Dodging danger, designing success

Tshifhiwa Lawrence Madala, OHS Compliance Group’s MD, highlights how risk management and compliance are critical pillars for any modern business. 

The OHS Compliance Group specialises in risk management and regulatory compliance services. Its core offerings include human health risk assessments; regulatory compliance audits; compliance training and consulting, including first aid, working at height, firefighting, safety, health, and environmental (SHE) liabilities, and incident investigation; hazardous identification and risk assessment; and ISO and NEBOSH certification and support.

What roles do risk management and compliance play in the modern workplace?

Risk management and compliance play vital roles in the modern workplace. Risk management enhances decision-making, optimises resource allocation, ensures business continuity, and prioritises workplace safety. Compliance guarantees adherence to laws, regulations, and policies, mitigating legal risks and promoting ethical integrity. By integrating these functions, organisations establish a stable, efficient, and legally sound environment that fosters success, sustainability, and reputation.

How has this changed over the years?

The evolution of health and safety (H&S) risk management and compliance in South Africa has seen significant changes. Initially, regulations were fragmented, but the Occupational H&S Act (OHSA) of 1993 provided a comprehensive framework. This was further strengthened by the Mine H&S Act (MHSA) of 1996 and the National Health Act of 2003.

Recently, there has been a shift towards a proactive, risk-based approach. The Occupational H&S Amendment Act of 2019 highlights employer responsibility in hazard identification and mitigation. Additionally, South African policies have been influenced by the International Labour Organization’s guidelines on occupational safety and health.

What should companies keep in mind when enhancing their risk management and aiming to achieve compliance?

Effective risk management and compliance require companies to identify and assess potential risks, implement controls, and monitor exposure by understanding relevant laws and regulations, establishing clear policies, and conducting regular audits. Ongoing training and a culture of compliance encourage accountability.

Focus areas include regulatory compliance, operational risk, financial risk, cybersecurity, SHE issues, and data privacy. Integrating risk management and compliance into business strategy, leveraging technology, and fostering transparency ensures long-term success and sustainability.

What does the future hold for risk management and compliance?

The future of risk management and compliance will be shaped by digitalisation, regulatory evolution, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Organisations must adapt to emerging trends, prioritise environmental and social governance (ESG), data privacy, and sustainability, as well as leverage technology and talent to enable proactive risk management through continuous monitoring and real-time reporting.