South Africa has been experiencing a growing trend in occupational health and safety jobs in recent years. The need for safety measures in the workplace has become increasingly important due to the rise of workplace accidents and injuries. In this article, we explore the reasons why occupational health and safety jobs are increasing in South Africa.

High Rate of Workplace Accidents and Injuries

South Africa has one of the highest rates of workplace accidents and injuries in the world. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), South Africa had an occupational fatality rate of 14.1 per 100,000 workers in 2019, which is higher than the global average of 5.2. The high rate of workplace accidents and injuries has led to a growing demand for occupational health and safety professionals to implement preventative measures and reduce the risk of accidents.

Legal Requirements

Occupational health and safety is a legal requirement in South Africa. The Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 (OHSA) requires employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Failure to comply with the OHSA can result in fines, legal action and even imprisonment. As a result, employers are increasingly hiring occupational health and safety professionals to ensure that they comply with the OHSA and avoid legal consequences.

Increased Awareness

There has been an increased awareness of the importance of occupational health and safety in South Africa. The government, trade unions and civil society organisations have been advocating for safer workplaces and stricter enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations. This has led to a growing demand for occupational health and safety professionals who can help employers implement safety measures and reduce the risk of accidents.

Specialisation and Certification

Occupational health and safety professionals are required to have specialised training and certification. This has led to an increase in the number of training courses and certification programs offered in South Africa. As a result, more people are pursuing careers in occupational health and safety, leading to a growing pool of qualified professionals.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise of occupational health and safety jobs in South Africa can be attributed to various factors, including the high rate of workplace accidents and injuries, legal requirements, increased awareness and specialisation and certification. As South Africa continues to focus on creating safer workplaces, the demand for occupational health and safety professionals is likely to increase even further.