What to consider when selecting an OHS compliance partner

Choosing the right OHS compliance partner is one of the most important decisions a South African business owner or HR Manager will make. Get it right, and you gain a trusted partner who helps you build a genuinely safe, healthy, prepared, and legally compliant workplace. Get it wrong, and you risk penalties for non-compliance with the OHS Act and a workplace that’s unsafe for your employees.

Here’s what every business should consider when selecting an OHS compliance partner.

What is OHS compliance in the workplace?

OHS compliance is not a single document, a once-off training session, or a certificate issued after a site visit. It is an ongoing commitment to meeting the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHS Act) and its regulations.

In practical terms, OHS compliance in the workplace means your organisation has:

• A written, displayed, and implemented health and safety policy
• Conducted and documented risk assessments 
• Made all legally required appointments (Health and Safety Representatives, First Aiders, Fire Wardens, and others)
• Provided appropriate training to OHS team members in their specific roles
• Established functioning Health and Safety Committees (where required)
• Maintained accurate OHS files and records
• Established incident reporting and investigation procedures
• Put emergency preparedness measures in place, including evacuation planning

A qualified OHS compliance partner helps you build, maintain, and improve this system, reducing your risk exposure and keeping your workplace legally compliant.

How to get an OHS certificate

While there is no single ‘OHS compliance certificate’ organisations can obtain, various OHS training certificates are required to show compliance with important sections of the OHS Act. Follow the process below to identify and obtain the necessary OHS training certificates:

1. Identify the certificate required for your workplace role or legal obligation under the OHS Act.
2. Choose an accredited training provider accredited by the HWSETA or QCTO (and in the case of first aid training, also approved by the DoEL).
3. Complete the relevant accredited course — First Aid, Firefighting, Health & Safety Rep, HIRA, or another applicable course.
4. Pass the theoretical and practical assessments set by the accredited provider.
5. Receive your certificate, valid for the period stipulated on the certificate.
6. Schedule renewal before expiry to maintain continuous legal compliance.

Essential OHS training certificates:

• First aid training → First Aiders are legally required under the OHS Act for any workplace employing more than 10 people
• Firefighting training → Fire Wardens are responsible for extinguishing fires and performing workplace inspections relating to emergency preparedness and fire equipment
• Evacuation Planning training → Equips Evacuation Marshals to safely guide employees during evacuations and to conduct legally required bi-annual drills
• Health & Safety Representative course → H&S Rep is an employee-elected OHS representative, legally required in workplaces with 20+ employees
• Health & Safety Supervisor training → To ensure sufficient health and safety supervision is provided in the workplace
• HIRA / Risk Assessment Training → Hazard identification and risk assessments should be performed by a competent, trained individual

A partner who offers the full suite of these accredited courses (as well as additional, specialised courses such as HAZMAT, stacking and storage, HIV/AIDS awareness, etc.) means your entire OHS team can be trained and certified through a single trusted provider.

OHS partner evaluation checklist

Use this checklist when vetting any prospective OHS compliance partner:

• Accreditation verified with DoEL, HWSETA, or QCTO
• Courses and services delivered by experienced facilitators and practitioners with relevant qualifications (paramedics, fire safety experts, qualified OHS practitioners)
• Offers full range of OHS compliance services
• Transparent pricing (no hidden admin fees)
• Client-focused solutions
• National footprint

1. Verify OHS accreditation before anything else

One of the most important factors when selecting an OHS compliance partner is formal accreditation. In South Africa, a legitimate OHS service provider must hold specific accreditations. The three key accrediting bodies to look out for are:

Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) approval First aid training providers must be approved by the DoEL. If a training provider is not approved by the DoEL to offer first aid training, the certificates they issue will not be recognised as valid during a DoEL inspection.

Health and Welfare SETA (HWSETA) accreditation The HWSETA is the Sector Education and Training Authority responsible for health and safety training in South Africa. HWSETA accreditation confirms that the provider’s course material, facilitators, premises and facilities, assessment processes, and statutory documents have been independently evaluated and meet the required national standards.

Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) accreditation The QCTO is the overarching quality council responsible for occupational training in South Africa. QCTO-accredited skills programmes are recognised within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Ask any prospective OHS compliance partner for their accreditation numbers and ask to view their accreditation letters. Legitimate providers will have no hesitation in supplying documentation.

Absolute Health Services holds accreditation from the HWSETA and the QCTO, as well as DoEL approval.

2. Assess the qualifications and experience of their practitioners

Equally important as company accreditation is the calibre of the individuals who will be working with your business directly. Ask prospective OHS compliance partners about the qualifications, registrations, and experience of the practitioners who will conduct your compliance assessments, risk assessments, and training. Specifically:

• Does their team include qualified OHS practitioners? Do they hold formal qualifications in occupational health and safety, such as a NEBOSH qualification, an OHS diploma, or an ISO 45001 implementer certification?
• Are their training facilitators and instructors experienced and registered with relevant professional bodies? 
• Do they have practical, operational experience in your industry?

Look for a provider whose team includes experienced paramedics, fire safety professionals, and health and safety practitioners who have worked in operational environments.

3. Evaluate the scope and depth of their OHS compliance services

Not all OHS providers offer the same range of services. When selecting a partner, consider whether their offering covers your full range of compliance needs.

