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HEALTH AND SAFETY
2. Health and safety structures Employers are required to establish formal safety structures, including:
• Appointment of Health and Safety Representatives( mandatory for workplaces with more than 20 employees).
• Formation of Health and Safety Committees.
• Regular safety meetings and documented minutes.
3. Physical safety measures Inspectors will assess the physical environment for hazards such as:
• Guarding of machinery and moving parts.
• Safe storage of chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Clear signage for emergency exits and fire equipment.
• Proper lighting, ventilation and noise control.
4. Emergency preparedness Organisations must demonstrate readiness for emergencies through:
• Emergency evacuation plans and clearly marked escape routes.
• Fire extinguishers that are serviced and accessible.
• First aid kits and trained first aiders on-site.
5. Electrical and structural safety Inspectors will examine:
• Condition of electrical wiring, plugs and equipment.
• Structural integrity of buildings, staircases and walkways.
• Load-bearing capacity of storage areas and shelving.
6. Hygiene and sanitation Basic hygiene is a legal requirement. Inspectors will check for:
• Clean and functional toilets and washrooms for all genders.
• Availability of drinking water and handwashing facilities.
• Proper waste disposal systems.
7. Incident reporting and record-keeping Employers must maintain:
• A register log of workplace injuries and illnesses.
• Records of investigations into incidents and corrective actions taken.
• Attendance registers and training records.
Steps companies can take to ensure Compliance 1. Conduct internal safety audits Regular internal audits help identify potential hazards and noncompliance before an official inspection. These audits should cover:
• Physical inspections of the workplace.
• Review of safety documentation.
• Interviews with employees about safety practices.
2. Train employees continuously Training is not a once-off event. Employers should provide:
• Induction training for new employees.
• Refresher courses on emergency procedures and hazard awareness.
• Specialised training for high-risk roles.
3. Maintain accurate and accessible records Documentation is key to demonstrating compliance. Keep updated records of:
• Safety meetings and committee minutes.
• Incident reports and investigations.
• Equipment maintenance logs.
• Certificates of training and qualifications.
4. Appoint and empower safety-responsible persons Safety-responsible persons should be:
• Properly trained and certified.
• Given authority to enforce safety rules.
• Involved in planning and implementing safety initiatives.
5. Engage with DEL Resources The DEL offers:
• Workshops and training sessions.
• Online compliance tools.
• Guidance documents and templates.
• Using these resources can help businesses stay informed and prepared.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them Even well-meaning employers can fall short. Here are some common mistakes:
• Neglecting documentation: Verbal policies are not enough – everything must be written and accessible.
• Ignoring minor hazards: Small issues can escalate into serious incidents.
• Lack of employee involvement: Safety is a team effort – employees must be engaged and informed.
• Failure to act on previous findings: If a previous inspection identified issues, they must be addressed before the next visit.
The cost of non-compliance Non-compliance can have serious consequences, including:
• Fines and penalties: In 2025 alone, over R97-million was enforced in penalties for non-compliance with the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act( COIDA).
• Workplace injuries and fatalities: These result in lost productivity, increased insurance premiums, and reputational damage.
• Legal action: Employees or their families may pursue legal claims for negligence.
• Operational disruptions: Non-compliance can lead to shutdowns or restrictions imposed by the DEL.
Compliance is the minimum standard. The real goal is to build a culture of safety where:
• Employees feel safe and valued.
• Hazards are identified and addressed proactively.
• Safety is integrated into every aspect of operations.
This culture not only reduces accidents but also improves morale, productivity and employee retention.
The Department of Employment and Labour’ s safety inspections are not just about ticking boxes – they are about protecting lives, promoting dignity, and ensuring that South Africa’ s workplaces are safe and fair for all. By understanding the focus areas of these inspections and taking proactive steps to comply, businesses can turn a regulatory requirement into a strategic advantage.
In a world where workplace safety is increasingly linked to brand reputation and employee satisfaction, compliance with DEL standards is not just good practice – it’ s good business. PA
“ Compliance is the minimum standard.”
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline October 2025 Volume 31 I Number 08