Regulatory compliance, however, describes the goals of Berea employers in ensuring their awareness of such laws, policies and regulations, as well as the steps they take in ensuring compliance to such.
It is a prevalent business concern and organisations are required to remain vigilant in maintaining a clear understanding as far as their regulatory compliance requirements are concerned, especially when considering that the number of regulations increases frequently.
Health and safety compliance is associated with the effective implementation, promotion and maintaining of only the highest levels of physical, mental and social well-being of employees in their various work environments. In ensuring this, adverse health issues, injuries, occupational illnesses and even death as a result of hazards and risks in working environments, can be prevented. These can be reduced and even eliminated when complying with health and safety measures.
Organisations may face a variety of challenges with the implementation, promotion and maintenance of health and safety compliance. However, once the necessary steps have been taken to ensure the working environment is healthy and safe, many benefits for both employers and their employees may be reaped.
Another important consideration regarding health and safety compliance is that it equips employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and safeguard their own health and safety, as well as those of the people around them. Workplace health and safety is not optional but compulsory, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, enforced by the Department of Labour and applicable to organisations in all industries across South Africa. 
Benefits of ensuring health and safety compliance
Health and safety compliance is a crucial factor to all employers; however, there is a general misconception surrounding the notion that “it will never happen to me” and that “it does not really apply to me, my business, my industry or my employees”.
Despite this mentality, the Occupational Health and Safety Act applies to everyone regardless of the various industries in South Africa. The OHS strategies of each industry may be different, but it is crucial that all legitimate businesses have an adequate safety plan in place.
Each country around the world has its own acts governing the way in which businesses operate and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, act 85 of 1993, is the governing act as far as health and safety compliance in South Africa is concerned.
Employees have the right to a healthy and safe working environment, free of any known hazards such as the exposure to mechanical dangers, heat and cold stress, excessive levels of noise, exposure to toxic chemicals, and numerous others that may be detrimental. One of the best ways through which employers can ensure compliance is by conducting either an internal or an external audit.
Despite internal audits serving as an effective management tool when they are conducted correctly, the golden standard remains an external audit. SafetyWallet offers employers in South Africa the ideal solution through a subscription programme, providing employers with all the tools and support they need to become compliant.
When subscribed to SafetyWallet, subscribers can book their health and safety compliance audit through the online SafetyWallet portal. This will help the subscriber determine their current level of compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It can also further assist in identifying, addressing and improving on findings where weaknesses and/or challenges exist.
By making use of SafetyWallet and ensuring health and safety compliance, the following benefits can be observed:
Reduction in employee turnover and absenteeism
When issues with occupational health and safety are addressed and employees have a healthy and safe working environment, employers can see a visible improvement in employee turnover and a reduction in absenteeism.
Health and safety issues often contribute to operational costs and they can also negatively affect productivity when inadequately addressed.
Improved employee morale
As a result of improved working environments and conditions where health and safety matters are effectively addressed, employees show an improved morale as they can cope with stress and change better. Improvements in morale are also known to lead to increased productivity and functionality in the overall workplace environment.
Increased productivity and overall job satisfaction
Increased productivity is a direct benefit and notable advantage that results in increased profitability, which subsequently leads back to increased morale when employees see that working safely pays off well.
Fewer injuries and less WCA compensation
Employees who suffer injuries or contract illnesses or diseases while on duty as a result of working conditions may be booked off from work for extended periods, depending on the severity of the injury, illness or disease.
This results in substantial medical costs as well as having to pay the employee’s salary while they recover. When injuries, illnesses and disease are reduced, an overall cost reduction can be observed.
Reduced COIDA costs, fines and litigation
With the effective management of health and safety, a reduction in incident rates leading to reduced costs to COIDA and a reduction in the risk of fines and litigation fees, will be achieved.
Improved corporate culture and image
Health and safety compliant organisations have an improved corporate image and a strong safety culture. This counts towards positive PR and increases the organisation’s ability to attract and retain skilled labour.
Increased ROI as a SafetyWallet subscriber
ROI is a crucial tool of measurement over a period, as it could affect future business decisions. As a SafetyWallet subscriber, organisations can greatly increase their returns on investments and their cost savings. 
