Ergonomics Regulations

Workplace ergonomics is governed by the Ergonomics Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act No. 85 of 1993. These laws require all employers to identify hazards, conduct risk assessments, provide training, and eliminate risks to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and ensure employee well-being.

Key Legal Requirements & Responsibilities

Under South African law, managing ergonomics is a strict risk-management obligation, not just a comfort issue. Employers have specific responsibilities to identify, assess and control ergonomic risks within the workplace.

• Risk Assessments: Employers must conduct formal ergonomic risk assessments before work begins. These must be repeated at least every two years or when significant changes occur.
• The "Competent Person": Assessments must be conducted by a "competent person" with formal ergonomics training, relevant qualifications, and knowledge of the OHS Act.
• Hierarchy of Controls: Employers are required to reduce risks to the lowest possible level by following the hierarchy of controls in order of priority: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Medical Surveillance: Where a risk assessment indicates potential harm, affected employees must be placed under medical surveillance overseen by an Occupational Medicine Practitioner.

The 3 Pillars of Ergonomics

The regulations mandate the evaluation of three interrelated domains of work systems. Understanding these areas helps organisations take a comprehensive approach to managing ergonomic risks.

1. Physical Ergonomics

Physical ergonomics focuses on human anatomy, biomechanics and anthropometry. It addresses workplace factors that can contribute to back strain, repetitive motion injuries, poor posture and other physical risks.

2. Cognitive Ergonomics

Cognitive ergonomics focuses on mental processes, perception and reasoning. Its purpose is to help reduce excessive mental workload, stress and information overload within the working environment.

3. Organisational Ergonomics

Organisational ergonomics focuses on optimising workplace systems, policies, work schedules and communication. Areas such as shift patterns and team dynamics are considered when evaluating how work is organised.

Managing ergonomics is not simply about workplace comfort. It is a structured risk-management responsibility designed to protect employees and support compliance.

Ergonomics HUB

Non-Compliance Penalties

The Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) actively inspects workplaces. Failing to implement a comprehensive ergonomics programme or conduct proper assessments can result in non-compliance notices, heavy fines, or even imprisonment of up to 12 months for responsible parties.

Organisations should therefore ensure that ergonomic risks are properly assessed, controlled, documented and reviewed as part of their broader occupational health and safety programme.