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.

Chris Coetzee.

Chris Coetzee. Supplied by Chris Coetzee

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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 non- compliance before an official inspection. These audits should cover:

  • Physical inspections of the workplace.
  • Review of safety documentation.
  • Interviews with employees about safety practices.

  1. 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.
  1. 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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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