REGULATORY INSPECTIONS IN THE WORKPLACE

Workplace inspections in South Africa are governed by various regulations, standards, and procedures directed at ensuring safety, compliance, and quality.  

Below are examples of Inspections to expect in your Business: 

Health & Safety Inspections:

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) of 1993 and its regulations serve as the guidelines for workplace safety inspections in South Africa. Employers are required by the OHSA to maintain a safe workplace for their workers, which includes carrying out routine safety inspections to find and eliminate hazards. In certain industries or areas, the South African National Standards (SANS) may also offer best practices and standards for safety inspections.  

Health and hygiene rules published by the Department of Health and regional health agencies may regulate hygiene and sanitation inspections. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent the transmission of diseases and guarantee that workplace hygiene standards are followed. They also set criteria for food handling techniques, sanitation protocols, waste management, and public health measures. 

Quality Control Inspections:  

The requirements for quality management systems specified in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) standards are met by quality control inspections. To set up quality control processes, carry out inspections,   and guarantee compliance with customer demands and legal obligations, organisations can abide by standards like ISO.  

Inspections of equipment and maintenance comply with industry-specific laws as well as the maintenance standards and best practices specified in pertinent South African National Standards (SANS). Organisations can guarantee the safe functioning, dependability, and compliance of machinery and equipment with South African standards and regulations by adhering to manufacturer recommendations, maintenance schedules, and inspection protocols. 

Environmental Inspections:  

The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and its implementing rules are among the environmental laws and regulations that oversee environmental inspections in South Africa. During environmental inspections, organisations are required to adhere to the norms and criteria set by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for environmental management, pollution control, waste management, and conservation initiatives. 

Compliance Inspections:  

Compliance inspections check for compliance with building codes, industry-specific regulations, labour laws, and other legal requirements in South Africa. Industry associations and regulatory agencies may set standards and methods for compliance inspections within particular sectors, but the Department of Employment and Labour offers recommendations and resources for adhering to labour laws and workplace safety rules. 

National Bargaining Council for the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Skincare and Beauty Industry – Designated Agents: 

As per Clause 11 of the Main Collective Agreement  

11. DESIGNATED AGENTS  

11.1 The Minister may, on request of the Council, appoint any person as a designated agent in terms of section 33 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 to promote, monitor and enforce compliance with this Agreement.  

11.2 A designated agent of the Council:  

11.2.1 may secure compliance with this Agreement by amongst others:  

11.2.1.1 Conducting inspections;  

11.2.1.2 investigating complaints; or  

11.2.1.3 any other means the Council may adopt.  

11.2.2 may perform any other functions that are conferred to or                                     imposed on the agent by the Council;

11.2.3 shall have all the powers set out in Schedule 10 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995;  

11.2.4 may issue a compliance order requiring any person to comply with this Agreement within the time period stated in the compliance order. 

Organisations can assure legal compliance, increase safety and quality, and reduce hazards in the workplace by coordinating workplace inspections with government standards, laws, and procedures.