The Noise Exposure and Physical Agents regulations bring along benefits to all -Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya tells delegates
Employment and Labour Deputy Minister, Jomo Sibiya, told delegates that the two new regulations -Noise Exposure and Physical Agents, bring along several benefits including economic transformation and job creation; Improvement on productivity levels; and Uninterrupted earnings by employees.
“Economic transformation and job creation with improved risk assessments and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management systems, declining occupational injuries and disease, which in turn would reduce financial costs of redressing injuries and diseases.
Improvement on productivity levels. With well-functioning OHS management systems, health related lay-offs would decrease and also contribute to positive economic outcomes. This supports and improves productivity, and has a positive spin off towards the economy.
Uninterrupted earnings by employees which could lead to sustained buying power and ultimately resulting in job creation as firms reinvest their income and expand," Deputy Minister Sibiya said.
Deputy Minister Sibiya was delivering a keynote address at the launch of the Noise Exposure Regulations and the Physical Agents Regulations at the Anew Hotel and Conference Centre OR Tambo Johannesburg in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, today 11 April 2025.
Sibiya told the seminar that the new regulations are in response to climate change and the impact it has on employees in sectors such as Agriculture and Construction. He said the new regulations are geared to bring hope to industries in South Africa.
He told the seminar that Legislation must not just be regarded as something to be maliciously complied with, but “should be viewed as a mechanism for improving employee health and wellbeing".
Deputy Minister Sibiya thanked all stakeholders who participated in the launch including the Federated Employers Mutual (FEM) and the Rand Mutual Assurance who collaborated with the Department in hosting the event.
Dr Robin George, the Occupational Medicine Practitioner, addressed the delegates on medical screening and surveillance. “Medical Surveillance is a planned, ongoing program of health assessments including clinical assessments, biological monitoring, and medical tests; to monitor the health of employees exposed to workplace hazards and determine the effectiveness of safety measures," he said.
Warren Mallon, Department of Employment and Labour's Occupational Health and Hygiene Specialist, took the delegates through the fundamental changes on the two regulations and their implementation. He told the seminar that the old regulations are still enforceable until the NER & PAR come into effect on 5 September 2026.
Dr Lucas Mosidi, Occupational Medicine Practitioner, told the delegates that the objective of the Department of Employment and Labour's Code of Practice for Audiometry in respect of the Noise Exposure Regulations is to Assist employers with the development and implementation of a medical screening and medical surveillance programmes.
In conclusion, Sibiya said: “One death, injury or illness, is one too many. The Department remains committed to Vision Zero. Let us continue with our resolve and journey towards zero injuries and diseases!!!"
For media inquiries, please contact:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 697 0694
E-mail: teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za
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