Many people think that Operational Risk Management (ORM) is only relevant to industries with obvious hazards, like mining and construction. However, South Africa’s workplace safety law – the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the OHS Act)- mandates all employers to keep their workplaces safe, no matter what kind of business they run.
While heavy industries like mining and manufacturing clearly need intensive, ongoing safety training, all workplaces, including white-collar environments, can benefit from tailored safety awareness.
The universal nature of workplace risks
The idea that only traditionally hazardous sectors require robust risk management ignores both legal obligations and the inherent dangers present in all workplaces. Section 8 of the OHS Act creates a clear obligation on all employers to provide and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. In manufacturing plants, warehouses, and logistics centres, hazards range from machinery malfunctions and chemical spills to ergonomic injuries and physical strain.
While white-collar settings are less exposed to immediate physical risks, they are not immune to issues such as ergonomic problems, stress-related illnesses, and slip-and-fall accidents. The key difference lies in the intensity and frequency of required training. Rather than daily safety mandates, ORM can be effectively integrated into focused safety events, but the fundamental principle remains: safety is a universal responsibility in all workplaces, and it must be practised regularly.
Building a unified safety culture for business resilience
Waiting for incidents to occur before taking action is unacceptable. Employers must proactively prioritise safe and productive environments, as the OHS Act emphasises continuous risk monitoring. In high-risk sectors, this means integrating ORM with ongoing training, audits, field observations, and employee input.
These measures protect operational and financial health. In workplaces focused on office or professional work, periodic safety events can reinforce a safety culture without daily disruptions, acknowledging unique sector risks while maintaining employee well-being. The goal is to create a unified safety culture that acknowledges the unique risks of each sector while maintaining a consistent commitment to employee well-being.
Adapting to diverse workplace needs with tailored training
Section 13 of the OHS Act stipulates that employees must be informed and trained about workplace risks. Employers must also accept that a one-size-fits-all approach will not cut it, and that training methods will need to be adapted for the target workforce.
KBC’s Riski Diski programme exemplifies a dynamic, gamified approach to training that uses soccer as a medium for safety training, which can be implemented as a detailed, continuous training module for workers in manual labour-intensive categories. The aim of the programme is to empower employees to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in real time.
In desk-based environments, where the need for daily in-depth ORM training is less critical, Riski Diski offers a fun and engaging activity for safety days, reinforcing key safety principles through interactive activities. Such an adaptable programme not only ensures compliance with legislative requirements but also fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among employees at all levels.
The consequences of neglect and the benefits of a resilient safety culture
Failure to adopt a comprehensive ORM framework tailored to the working environment carries significant legal and financial consequences. Under Section 38 of the OHS Act, organisations and their leadership risk severe penalties (fines, litigation, and imprisonment) for neglecting their duty to maintain a safe workplace, while workplace incidents lead to lost productivity, increased workers’ compensation claims, and reputational damage.
Companies that invest in industry-appropriate ORM will reap benefits beyond compliance. An embedded safety culture enhances operational efficiency, improves employee morale, and boosts productivity. For manual labour-intensive sectors, continuous ORM provides a strategic edge by minimising disruptions and strengthening corporate responsibility. In service sector environments, regular safety initiatives promote awareness and commitment without the need for routine daily safety training.
Safety – a worthwhile investment for all
It must be made clear that protecting every workplace is both a legal requirement and a smart investment. In industries with significant physical risks, detailed and ongoing ORM is critical. In environments with fewer immediate physical hazards, engaging safety day programmes, such as Riski Diski, can have a substantial positive effect.
Implementing tailored risk management practices helps businesses comply with legal standards, strengthens their problem-solving capabilities, boosts efficiency, and ensures long-term stability. All organisations, regardless of size or industry, should prioritise effective ORM. Investing in these practices is a sound business decision.
Opinion piece by Jared Kangisser, CEO at KBC Health & Safety.
