Running a construction site comes with massive responsibilities — and when health and safety compliance slips through the cracks, the financial consequences can be severe. Non-compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about protecting lives, your company’s reputation, and your bottom line.
Let’s break down the potential fines and penalties businesses can face for failing to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and related construction regulations.
⚠️ 1. Failure to Have a Valid Safety File
Every contractor and subcontractor is required to have a complete and up-to-date Safety File before starting work on any site. This file proves compliance with the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.
Possible fines and penalties:
- Immediate site shutdown by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL).
- Fines ranging from R50,000 to R100,000, depending on the severity.
- In serious cases, project delays that can cost hundreds of thousands in penalties or lost time.
💡 Tip: FTS Safety offers a Safety File compilation service with quick turnaround times to keep your site compliant and operational. Click here to get a quote
🧯 2. No Fire Prevention Measures in Place
Fire prevention is one of the most overlooked areas of compliance. Lack of fire extinguishers, poor signage, or untrained staff can all lead to penalties.
Possible fines:
- Up to R50,000 for failure to comply with fire safety standards.
- In cases of injury or property damage, criminal liability may also apply to the site manager or company director.
🦺 3. Workers Without Safety Training or PPE
If an inspector finds workers without the required training or personal protective equipment (PPE), the company can be fined per employee found to be non-compliant.
Possible fines:
- Up to R80,000 per worker, depending on the risk.
- Immediate suspension of site activities until compliance is restored.
📚 FTS Safety provides accredited training — from First Aid and Fire Prevention to Working at Heights and SHE Rep — to help your team stay compliant and confident on site.
🏗️ 4. Unsafe Scaffolding, Ladders, or Work at Heights
Falls from height are among the top causes of workplace fatalities in South Africa. The Department of Labour takes these violations extremely seriously.
Possible fines:
- Up to R100,000+ per violation for failure to ensure proper fall protection systems.
- Possible imprisonment for responsible persons if negligence leads to serious injury or death.
🧾 5. Failure to Conduct Risk Assessments or Appoint Competent Persons
Every site must have designated safety representatives, supervisors, and risk assessments conducted regularly.
Possible fines:
- Up to R80,000 for failure to appoint competent persons or conduct risk assessments.
- Increased liability in the event of an incident or injury claim.
🏛️ 6. Ignoring Department of Labour Instructions
If an inspector issues a compliance order or prohibition notice and the company ignores it, the penalties escalate quickly.
Possible fines:
- Up to R500,000, depending on the severity.
- Criminal prosecution for directors or site managers in repeat or severe cases.
✅ Protect Your Business Before It Costs You
Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs to be consistent.
At FTS Safety, we help construction companies stay compliant with:
🌐 Visit www.ftssafety.co.za to get compliant today.
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