Hospital safety compliance hits new high in Gauteng
Most public hospitals now score above 90% in occupational health and safety standards, with the province appointing new specialists and expanding emergency preparedness.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has announced major improvements in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) compliance across the province’s public hospitals, signalling a stronger commitment to safer healthcare environments for both staff and patients.
According to a departmental statement issued on November 24, most public hospitals have reached significantly higher OHS standards compared to the previous administration, when several facilities had low compliance levels.
For the 2025/ 26 financial year, the majority of hospitals achieved scores between 90% and 100%, while seven facilities scored between 80% and 90%. Only two facilities fell within the 70–79% range, the minimum target set for all 17 hospitals in the programme.
Jubilee Hospital remains the only facility still performing below the required benchmark. The department said efforts are underway to strengthen compliance in clinical areas, high-risk zones, waste management, security and emergency safety procedures.
To support this progress, the GDoH has introduced a new Construction Health and Safety profession, with 25 candidates already trained through the University of Johannesburg’s Engineering Faculty.
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In addition, the department is in the process of appointing 65 OHS specialists and practitioners to ensure consistent implementation of safety standards.
Emergency preparedness is also being prioritised, with emergency drills already completed at Steve Biko Academic Hospital and Tshwane District Hospital to test readiness for potential incidents.
The department noted that compliance is being driven through strengthened oversight by Portfolio Committees, regular progress reporting and action plans addressing findings across all affected hospitals.
Facilities are also adopting international standards to improve occupational, environmental and quality management practices.
Quarterly consultations between the Provincial OHS Committee and organised labour continue to support co-ordinated implementation of health and safety regulations.
The GDoH said it remains committed to maintaining safe, well-regulated environments in all health facilities across the province.
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