For many South African businesses, health and safety training is something that only gets attention before an audit or after an incident. Unfortunately, that’s when it’s already too late.
Whether you operate in construction, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing or any other high-risk industry, training isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal responsibility. Section 8(2)(e) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) requires employers to provide employees with the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to protect their health and safety while at work.
The challenge is that many organisations still treat training as a once-off exercise. Staff attend a course, receive a certificate and the file goes back on the shelf. But if your training doesn’t reflect the actual risks on your site – or if the provider isn’t appropriately accredited or recognised – you could still face serious compliance issues during an inspection by the Department of Employment and Labour.
The Training Every Workplace Should Consider
The exact training your business requires will always depend on your Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA). However, there are several core competencies that most commercial and industrial workplaces should have in place.
Health and Safety Representatives
Workplaces with more than 20 employees are generally required to appoint Health and Safety Representatives in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. These representatives should receive appropriate training so they can identify hazards, participate in workplace inspections, report unsafe conditions and assist in promoting a safer working environment.
First Aid
The General Safety Regulations require employers to ensure that an adequate number of employees are trained in first aid. As a general guide, at least one trained First Aider should be available for every 50 employees in higher-risk workplaces and one for every 100 employees in offices and other lower-risk environments, unless the Department of Employment and Labour directs otherwise. First aid certificates should be obtained through appropriately accredited or recognised training providers and renewed as required.
Fire Response and Emergency Preparedness
Every workplace should have emergency procedures in place, and employees who have been designated to assist during emergencies should receive appropriate training. This may include basic firefighting, the safe use of fire extinguishers, evacuation procedures and coordinating emergency drills.
Incident Investigation
When a workplace incident occurs, employers should ensure that a competent person is available to investigate what happened, identify the root causes and complete any statutory reporting required by law. A thorough investigation helps prevent similar incidents from happening again and demonstrates a proactive approach to health and safety.
Your HIRA Should Drive Your Training Plan
One of the biggest mistakes employers make is sending everyone on the same generic training courses, regardless of the actual risks on site.
Inspectors and auditors don’t just look at your training certificates – they look at whether your training matches the hazards identified in your HIRA.
For example, if your employees work at height, use lifting equipment or operate heavy machinery, your training programme should reflect those risks. Depending on your operations, this could include:
- Working at Heights and Fall Protection
- Fall Arrest Equipment Inspection
- Working at Heights Rescue Procedures
- Scaffolding Erector and Inspector Training (aligned with SANS 10085)
- Forklift Operator Training
- Overhead Crane and Mobile Crane Operator Training
- Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Operator Training
- Confined Space Entry and Rescue
- Hazardous Chemical Handling
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures
Training should always be relevant to the work your employees perform – not simply a collection of certificates.
Choosing the Right Training Provider
Not all training providers offer the same standard of training. Before booking a course, confirm that the provider is appropriately accredited or recognised for the training they deliver and that the course meets the applicable legal or industry requirements.
It’s also worth asking practical questions such as:
- Does the course include practical assessments?
- Are certificates nationally recognised where applicable?
- Will the provider assist with refresher training?
- Can they customise training to suit your workplace and identified risks?
Choosing a reputable provider helps ensure your employees gain practical skills rather than simply collecting certificates.
Finding Training Providers Through SHE Finder
SHE Finder helps businesses connect with health and safety training providers, OHS consultants and compliance specialists throughout South Africa.
Whether you’re looking for first aid training, working at heights, forklift operator certification, incident investigation, fire safety, safety file compilation or broader occupational health and safety consulting services, our directory makes it easier to find providers operating across all nine provinces.
Looking for occupational health and safety training or compliance support?
Visit SHEFinder.co.za to find appropriately accredited training providers and experienced OHS consultants throughout South Africa.