HEALTH AND SAFETY 23
Preparing for a DEL Compliance Inspection in South Africa
By
Chris Coetzee, OHSS consultant
When the Department of Employment and Labour( DEL) visits an organisation, its primary objective is to ensure compliance with South Africa’ s labour legislation.
This is carried out through the Inspection and Enforcement Services( IES) programme, which plays a critical role in promoting fair labour practices and protecting the rights of workers.
The key goals of these inspections include:
• Ensuring adherence to labour laws such as the Basic Conditions of Employment Act( BCEA), Labour Relations Act( LRA), Employment Equity Act( EEA), and Occupational Health and Safety Act( OHSA).
• Protecting vulnerable workers by identifying and addressing exploitative practices.
• Promoting safe and healthy working environments through occupational health and safety inspections.
• Verifying the legal status of foreign employees, ensuring they have the appropriate work permits.
• Investigating complaints or incidents reported by employees or the public.
• Educating employers and employees on their rights and responsibilities under labour legislation.
Inspectors are empowered to enter workplaces, request documentation, interview staff, and issue compliance orders or fines where necessary. Their role is not only enforcement but also guidance and support, helping employers understand and meet their legal obligations.
In today’ s fast-paced and competitive business environment, workplace safety is often viewed as a compliance checkbox, something to be managed only when inspections are due. However, for South African organisations, safety is far more than a regulatory obligation, it is a cornerstone of ethical business practice and employee well-being. The Department of Employment and Labour( DEL) plays a vital role in ensuring that employers uphold this responsibility through regular compliance inspections, particularly those focused on occupational health and safety.
These inspections are not random acts of enforcement, they are structured, purposeful visits aimed at fostering safer, healthier and more productive workplaces. The DEL’ s Inspection and Enforcement Services( IES) unit is tasked with evaluating whether companies are meeting the standards set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act( OHSA) and other relevant legislation. Their goal is to protect workers from preventable injuries, illnesses and unsafe working conditions, while also guiding employers toward sustainable compliance.
For businesses, preparing for a DEL inspection can be daunting, especially if safety practices have not been consistently maintained. Yet, with the right knowledge and proactive measures, organisations can transform these inspections into opportunities for growth and improvement. Understanding what inspectors look for, and why, can empower employers to build a culture of safety that goes beyond minimum requirements.
The purpose of DEL Safety Inspections The DEL’ s safety inspections are designed to ensure that workplaces are compliant with South Africa’ s labour laws, particularly the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993( Act No. 85 of 1993).
The primary objectives of these inspections include:
• Preventing workplace injuries and fatalities by identifying and mitigating hazards.
• Promoting a culture of safety through education and enforcement.
• Ensuring legal compliance with national legislation and international labour standards.
• Protecting vulnerable workers, especially in high-risk sectors like construction, manufacturing and agriculture.
• Reducing the economic burden of workplace accidents on the healthcare system and the economy.
In 2025, the DEL’ s Vision 2029 strategy aims for“ zero injuries and diseases” in the workplace, emphasising proactive risk management and continuous improvement.
Key safety focus areas during inspections 1. Legal documentation and compliance records Inspectors will verify that the organisation is registered with the Compensation Fund and Unemployment Insurance Fund( UIF). They will also check for:
• Display of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other relevant legislation.
• Availability of health and safety policies and risk assessments.
• Records of incident reports, training logs, and safety audits.
October 2025 Volume 31 I Number 08 www. plumbingafrica. co. za