OHS Compliance Audit: The 50-Point Checklist Every South African Employer Needs

Are You Ready for a DOL Inspection?

The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) conducts both routine inspections and reactive investigations (after incidents). Employers who fail inspections face prohibition notices, fines, and potential prosecution.

This 50-point checklist helps you maintain continuous compliance rather than scrambling before inspections.

Section A: Legal Appointments (10 Points)

1. ☐ Section 16(2) appointment — Written, signed, with adequate authority
2. ☐ Safety representatives appointed per Section 17 (every 20+ employees)
3. ☐ Safety committee established per Section 19 (if required)
4. ☐ First aiders appointed — minimum ratios per workplace size
5. ☐ Fire marshals appointed and trained
6. ☐ Incident investigator designated and competent
7. ☐ Health and safety officer (if >100 employees doing hazardous work)
8. ☐ Competent persons for specific regulations (e.g., scaffolding, electrical)
9. ☐ All appointments documented in writing with acceptance signatures
10. ☐ Appointments reviewed and updated when personnel change

Section B: Documentation & Records (10 Points)

1. ☐ OHS policy signed by CEO, dated, and displayed
2. ☐ Risk assessments current and site-specific
3. ☐ Safe work procedures for all high-risk activities
4. ☐ Incident register maintained and up to date
5. ☐ Training records for all employees (induction + specific)
6. ☐ Safety committee minutes from last 4 meetings
7. ☐ Emergency evacuation plan documented and displayed
8. ☐ Chemical safety data sheets available for all hazardous substances
9. ☐ Equipment inspection registers current
10. ☐ Medical surveillance records where required by regulations

Section C: Workplace Conditions (10 Points)

1. ☐ Housekeeping — Work areas clean, organized, and free from slip/trip hazards
2. ☐ Ventilation — Adequate natural or mechanical ventilation
3. ☐ Lighting — Sufficient for the work being performed
4. ☐ Sanitation — Clean, adequate toilets and washing facilities
5. ☐ Drinking water — Clean, accessible drinking water provided
6. ☐ Temperature — Reasonable working temperatures maintained
7. ☐ Noise — Monitoring conducted if levels exceed 85 dB(A)
8. ☐ Electrical safety — All installations compliant, CoC current
9. ☐ Fire safety — Extinguishers serviced, fire exits clear and marked
10. ☐ Machinery guarding — All moving parts adequately guarded

Section D: Emergency Preparedness (10 Points)

1. ☐ Emergency plan documented and communicated to all employees
2. ☐ Evacuation drills conducted at least twice per year
3. ☐ First aid equipment stocked and accessible (GAR 3)
4. ☐ First aiders trained and certificates current
5. ☐ Emergency contact numbers displayed prominently
6. ☐ Assembly points designated and marked
7. ☐ Fire detection and alarm systems functional and tested
8. ☐ Spill response kits available for chemical workplaces
9. ☐ Emergency lighting functional on backup power
10. ☐ Rescue equipment available for confined spaces and heights

Section E: Training & Competence (10 Points)

1. ☐ Induction training completed for all new workers before starting
2. ☐ Job-specific training provided for all hazardous activities
3. ☐ Refresher training conducted at required intervals
4. ☐ Safety representative training completed within 3 months of appointment
5. ☐ Management OHS training — Section 16(2) appointee competent
6. ☐ PPE training — Workers trained on correct use and maintenance
7. ☐ Permit-to-work training for relevant supervisors
8. ☐ Toolbox talks conducted regularly and recorded
9. ☐ Contractor OHS competence verified before site access
10. ☐ Training needs analysis conducted and documented

Scoring Your Compliance

How OHS Compliance Group Can Help

We offer comprehensive audit preparation services:

• Gap Analysis — Our consultants assess your current compliance against this checklist
• OHS Legislation Training — Ensure your team understands legal requirements
• NEBOSH IGC — Build fundamental OHS competence across your organisation
• Document Review — Ensure your paperwork meets DEL standards
• Mock Inspections — Simulate a DOL visit to identify weaknesses
• Ongoing Support — Monthly compliance check-ins to maintain readiness

With 22+ years helping companies prepare for inspections and audits, we've helped organisations across mining, construction, manufacturing, and transport achieve and maintain compliance.

Book a compliance gap analysis or explore training options.