Whether you are a small business, start-up, a takeaway restaurant, or any enterprise or company offering professional services – one thing that you need to start and run your business is a Workplace. It could be an office space, a shop, or any area or premises from where you would be operating your business. Now, once you have a place finalized you need to get it recognized and registered with the authorities so that you get to run your business smoothly and also get added security and authenticity by having a workplace registered with the authorities. To an average person it may sound a bit complicated and so here we have a comprehensive guide to help you with all that you should be knowing about Workplace Registration.
What is Workplace Registration?
In simple terms, a workplace registration is a formal requirement to get your workspace registered with the concerned authorities. It is stated in the Section 44 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007 that any person who occupies or uses any premises as a workplace should apply for the registration of such premises by sending an application to the Director of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) a department at the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Services. The application should state the particulars set out in the Fourth Schedule of the act. Basically, it has few questions about the nature of work that you would be carrying out from the said premises and some other formal requirements.
Why do I need to get a Workplace Registration?
To begin with, it is a legal and formal requirement under the law. Every business that uses a workplace needs to get it registered. Thus, it is always recommended to ensure compliance with the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) 2007 act at the initial stage (when starting out), by getting the workplace registration done because it can be quite expensive to comply later on. Moreover, with a workplace registration, your business gets recognized with the government and that adds to the authenticity of your brand which in turn increases the confidence of your potential and existing customers in your brand and business. Most importantly, it opens doors to several other benefits that only businesses with a registered “workplace” are entitled to – like while applying for aids and finance, certain permissions that are essential to growing your business etc.
So simple words of wisdom from experts: Act now, save on the expenses and hassles which could arise later and get your registration done to stand out and ahead of your competitors in the market.
What is DOSHS?
The Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) is one of the departments within the Ministry of Labour and East African Community Affairs, and its primary objective is to ensure safety, health, and welfare of all workers in all workplaces. Unsafe and unhealthy work environment causes accidents, diseases, disasters, and environmental pollution that results in huge economic and social burdens to individuals and enterprises thereby stifling economic and social growth. The DOSHS also monitors and ensure that all workplaces are registered and comply with the regulations.
How to register a workplace?
The process is simple and starts by filling a registration form DOSH 21A. The completely filled form with all the relevant information has to be sent to the Directorate. Also, the occupier is required to fill a self-assessment form (DOSH 23) in which relevant information related to the general occupational safety and health standards of his workplace is to be mentioned. Thereafter, the certificate of registration under OSHA is processed and sent to the occupier.
What information is asked in DOSH 21A?
DOSH 21A is a simple form that asks for certain information regarding your workplace. There are questions like:
- Name and address of the workplace, the occupier or the manager.
- Whether machines/chemicals/power presses are to be used in operation in the workplace?
- The number of employees who would be working on the said premises.
- If the premises have been used previously as a workplace?
- Whether steam boilers will be used in the workplace?
These are basic questions that are to be answered in Yes/No and the form in itself isn’t that complicated. However, it should be duly filled with all relevant information to avoid any delay or denial of the Registration Certificate. Also, professional help could help you save time and ensure quick processing of the application.
How much does it cost to register my premises as a workplace?
It costs five thousand shillings (2000/= Registration fee and 3000/= OSH Fund Levy) to register your workplace and this is done on an annual basis. Given the benefits, it entails, this is a profitable investment which not only will secure your business but will also open doors to new opportunities.
