Regulatory compliance, more specifically, describes the goal of an organisation to ensure they are not only aware of the steps to be taken, but that they take the necessary steps to comply with all relevant laws, policies and regulations.
Health and safety is considered a prevalent business concern, with compliance requiring that organisations maintain vigilance in maintaining a full understanding of their compliance requirements, especially since the number of regulations are constantly increasing.
In ensuring that effective health and safety compliance is in place, employers can implement, promote and maintain the highest level of physical, mental and social well-being of their employees and all who visit the premises. Through such compliance, adverse health issues, diseases, illnesses, injuries and even death as a result of working conditions and the work environment, can be decreased and even eliminated where reasonably practicable.
Organisations face many challenges with the implementation, promotion and maintenance of health and safety compliance, but once these are in place, numerous benefits to both employers and employees are generated. Not only do employers have a legal duty and obligation towards ensuring their employees’ health and safety, employees also have a duty towards their own health and safety and those who work with them.
Workplace health and safety is not optional, but a compulsory requirement. For this reason, the Occupational Health and Safety Act is enforced by the Department of Labour. 
What are the benefits of health and safety compliance?
Health and safety compliance is a legal requirement for all employers in South Africa. However, numerous employers still have the “it will never happen to me nor does it apply to me” attitude. Despite this attitude and mentality, the Occupational Health and Safety Act does not allow for exemptions.
Regardless of the size, nature of business or industry in which the organisation operates, it is imperative for all legitimate businesses to have an adequate and effective safety plan and system in place. Each country has their own act governing the way in which businesses operate and the Occupational Health and Safety Act is the governing act for health and safety compliance in South Africa.
Employees have a right to a working environment free from hazards such as exposure to mechanical dangers, heat and cold stress, excessive noise, toxic chemicals, unsanitary conditions and any other factors that could prove detrimental to the health and safety of employees. One of the best ways to measure and examine health and safety compliance is to conduct an internal or external audit, or a combination of both.
Internal audits are considered a valuable measurement tool when they are done correctly. However, external audits remain the golden standard in determining and verifying health and safety compliance. SafetyWallet offers employers across South Africa a unique subscription programme and the necessary tools, support and assistance to help them in becoming more compliant.
As a SafetyWallet subscriber, employers can book their health and safety compliance audit online, allowing for a qualified and professional auditor to examine their OHS programme, identify strengths and weaknesses and highlight opportunities for improvements. For a SafetyWallet subscriber, the following benefits are available:
Less employee turnover and absenteeism
When occupational health and safety issues are effectively addressed and managed, a substantial improvement is noticed in employee turnover and a reduction of absenteeism. These issues may otherwise result in increased operational costs that can dampen productivity if they are not addressed accordingly.
Improved employee morale
As a result of improved working conditions, employers will see an improvement of employee morale that will result in increased levels of productivity and functionality in the overall working environment.
Increased productivity and overall job satisfaction
Increased productivity, as previously noted, is a direct benefit and obvious advantage as a result of improved working conditions, which therefore leads to increased productivity and profitability.
Fewer injuries and less WCA compensation
Employees who are injured may not be able to perform their duties for a while, depending on the severity of the injury. The employer is also further legally obliged to cover medical costs for treatment and to pay the salary of the employee while they recover. When injuries, illnesses and fatalities are decreased, a substantial cost reduction is recorded across the board.
Reduced costs to COIDA, fewer fines and litigation
When OHS compliance is addressed and managed, a substantial reduction in accident and incident rates occurs, which results in reduced COIDA costs. A reduced risk of fines and litigation fees is a result of health and safety compliance in the workplace.
Improved corporate image and creation of a safety culture
With health and safety compliance comes the creation of a safety culture among all employees. With this, the corporate image and PR of the organisation can improve and it will be easier to attract and retain skilled workers.
Improved ROI with SafetyWallet
Returns on investments are a crucial tool of measurement over a certain period and may affect future business decisions. Numerous SafetyWallet subscribers can prove that their subscription not only brought them cost savings but increased their returns on investments considerably.
