Workplace safety is both a legal, moral, and professional responsibility under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993. Organisations across industries must comply with health and safety requirements to protect employees and maintain operational efficiency.
A Health and Safety Officer ensures that workplaces are safe, compliant, and prepared for emergencies. They help reduce accidents, prevent legal liabilities, and build a culture where health and safety is a priority. From construction safety officer jobs to office-based positions, these professionals are in high demand across South Africa.
A Health and Safety Officer’s role is multifaceted. They implement and monitor health and safety policies, conduct risk assessments, investigate incidents, and oversee compliance with the OHS Act. Beyond technical duties, Health and Safety Officers also train staff, coordinate with Health and Safety Representatives, and advise management on OHS best practices.
Senior positions, such as a Chief Health and Safety Officer, carry additional responsibilities, including overseeing multiple teams and ensuring strategic compliance across large organisations.
You may be asking yourself, does our company really need to assign and even train a Health and Safety Officer? The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993 states that the employer’s responsibilities include the following:
OHS ACT SECTION 8 — General duties of employers to their employees
(1) Every employer shall provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of its employees.
(2) Without derogating from the generality of an employer’s duties under subsection (1), the matters to which those duties refer include in particular:
(e) providing such information, instructions, training and supervision as may be necessary to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his employees;
(h) enforcing such measures as may be necessary in the interest of health and safety;
(i) ensuring that work is performed and that plant or machinery is used under the general supervision of a person trained to understand the hazards associated with it and who have the authority to ensure that precautionary measures taken by the employer are implemented; and
Section 8 (1) makes clear the responsibility of employers to provide a safe working environment that is without risk to the health and safety of all employees. This section also encourages employers to evaluate working areas and carry out risk assessments and regular health and safety inspections.
Paragraph (e) mentions ‘supervision’. The appointed Health and Safety Officer (or Health and Safety Supervisor) carries out the role of supervision, as well as representing the employer and management at Health and Safety Committee meetings and in an overall health and safety capacity.
Section 16 of the OHS Act states the following:
OHS ACT SECTION 16 – Chief executive officer charged with certain duties
(1) Every chief executive officer shall as far as is reasonably practicable ensure that the duties of his employer as contemplated in this Act, are properly discharged.
(2) Without derogating from his responsibility or liability in terms of subsection (1), a chief executive officer may assign any duty contemplated in the said subsection, to any person under his control, which person shall act subject to the control and directions of the chief executive officer.
Health and Safety Officers are often referred to as ‘16.2 Appointees’, as an important aspect of their role is implementing health and safety on behalf of (and under the instruction and guidance of) the CEO. The Act is clear that the ultimate responsibility of implementing OHS remains on the CEO’s shoulders, who is also ultimately responsible for ensuring that the company is fully compliant with the OHS Act.
Becoming a Health and Safety Officer in South Africa is more accessible than many people think. You do not need a Matric (Grade 12) or any formal qualification to enrol in a Health and Safety Officer course. What matters most is your aptitude, your ability to communicate clearly, and a genuine interest in promoting workplace safety.
Strong reading, writing, and communication skills are essential, as Health and Safety Officers often prepare reports, conduct training, and liaise with management and inspectors. Computer literacy is also beneficial, as many health and safety roles involve using digital systems for incident reporting and compliance tracking.
Professional Health and Safety Officer training must meet recognised course requirements and be accredited by bodies such as the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) or SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority). These accreditations ensure that your certification or qualification meets national occupational standards and is recognised across industries.
Popular, accredited Health and Safety Officer courses — including programmes like SAMTRAC and NEBOSH — cover all the essential areas of occupational health and safety. Students learn about hazard identification, risk assessment, incident investigation, emergency response, and safety management systems.
Some training providers also include practical workplace experience, giving learners the opportunity to apply theory to real-world environments and develop the confidence needed for professional Health and Safety Officer roles.
Course length varies depending on the provider and level of certification. Standard Health and Safety Officer courses in South Africa can take from 10 days to several months, combining classroom learning with practical exercises. Hands-on course components and assessments allow students to participate in audits, risk assessments, and emergency simulations, ensuring they meet the Health and Safety Officer qualification requirements.
After completing a Health and Safety Officer course, registration with a recognised professional body is beneficial. In South Africa, Health and Safety Officers commonly register with SAIOSH (for administrative roles) or SACPCMP (for construction roles). Certification verifies that candidates meet Health and Safety Officer requirements and positions them for various safety jobs across sectors.
