Regulatory Education

Why Compliance Matters

Understanding occupational hygiene regulations and employer responsibilities in South Africa

Definition

What is Occupational Hygiene?

Occupational Hygiene is the science dedicated to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, communication, and control of environmental stressors in the workplace that may result in injury, illness, impairment, or affect the well-being of workers and members of the community.

Chemical hazards

Dusts, fumes, gases, vapors, and mists

Physical hazards

Noise, vibration, heat, cold, radiation, and illumination

Biological hazards

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other living organisms

Ergonomic hazards

Repetitive motion, poor workstation design, manual handling

Key distinction

Unlike occupational health and safety which focuses on immediate safety risks, occupational hygiene addresses long-term health risks that may take years to manifest.

0M+ Workers affected by occupational diseases annually (Global)
R 0B+ Annual cost of workplace injuries in South Africa
0% of occupational diseases are preventable with proper hygiene monitoring
1 in 5 Workplaces are non-compliant with OHS regulations

Legal Requirements in South Africa

The two statutes that define your obligations

ACT 85 OF 1993

Occupational Health and Safety Act

The OHS Act is the primary legislation governing workplace health and safety in South Africa. It places a duty on employers to provide and maintain a safe working environment that is without risk to the health of employees.

Key Regulations for Occupational Hygiene

  • Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Agents, 2021: monitoring of worker exposure to chemicals
  • Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024: noise assessments and hearing conservation programmes
  • Physical Agents Regulations, 2024
  • Lead Regulations: specific requirements for lead exposure monitoring
  • Asbestos Abatement Regulations, 2020: control of asbestos exposure in workplaces
  • General Safety Regulations
ACT 29 OF 1996

Mine Health and Safety Act

Specifically for the mining industry, this act requires comprehensive occupational hygiene monitoring programs including:

  • Dust monitoring (including silica)
  • Noise surveys
  • Thermal stress assessments
  • Chemical exposure monitoring
  • Vibration assessments

Key Legislation & Resources

Go straight to the source

OHS Act (Act 85 of 1993)

The primary legislation for occupational health and safety in South Africa.

View Document

Mine Health and Safety Act

Specific legislation for the mining industry.

View Document

SAIOH

Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene, the professional body for hygienists.

Visit Website

OHTA

Occupational Hygiene Training Association, training and certification.

Visit Website

Employer Responsibilities

What the law expects of you

Identify Hazards

Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential health hazards in the workplace

Monitor Exposure

Regular monitoring of worker exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and other hazards

Maintain Records

Keep detailed records of all monitoring results and risk assessments

Inform Employees

Communicate risks and monitoring results to workers

Implement Controls

Put in place appropriate control measures to reduce exposure

Health Surveillance

Provide medical surveillance for workers exposed to health hazards

Comply with Standards

Ensure compliance with all relevant OELs (Occupational Exposure Limits)

Legal Compliance

Meet all requirements of the OHS Act and regulations

Consequences of Non-Compliance

What is actually at stake

For Businesses

  • Fines and Penalties — Up to R 100,000 per contravention
  • Imprisonment — Directors and managers can face imprisonment for serious breaches
  • Workers' Compensation — Increased COIDA assessments
  • Civil Lawsuits — Claims from affected workers
  • Reputation Damage — Loss of business and stakeholder trust
  • Shutdown Orders — Department of Employment and Labour can shut down operations

For Workers

  • Occupational diseases (hearing loss, lung disease, chemical poisoning)
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Loss of income and livelihood
  • Long-term health complications

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we get asked most

Monitoring frequency depends on the risk level. High-risk operations may require quarterly monitoring, while lower-risk workplaces typically need annual assessments. Changes in processes, materials, or controls also trigger new monitoring requirements.

OELs are legal limits on the concentration of hazardous substances in workplace air. They represent the maximum exposure considered safe for workers over a specified time period (usually 8 hours or 15 minutes).

Yes, the OHS Act applies to all workplaces regardless of size. However, the extent of monitoring required depends on the specific hazards present in your workplace.

You must keep all monitoring results, risk assessments, medical surveillance records, and training records for at least 30 years for health-related data.

Monitoring must be conducted by competent persons - typically registered occupational hygienists (SAIOH registered) or Approved Inspection Authorities.

Occupational health and safety focuses on immediate safety risks (falls, machinery, etc.), while occupational hygiene addresses long-term health risks from chronic exposure to hazards.

Need Help with Compliance?

Our certified occupational hygienists can help you understand and meet your legal obligations.

Whether you need monitoring, audits, or compliance advice, we're here to help.

Speak to a Hygienist