These requirements serve to safeguard employees in the workplace from hazards and risks that may lead to incidents, and in the worst cases, fatalities.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act also stipulates how machinery and equipment must be used safely to prevent injury and death. It also further serves to protect co-workers, family members, employers, customers, clients and any other persons who may be adversely affected by the working environment provided by the employer.
Non-compliance towards the Occupational Health and Safety Act is punishable by law and could result in the loss of lives, productivity and court lawsuit cases. It is therefore a legal obligation that employers adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act regardless of the size, industry or nature of business of the organisation.
The level of compliance in any workplace can effectively be measured and determined through an OHS compliance audit, conducted by health and safety professionals, such as auditors who have the required skills and knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. 
Where did OHS compliance originate?
The worker’s compensation law, also known as the social insurance legislation, was inaugurated by Otto von Bismarck in 1884, the first of its kind in the Western World. Similar acts followed soon after as countries responded to labour unrest.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) was modelled in likeness with the British Factory Act. It was crucial and specifically highlighted prohibitions on work activities of both children and women. Furthermore, it stipulated work hour restrictions for all employees to reduce incidents and accidents experienced in the workplace.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 is a statutory law in South Africa, administered by the Department of Labour. It is amended by the following:
- Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act, No. 181 of 1993.
- Labour Relations Act, No. 66 of 1995.
There are several regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act that are implemented, and the English version thereof was signed by the president in June 1993. OHSA supersedes and repeals the following Acts:
- The Machinery and Occupational Safety Act, 1983.
- The Machinery and Occupational Safety Amendment Act, 1989.
- The Machinery and Occupational Safety Amendment Act of 1991.
Can OHS be considered a grudge purchase by employers?
Employers have, through the years and especially more recently, become acutely aware of the dangers that inadequate safety measures pose for the health and safety of their employees as well as the bottom line of the company. Employers may often lament excessive costs incurred with safety regulations in the workplace. However, despite stringent measures, regulations, and penalties in place, there are still employers who would rather opt to exclude a comprehensive safety plan or opt to use unscrupulous suppliers.
OHS compliance officers
Each employee and their health and safety is paramount to ensure continuous operations in any industry. Each type of industry has its own guidelines and safety strategies to ensure OHS compliance, and often it requires specific people to implement the rules on behalf of the employer, to benefit of the employer and employees. These people have numerous titles, one of which is a compliance officer. They are hired to supervise the health and safety of employees on various worksites spread across offices, mining operations, construction sites and numerous others. 
Health and safety managers
OHS compliance officers are appointed to supervise and ensure the work environment is compliant in being healthy and safe for both employees and visitors. There may be one or a few officers appointed, depending on the number of people on a specific site. A health and safety manager, or OHS manager, is an employee of the company who is qualified, competent and responsible for the health and safety management systems within the organisation in addition to the preparation, execution and consistent improvement thereof.
What are the benefits attributable to OHS compliance?
- Improved health and safety performance on all levels of the organisation.
- Reduced costs from accidents and incidents.
- Improved staff relations as well as morale.
- Increased business efficiency, and an improved public image and PR.
- Lower insurance premiums and easier access to financing.
- Increased regulatory compliance and improved confidence.
- A substantial boost to corporate and social responsibility, and several others.
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