The Department of Employment and Labour, through its Inspection and Enforcement Services branch, successfully convened a Regulation Workshop aimed at strengthening workplace compliance and advancing occupational safety practices in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The session brought together employers, practitioners, and stakeholders to deepen understanding of key regulatory standards, with a particular focus on occupational health protocols, management of physical agents, and noise exposure across work environments. Participants engaged in robust discussions and gained insights into compliance requirements and best practices aligned with labour legislation.

Further outlining the purpose of the session, the Acting Provincial Inspector Kulungile Nkanjeni said, “The workshop reflects the department's collective commitment to safer, healthier and more compliant workplaces. By sharing knowledge and strengthening regulatory understanding, the department is building a culture of accountability and protection that benefits both workers and employers".

Delivering an address during the workshop, Occupational Health and Safety Senior Specialist Bulelwa Huna said, “safe and healthy working environments are a fundamental principle and right at work, most importantly are essential requirements for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, productive employment and decent work for all".

The Noise Exposure Regulations are designed to minimize the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, a widespread occupational hazard in industries such as mining, manufacturing, and construction, while the Physical Agents Regulations address broader environmental factors in the workplace, namely, vibration, radiation, and thermal stress, to ensure safer working conditions across labour sectors.

Systematic and collaborative risk assessments are crucial for effective hazard management; this was one of the elements emphasized during the session. Speaking in length on the practice of conducting exposure risk assessments as per Noise Exposure Regulations and Physical Agents Regulations, Huna said, “By investing in thorough risk assessments, organisations demonstrate a commitment to their most valuable asset, their employees". This proactive approach not only safeguards employees but also fosters a culture of safety, leading to long-term benefits such as improved productivity, morale, and organisational resilience.

As part of the Department's broader mandate to promote decent work, the Regulation workshop formed a critical component of its ongoing efforts to foster safer, healthier, and more compliant workplaces.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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