A Health and Safety Certificate in South Africa confirms that your business complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). It’s issued after a workplace audit by a qualified OHS consultant and verifies that your environment is legally safe for employees and visitors. This certificate is a legal requirement for many businesses — especially when undergoing Department of Labour inspections or tendering for contracts.
Why Your Business Needs a Health and Safety Certificate
If you’re managing operations in a South African company, you know workplace safety isn’t optional — it’s law. But the real pressure starts when the Department of Employment and Labour arrives on-site or a big client asks for your compliance documents. Here’s why getting your Health and Safety Certificate matters:
Avoid Fines & Shutdowns
Without proof of compliance, your business is exposed to costly penalties, site closures, or even prosecution.
Win Contracts and Tenders
Many clients and government projects require a valid Health and Safety Certificate before awarding work
Protect Your People & Your Business
Compliance isn’t just a box to tick — it means fewer incidents, stronger staff morale, and a safer, more productive operation.
Peace of Mind During Inspections
With your certificate in place, site visits from authorities become routine — not stressful.
Prove You’re a Responsible Employer
Having a current certificate sends a clear message: You take safety seriously.
What’s Included in a Health and Safety Certificate
A Health and Safety Certificate in South Africa confirms your workplace meets the legal standards set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). But what exactly gets checked before it’s issued? Here’s what’s typically included in the audit and certification process:
Workplace Risk Assessment A full evaluation of physical and operational hazards across your work environment.
Safety Policies and Procedures Review Auditors check whether your documented health and safety policies are up to date, relevant, and correctly implemented.
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid Do you have fire extinguishers, evacuation plans, and trained first aiders in place? These are key criteria.
Employee Training Records Proof that your workers have been trained in basic safety, incident reporting, and PPE use.
Equipment and Maintenance Logs Machinery and tools must be well-maintained, with records showing regular inspections.
Incident Reports and Investigation Processes Your ability to document, report, and respond to incidents is a critical compliance factor.
Legal Appointments and Representation The certificate also confirms you’ve appointed the correct Health & Safety Representatives and implemented the correct SHE structure.
Getting a Health and Safety Certificate in South Africa doesn’t have to be complicated. At SAOHS Consultancy, we make it straightforward and supportive — whether this is your first certificate or you’re renewing after a Department of Labour inspection. Here’s how the process works:
1. Schedule Your Health and Safety Audit
A qualified SAOHS practitioner will assess your workplace against OHSA requirements. This includes physical inspections, policy reviews, and risk assessments.
2. Get Your Compliance Gap Report
You’ll receive a detailed report outlining what’s compliant — and what needs to be fixed before certification.
3. Close the Gaps (With Help If Needed)
We guide you through the corrective actions: updating policies, improving record-keeping, training staff, or implementing safety procedures.
4. We Issue Your Certificate
Once your workplace meets all requirements, we issue your official Health and Safety Certificate — with supporting documentation to show regulators.
Why SAOHS Consultancy Is Trusted by Businesses Across South Africa
When it comes to compliance, you need more than a checkbox. You need a safety partner who understands the law, your industry, and the pressure you’re under.
Registered, Experienced Professionals Our OHS practitioners are HWSETA-accredited, Saiosh-registered, and have audited sites across industries — from construction and logistics to education and healthcare.
Proven Results In 2023, we helped Auria Woodside Village increase their audit score from 63% to 96% — just two months after we stepped in.
We Know What Inspectors Look For Our team includes former auditors and compliance officers. We help you avoid costly mistakes and guide you step-by-step toward certification.
National Footprint, Local Expertise From Pretoria to Cape Town and beyond, we support clients throughout South Africa — offering remote support or on-site assistance where needed.
What is a Health and Safety Certificate in South Africa?
It’s a formal document confirming your business complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It’s issued after a professional audit and helps you avoid penalties while showing clients and staff you take safety seriously.
What happens if we fail the audit?
You’ll receive a list of action steps.
We don’t leave you to figure it out — we help you close the gaps and prepare for a successful re-audit.
Can I get a certificate without doing a full audit?
No. Legal compliance requires a formal audit by a qualified health and safety practitioner. But we make the process simple and guide you from start to finish.
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on the size of your operation and the complexity of your requirements.
We offer transparent quotes — no hidden fees or surprises.