Occupational hygiene is the science of anticipating, recognising, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards that may cause injury or illness to employees. In South Africa, employers have a legal obligation under the OHS Act and its regulations to manage occupational health risks proactively — not reactively.
The AREC Framework
The foundation of occupational hygiene is the AREC model: Anticipate, Recognise, Evaluate, and Control. Anticipation means identifying potential hazards before they materialise — during the design of facilities, processes, and equipment. Recognition involves identifying hazards that already exist in the workplace through systematic surveys and employee engagement. Evaluation quantifies the level of risk using measurement and monitoring. Control implements appropriate measures to eliminate or reduce exposure to acceptable levels.
Categories of Occupational Hazards
Chemical hazards include dusts, fumes, vapours, gases, and liquids that can cause harm through inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion. Physical hazards encompass noise, vibration, temperature extremes, radiation, and lighting. Biological hazards include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms encountered in healthcare, agriculture, and food processing. Ergonomic hazards relate to repetitive motions, awkward postures, manual handling, and poorly designed workstations.
Legal Requirements in South Africa
The Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations require employers to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances. The Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Regulations set occupational exposure limits and mandate hearing conservation programmes. The Facilities Regulations govern workplace amenities including ablution, change rooms, and rest areas.
How Kenako HSE Can Help
Our registered occupational hygienists conduct baseline risk assessments, exposure monitoring, and control verification across all industry sectors. Contact us to schedule a workplace hygiene survey.