In a strategic initiative to strengthen occupational health protection, improve regulatory compliance, and promote safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces in South Africa, the Department of Employment and Labour, through the Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch, will partner to host the Occupational Health and Hygiene (OHH) symposium in Gauteng.
The department hosts the symposium in collaboration with the Compensation Fund, Federated Employers Mutual (FEM) Assurance Company, the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) and Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA).
The symposium will bring together government, organised labour, employers, professional bodies, researchers, academia, occupational health practitioners, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, highlight innovative technologies, and identify practical solutions for improving occupational health and hygiene in South African workplaces.
The Occupational Health and Hygiene symposium on 12–13 November 2026 will be held under the theme: Hidden Hazards: Integrating Science, Prevention and Safety to Address Occupational Risks. Some 500 delegates are expected to attend in person, and 1,000 will be virtual participants.
Meanwhile, the symposium supports the implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Physical Agents Regulations, the Noise Exposure Regulations, and other occupational health legislation. It also contributes to the objectives of the National Development Plan 2030, the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024–2029, the Minister's Occupational Health and Safety Month Campaign, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the African Union Agenda 2063.
The two-day programme will build on these interventions through technical presentations, surveillance evidence, discussion of competent persons’ responsibilities, and practical sessions on occupational exposures and emerging risks. The symposium complements the Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth’s Occupational Health and Safety Month.
A one-day Occupational Health and Hygiene workshop for Shop Stewards will precede the symposium. The workshop for shop stewards is intended to build the capacity of employee representatives to identify occupational health hazards and support workplace compliance.
Media are invited to attend the symposium and can RSVP to: Shadrack.Mashalaba@labour.gov.za or 076 982 6821.
The event will be held as follows:
Event: Occupational Health and Hygiene Symposium
Venue: ANEW Hotel and Convention Centre, O.R. Tambo, Johannesburg, 3 Country Lane, Benoni
Date: 12-13 November 2026
Time: 08:30 – 14:00
Enquiries:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 697 0694
E-mail: teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za
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