Preparing for a Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) Inspection

The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) may conduct announced or unannounced inspections to assess compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993) and the Construction Regulations, 2014. Being prepared at all times not only demonstrates legal compliance but also reflects a commitment to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone on site.

1. Ensure Your Health and Safety File is Complete

Verify that all required documentation is current, signed and readily accessible. This should include:

• Construction Work Permit (where applicable). 
• Health and Safety Plan. 
• Baseline and task-specific Risk Assessments. 
• Legal appointments. 
• Employee induction and training records. 
• Medical certificates. 
• Emergency response procedures. 
• Inspection registers and incident records. 

2. Inspect the Worksite

Carry out a thorough site inspection before the DEL visit to ensure:

• Good housekeeping and waste management. 
• Workers wearing the correct PPE. 
• Safe scaffolding and ladder use. 
• Proper edge protection and fall prevention measures. 
• Excavations adequately protected and inspected. 
• Plant, machinery and lifting equipment inspected and operated by competent persons. 
• Electrical installations are safe. 
• Safety signage, barricading and access control are in place. 

3. Review Inspection Registers

Confirm that all statutory inspections are up to date and properly recorded, including:

• Plant and equipment inspections. 
• Scaffolding inspections. 
• Fire extinguisher inspections. 
• First aid box inspections. 
• Electrical inspections. 
• Toolbox talks. 
• Hazard reporting and incident registers. 
  

4. Prepare Your Workforce

Employees should be able to demonstrate that they:

• Have received site-specific induction. 
• Understand the site's hazards and control measures. 
• Know emergency procedures and assembly points. 
• Wear the required PPE correctly. 
• Report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly. 

5. Conduct a Mock DEL Inspection

A mock inspection is an effective way to identify and correct deficiencies before an official visit. Review documentation, inspect all work areas, close out outstanding corrective actions and ensure supervisors understand their

Legal responsibilities.

Common DEL Non-Compliance Findings

Inspectors frequently identify:

• No CR 9 risk assessment. 
• Baseline Risk assessment confused with task-based risk assessment or vice versa. 
• No personal protective equipment. 
• No shoring and bracing - excavations.
• No electrical certificate of compliance. 
• No medical fitness certificates. 
• No Annexure 1 – GSR 9(1). 
  

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) inspection should not begin when the inspector arrives; it should be part of your daily operations. Organisations that consistently maintain compliance, keep accurate records, conduct regular inspections and actively manage workplace risks are far better positioned to achieve successful inspection outcomes.

A strong health and safety culture is built through visible leadership, competent supervision and the commitment of every employee to work safely. By making compliance a daily priority rather than a last-minute exercise, companies not only meet their legal obligations but also protect their most valuable asset their people.

 Remember: Compliance is not about passing an inspection; it is about preventing injuries, safeguarding lives and building a safer and more sustainable construction industry.

Neil Enslin | Head: Occupational Health and Safety