Is a risk assessment a legal requirement in South Africa?

Yes, but that’s not the whole story.

Let’s be honest: when you’re running a business, “risk assessment” doesn’t sound exciting. It sounds like another piece of paperwork that takes time away from getting real work done.

But here’s the thing, that one piece of paper can be the difference between a close call and a crisis.

At WHM Health and Safety Advisors, we’ve seen it first-hand:
a business that ignored small maintenance risks until a worker got injured, resulting in weeks of downtime, insurance headaches, and a hefty compliance fine.

That same company now conducts regular risk assessments and hasn’t had a single incident since.

So yes, a risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993), but it’s also a business safeguard. It’s how you stay productive, protect your people, and avoid surprises that cost time, money, and reputation.

When should you do a risk assessment?

Think of a risk assessment like a service for your car, it’s not just once a year, it’s whenever something changes.

You should do one:

  • After an incident or near-miss (your early warning sign)

  • When equipment or processes change (new risks often hide here)

  • Quarterly with your Health and Safety Reps

  • Whenever new departments or sites are added

It’s about staying ahead, not catching up after something goes wrong.

The real cost of ignoring it

Let’s talk numbers.
Non-compliance can cost up to R100,000 in fines, or even two years in prison, but that’s not the part that hurts most.

The real cost?

  • Projects delayed because of a preventable accident

  • Staff losing trust because they don’t feel safe

  • Clients doubting your reliability

Those losses don’t appear on your balance sheet, but they hit hardest.


How to keep it simple

Here’s the good news: risk assessments don’t have to be complicated. You just need the right people and process.

At WHM, we use a simple 5-step approach:

  1. Identify what could go wrong.

  2. Understand who could be affected.

  3. Put controls in place.

  4. Record it clearly and act on it.

  5. Review often, because your workplace changes.

Done right, this process doesn’t slow your team down, it helps them work smarter and safer.

Who should be involved?

Forget the idea that risk assessments belong only to the safety officer. Your best insights often come from the people on the ground.

We recommend involving:

    • Supervisors and team leaders

    • Maintenance or operations staff

    • A trained risk assessor

    • Your Health and Safety Officer

It’s not about pointing fingers, it’s about everyone taking ownership.

What’s in it for your business?

Here’s where most companies get it wrong: they see safety as a cost. In reality, it’s a competitive advantage.

A business that takes safety seriously:

  • Has fewer disruptions and downtime

  • Attracts better contracts (clients check compliance!)

  • Builds a stronger, more motivated workforce

When your team feels protected, they perform better and your business runs smoother.

The WHM advantage

At WHM Health and Safety Advisors, we make risk assessments practical, not painful.

We help you identify the real risks the ones that can interrupt operations and put systems in place that make safety feel effortless. Because “safety first” isn’t a poster on the wall. It’s a mindset that keeps your business moving forward.

Let’s simplify safety together. Reach out to WHM Health and Safety Advisors to book your next workplace risk assessment and turn compliance into confidence.

– T. Krüss