A comprehensive OHS compliance service provider should be able to assist your organisation with:

OHS compliance assessments – an evaluation of your current OHS system and compliance rating, identifying gaps against the requirements of the OHS Act.

Risk assessments – on-site hazard identification, risk ranking, and a written report with recommended controls.

OHS file compilation and maintenance – the structured documentation that forms the backbone of your compliance record.

Compliant appointments – assistance with drafting and implementing the required formal appointment letters under the OHS Act, including Section 16.2 Appointees, Health and Safety Supervisors, Health and Safety Representatives, First Aiders, and others.

Accredited OHS training – covering the legally required training for designated roles including First Aid, Firefighting, Evacuation Planning, and Health and Safety Representative training. Ergonomics training is also mandatory for all employees.

Evacuation drills – legally compliant bi-annual drills with simulated emergencies to test your emergency preparedness and meet legal requirements.

OHS management services – ongoing, recurring compliance support through regular site visits and management assistance.

4. Consider their national footprint and capacity

If your business has multiple branches or operations across South Africa, choose a health and safety compliance partner that can support you wherever you operate. A provider with national reach can deliver consistent training and compliance services across all your locations, helping you maintain the same health and safety standards throughout your organisation.

Consider whether your prospective OHS compliance partner has:

• Established presence in the regions where your business operates
• Experience managing compliance across multiple sites or industries simultaneously
• The ability and willingness to travel to your premises to provide on-site training where necessary

Absolute Health Services operates nationally, with premises and training centres in Johannesburg, Durban, Gqeberha, and Cape Town, enabling consistent delivery of OHS compliance and training services across the country.

5. Understand what an OHS compliance assessment report should contain

Part of evaluating a prospective OHS compliance partner is understanding what they will deliver, and whether that aligns with what your organisation genuinely needs. The basic requirements of an OHS compliance assessment report issued by a responsible provider should include, at minimum:

• A clear identification of the legal framework applicable to your organisation
• A systematic assessment of your current compliance status against those requirements
• Identification of specific areas of non-compliance or risk, with references to the relevant sections of the OHS Act
• Practical, prioritised corrective actions 
• A record of findings that can be updated and tracked over subsequent assessments
• OHS Practitioner sign-off with credentials

What OHS compliance means for your business

Selecting the right OHS compliance partner results in a range of benefits. When OHS compliance in the workplace is done well, it:

• Protects your employees from harm, which is the primary purpose of the OHS Act
• Reduces your exposure to civil and criminal liability
• Provides defensible documentation in the event of a DoEL inspection or legal action
• Supports a productive, engaged workforce who feel that their health and safety is taken seriously
• Strengthens your reputation with clients, insurers, and industry bodies
• Positions your business for growth by enabling you to meet contractual OHS compliance requirements for tenders and contracts
  

Why businesses choose Absolute Health Services

Absolute Health Services (AHS) is a fully accredited OHS compliance and training provider, holding accreditation from the Health and Welfare SETA (HWSETA), the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), and approval from the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL). Our team includes experienced paramedics, fire safety experts, qualified OHS practitioners, and ISO 45001 implementers.

We offer a comprehensive suite of OHS compliance and management services, including:

• OHS compliance assessments and reports
• Risk assessments with written reports and corrective actions
• Ergonomics risk assessments
• OHS file compilation
• Accredited training in First Aid, Firefighting, Evacuation Planning, Ergonomics, OHS Officer, OHS Representative courses, and more
• Ongoing OHS management services with regular site visits
• Evacuation drills and emergency preparedness support

We operate nationally, with premises in Johannesburg, Durban, Gqeberha, and Cape Town, and are committed to providing professional, client-focused, quality OHS compliance services that are both practical and cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OHS compliance in the workplace? OHS compliance in the workplace means that your organisation meets the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, including having a health and safety policy, conducting risk assessments, making the required OHS team appointments, providing OHS training, investigating incidents, and more.

What accreditations should an OHS compliance partner hold in South Africa? Look for DoEL (Department of Employment and Labour) approval for first aid training and HWSETA (Health and Welfare SETA) or QCTO accreditation. Always ask for accreditation numbers and letters and verify them with the accreditation body.

What should an OHS compliance report contain? A comprehensive OHS compliance report should identify the applicable legal framework, assess your current compliance status against specific sections of the OHS Act, identify gaps and areas of risk, and provide prioritised corrective actions.

How is OHS accreditation on OHS Act 85 of 1993 different from general business accreditation? OHS accreditation specifically relates to a provider’s authorisation to offer occupational health and safety training. It is granted by specific bodies — the HWSETA or the QCTO — and is distinct from generic business registrations or ISO certifications.

Can a small business afford ongoing OHS compliance services? Yes. Many OHS compliance partners structure their services to suit businesses of different sizes. The cost of ongoing compliance support is typically far lower than the cost of a DoEL enforcement action, a compensation claim, or the reputational damage that follows a serious workplace incident.

Want to verify whether your current OHS compliance programme measures up, or find out what working with a properly accredited OHS compliance partner looks like? Contact Absolute Health Services today. Our team is ready to help you build a compliance programme that is practical, legally sound, and genuinely effective.