Registered Health and Safety Officers must also engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to stay current with changing legislation, technology, and best practices in occupational health and safety.
Health and Safety Officers oversee the implementation of health and safety policies and act as the link between employees, management, and regulatory authorities. Their day-to-day responsibilities include conducting workplace inspections, leading health and safety training, preparing compliance reports, and coordinating emergency drills.
In larger organisations, a Chief Health and Safety Officer or senior safety professional may also set strategic safety goals, manage multiple safety teams, and ensure compliance across multiple sites. Understanding what a Health and Safety Officer does is crucial for anyone considering this career, as the role is both hands on and leadership oriented.
Completing a recognised Health and Safety Officer course equips professionals with technical knowledge, practical skills, and leadership abilities. Trainees learn to conduct risk assessments, implement safety systems, communicate effectively with teams, and maintain accurate documentation. These skills make Health and Safety Officers valuable assets in any industry, from corporate offices to heavy industry and construction.ust be good. Representatives are an important link between management and the rest of the organisations employees.
Investing in Health and Safety Officer training benefits not only individuals but also the organisations they serve. A well-trained Health and Safety Officer can transform a workplace by improving compliance, reducing risks, and promoting overall productivity.
1. Improved legal compliance
South Africa’s OHS Act requires every employer to maintain a safe working environment. Trained Health and Safety Officers understand the law in depth and ensure that the company meets all health and safety requirements, preventing costly fines or shutdowns.
2. Reduced accidents and injuries
Comprehensive Health and Safety Officer courses teach delegates how to identify hazards before they result in harm. By conducting risk assessments, carrying out inspections, and implementing preventive measures, they help reduce workplace incidents and keep employees safe.
3. Enhanced productivity and morale
Safe environments are more productive. When employees feel protected, they are more focused, confident, and motivated. This leads to improved morale, lower absenteeism, and stronger teamwork across departments.
4. Lower operational costs
Accidents and non-compliance can lead to medical expenses, compensation claims, and downtime. A trained Health and Safety Officer helps minimise these risks, saving organisations significant costs in the long term.
5. Stronger corporate reputation
Companies known for prioritising health and safety gain trust from clients, regulators, and employees. Having a qualified Health and Safety Officer on staff signals professionalism and responsibility — key factors in maintaining a positive public image.
6. Safer work culture
Investing in health and safety training encourages a proactive health and safety culture. Employees learn to recognise risks, report concerns, and follow proper procedures, creating a collaborative environment focused on wellbeing and prevention.
Health and Safety Officers are in demand across a wide range of sectors, including construction, mining, manufacturing, logistics, and corporate environments. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries between R12,000 and R20,000 per month, while experienced Health and Safety Officers earn R30,000 to R45,000. Senior or specialised roles, particularly those with international certifications such as NEBOSH, can exceed R50,000 per month. Indeed indicates that the average salary for a Health and Safety Officer in the Western Cape (as of October 2025) is R16,789 per month (https://za.indeed.com/career/safety-officer/salaries/Western-Cape)
The profession also offers diverse career paths, from general Health and Safety Officer positions to roles as health and safety managers, consultants, or Chief Health and Safety Officers, depending on qualifications and experience.
Becoming a Health and Safety Officer involves a clear progression:
This pathway ensures compliance with South African laws and prepares professionals for a successful career in health and safety.
Health and Safety Officers play a vital role in preventing accidents, protecting employees, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Proper training equips professionals to identify hazards, manage emergencies, and lead safety initiatives, making them indispensable to any organisation.
Companies rely on qualified Health and Safety Officers not only to meet health and safety requirements but also to foster a safer, more productive workplace. The benefits extend beyond compliance – they create a culture where everyone values and contributes to safety.
A career as a Health and Safety Officer offers both professional growth and the satisfaction of protecting lives. With growing emphasis on health and safety compliance in South Africa, qualified Health and Safety Officers are increasingly sought after.
Consider enrolling with Absolute Health Services, a QCTO-accredited provider offering comprehensive Health and Safety Officer courses. Our 10-day programme blends theory with practical experience, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and certification to thrive in Health and Safety Officer roles.
Take the first step toward a rewarding career – become a certified Health and Safety Officer today.
Our comprehensive Health and Safety Guide is designed to simplify the process of implementing effective workplace safety practices. It provides clear and practical guidance to help employers, including HR and HSE managers, achieve compliance with regulations and create a safe working environment for their employees.
