New Occupational Health and Safety Accord

Navigating South Africa’s New Occupational Health and Safety Accord: What Employers Need to Know in 2024

In a significant move towards improving workplace safety in South Africa, the Department of Employment and Labour, in partnership with key stakeholders, launched the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Prevention Accord on 16th October 2024. This initiative forms part of the broader OHS Strategy 2024-2029 and focuses on enhancing collaboration, preventing workplace injuries, and promoting a culture of safety across various sectors.

Purpose and Goals of the Occupational Health and Safety Accord

The OHS Accord aims to unify efforts from government entities, employers, and labour organisations to reduce workplace injuries and occupational illnesses. Its core emphasis is on prevention strategies that improve the health and well-being of workers while simultaneously supporting productivity. In light of growing concerns over workplace safety and the economic impact of health-related incidents, this initiative arrives at a critical time.

According to the Department, strategic collaboration is at the heart of the Accord. By involving stakeholders such as the Compensation Fund (CF), Federated Employers Mutual (FEM) Assurance, and Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA), the initiative fosters a cooperative environment where preventing accidents and promoting health in the workplace becomes a shared responsibility. This alignment is crucial as occupational health and safety (OHS) has been recognised as the fifth principle of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) fundamental rights and principles at work.

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Key Features of the OHS Strategy 2024-2029

The newly unveiled OHS Strategy 2024-2029 provides a comprehensive framework for addressing occupational risks and setting long-term goals. This strategy calls for:

Systematic Approaches: The Accord promotes the implementation of structured prevention programmes that target workplace hazards. This helps establish consistent safety protocols that benefit both workers and employers.

Alignment with International Standards: South Africa’s commitment to the ILO’s global standards ensures that the country’s workplace policies not only protect local workers but also align with best practices observed globally. This approach helps South Africa remain competitive and ethically responsible in international markets.

The Launch Event of the OHS Accord

The launch event of the OHS Accord took place at Emperor’s Palace in Gauteng, with around 300 delegates in attendance. This gathering brought together officials from various sectors, including the Department of Employment and Labour, the Compensation Fund, Rand Mutual Assurance, Federated Employers Mutual, and labour organisations. Representatives from occupational health and safety bodies, including the Advisory Council for Occupational Health and Safety, and professional bodies specialising in areas such as ergonomics, occupational hygiene, and workplace safety were also present.

The event was held under the theme, "Strategic Collaboration to Prevent Incidents and Occupational Diseases in the Workplace", emphasising the need for robust partnerships to achieve lasting change in South Africa’s OHS landscape.

What This Means for Employers

For employers, this new Accord signals a shift towards greater accountability and proactive measures in managing workplace safety. The OHS Strategy 2024-2029 encourages organisations to invest in prevention strategies that will reduce accidents and illnesses, ultimately creating a safer, more productive work environment.

Key takeaways for employers include:

Increased Collaboration: Employers are urged to work closely with labour representatives, safety professionals, and government agencies to implement safety programmes that address their specific industry risks.

Systematic Prevention: The Accord outlines a focus on systematic safety measures rather than reactive policies. Employers should adopt comprehensive OHS policies that regularly assess and mitigate workplace hazards.

Awareness and Training: Another critical aspect is raising awareness about OHS risks and investing in continuous worker training. Employers need to ensure that employees are well-informed about potential hazards and understand how to protect themselves and others.

Support for Productivity: Whilst prioritising safety, the Accord also recognises that healthier and safer work environments directly impact productivity. Therefore, employers are encouraged to view OHS not as an expense but as an investment in long-term profitability.

Watch our discussion with Aggy Moiloa, Director General at the Department of Employment and Labour during the Saiosh 2024 Conference

Expected Outcomes

With the implementation of the OHS Accord, the Department expects to see:

Reduced Workplace Incidents: Through enhanced collaboration and commitment to systematic safety measures, the goal is to significantly reduce workplace accidents and occupational diseases. The strategy is proactive, aiming to prevent incidents before they occur, rather than reacting afterwards.

Greater Awareness of OHS: Employers and employees alike will benefit from heightened awareness of workplace safety, fostering a culture where OHS becomes an integral part of daily operations rather than an afterthought.

Alignment with Global Best Practices: By following international standards set by organisations like the ILO, South Africa's businesses can ensure compliance with global norms, which in turn may open doors to international markets and partnerships.

The launch of the Occupational Health and Safety Accord marks a pivotal moment in South Africa's journey towards creating safer workplaces. As the OHS Strategy 2024-2029 unfolds, employers have an essential role in this mission. By embracing the principles of collaboration, prevention, and systematic safety, businesses can not only protect their workers but also enhance productivity and reputation.

The next five years will be crucial in determining the long-term success of this initiative, but with the collective effort of all stakeholders, South Africa is well on its way to fostering a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment.

For employers, now is the time to review and update OHS policies in line with the new Accord. The benefits of doing so extend beyond compliance – a safer workplace is a more efficient, motivated, and sustainable one.