OHS Act & Construction Regulations (SAIOSH)

The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993) is the main South African law that aims to protect the health and safety of people at work, as well as other persons who may be affected by workplace activities. It places a legal duty on employers to provide and maintain, as far as reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to health.

In the construction industry, the Act is supported by the Construction Regulations, 2014, which set out more specific safety requirements for construction work. These regulations apply to construction activities such as building, alteration, repair, demolition, civil works, excavation, and similar operations. Their purpose is to manage the high level of risk usually found on construction sites.

The OHS Act requires employers and those in control of workplaces to identify hazards, assess risks, provide information and training, supervise work properly, and ensure that machinery, equipment, and work systems are safe. Employees also have responsibilities, including obeying safety rules, using equipment correctly, and reporting unsafe conditions.