCQ practice question set replace official designation or training?

No. DISCLOSURE: Our 100 MCQs are an English-language MCQ study adaptation for SHE Representative certification exam preparation. Official certification requires accredited SETA training and formal written designation by an employer under Section 17 of the OHS Act.

How often must Health and Safety Committee meetings be held?

Under Section 19(4) of the OHS Act, a Health and Safety Committee must meet as often as necessary, but at least once every three months (quarterly), though many workplaces hold monthly meetings.

What incidents must be reported under Section 24 of the OHS Act?

Section 24 requires reporting to an inspector within prescribed timeframes any incident where a person dies, suffers major injury/loss of limb, becomes unconscious, contracts an occupational disease, or where dangerous spillage/machinery failure occurs.