Health and safety regulations and requirements in South Africa

Health and safety regulations are the foundation of a safe and productive workplace in South Africa. These regulations, set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHS Act), require every employer and employee to uphold their legal obligations to prevent hazards, injuries, and illnesses.

Understanding these regulations is key to fostering a compliant, risk-free environment and building a company safety culture that values employee wellbeing. South African organisations that comply with the OHS Act not only protect their workforce but also reduce downtime, avoid penalties, and strengthen their reputation for safety excellence.

What are health and safety regulations?

Health and safety regulations are formal rules and standards that guide how employers and employees must control health and safety risks in the workplace. In simple terms, they are the practical framework for adhering to the OHS Act.

Every organisation — regardless of size or sector — must develop and maintain a safe, healthy, and well-prepared working environment. This includes integrating occupational safety, health, and welfare into everyday business operations through a structured Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS).

The core principles behind health and safety regulations

These regulations exist to:

• Prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related illnesses
• Protect workers, contractors, and visitors
• Promote hazard identification and control
• Create accountability between employers and employees
• Ensure compliance with South African legislation

Key health and safety requirements in South Africa

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, organisations are legally obligated to implement and maintain systems that prevent harm and manage risks effectively.

The most important health and safety requirements include:

Health and Safety Audits and Inspections
Regular internal and external audits are vital for identifying gaps in health and safety compliance and maintaining continuous improvement.

Risk Assessments and Hazard Identification
Employers must assess all potential hazards in the workplace and implement control measures to reduce or eliminate risks.

Health and Safety Representatives and Committees
Workplaces with more than 20 employees are required to appoint Health and Safety Representatives. Where more than two Health and Safety Representatives are appointed, employers are required to establish a Health and Safety Committee to drive health and safety within the organisation.

Incident Investigation and Prevention
All workplace incidents must be reported and investigated to find the root cause, record findings, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Health and Safety Training
Employees must receive accredited training in workplace safety, first aid, firefighting, and emergency preparedness, etc. to ensure competency.

Emergency Procedures and Planning
Each workplace must have an emergency preparedness plan and emergency response procedures that outline evacuation routes, assembly points, and communication protocols during crises.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employers are responsible for supplying and maintaining appropriate PPE and ensuring that employees use it correctly.

Key occupational health and safety regulations in South Africa

The OHS Act contains 26 different regulations that apply across different industries and activities. While some regulations are universal, others apply to specialised sectors, such as construction or manufacturing.

Foundational health and safety regulations

Below is a list of key OHS regulations that employers in South Africa need to comply with:

• General Administrative Regulations – Establish the administrative framework for compliance.
• General Safety Regulations – Outline general safety practices applicable to all workplaces.
• Construction Regulations – Govern construction site operations and contractor safety management.
• Ergonomics Regulations – Manage risks related to repetitive strain, posture, and work system design.
• Facilities Regulations – Ensure employee facilities (sanitation, ventilation, and lighting) meet health standards.
• Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations – Mandate the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals.
• Electrical Installation and Machinery Regulations – Prevent electrical hazards and ensure machinery safety.
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Regulations – Control workplace noise exposure levels and protect hearing.
• Driven Machinery Regulations – Cover the safe use of forklifts, cranes, and other machinery.
• Asbestos Regulations – Ensure the safe removal and management of asbestos materials in the workplace.

Each regulation details the steps required for legal compliance, from training and documentation to mechanical maintenance and reporting requirements.

Employer responsibilities under health and safety regulations

Employers carry the primary legal responsibility for maintaining workplace safety. Under the OHS Act, they must do everything reasonably practicable to protect workers and visitors from harm.

Key employer duties

• Develop and display a Health and Safety Policy that outlines the organisation’s approach and commitment to workplace health and safety
• Conduct regular risk assessments and implement control measures
• Ensure machinery and equipment are properly maintained and safe to use
• Provide and enforce the use of PPE
• Establish training programmes that empower employees to identify and manage hazards
• Maintain an up-to-date Health and Safety File (including health and safety team appointment letters, risk assessments, training records, and incident reports)
• Notify the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) of any reportable incidents

Failure to uphold these duties can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines of up to R100,000, potential imprisonment, or business closure.

Employee responsibilities

Employees play a critical role in supporting compliance with health and safety regulations.

Key employee duties

• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others
• Cooperate with the employer on all health and safety matters
• Follow all safety procedures and report hazards immediately
• Wear and correctly use PPE provided by the employer
• Participate in health and safety training programmes

The success of any health and safety management system depends on co-operation between the employer and employee.

Enforcement of health and safety regulations

The Department of Employment and Labour is the regulatory body responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with South Africa’s health and safety regulations.

How enforcement works

1. Inspections: DoEL inspectors conduct scheduled and surprise assessments/inspections at workplaces.
2. Compliance reviews: They evaluate the effectiveness and compliance status of health and safety systems and documents.
3. Notices issued: If non-compliance is found, employers may be issued with Improvement Notices, Contravention Notices, or Prohibition Notices.
4. Penalties: Continued violation may result in fines, prosecutions, or imprisonment of up to two years.

Maintaining compliance not only avoids legal action but also demonstrates a genuine commitment to worker welfare — a major trust and performance driver.

The role of the Health and Safety Officer

A Health and Safety Officer acts as the organisation’s frontline defence in ensuring full compliance. This professional implements OHS management systems, conducts internal inspections, and maintains legislative documentation.

Having a qualified Health and Safety Officer ensures that the business meets all health and safety regulation requirements, reducing potential risks and maintaining operational efficiency.

If your organisation currently lacks a dedicated health and safety professional, investing in a qualified Health and Safety Officer or outsourcing to an accredited provider is crucial for long-term compliance.

Why compliance with health and safety regulations matters

Compliance isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s about protecting people, performance, and profits.
Strong adherence to health and safety regulations leads to:

• Fewer incidents and injuries
• Reduced downtime
• Improved employee morale and retention
• Lower insurance and compensation costs
• Enhanced eligibility for contracts and tenders

A company that values health and safety demonstrates integrity, responsibility, and respect for its people — one of the cornerstones of a sustainable business.

Conclusion

Understanding and implementing health and safety regulations not only ensures compliance with the law but also builds a culture of trust and accountability that benefits everyone. A safe workplace inspires confidence, reduces absenteeism, and boosts productivity.

To strengthen your compliance and safety strategy, partner with a trusted expert.
Absolute Health Services provides accredited occupational health and safety management services, including risk assessments, training, safety file management, and compliance audits across South Africa.

Protect your workforce. Streamline compliance. Build a safer future with Absolute Health Services by your side.