High Risk Sectors Under Pressure How Industry, Construction, and Logistics Must Adapt

South Africa’s high risk sectors are navigating unprecedented compliance and operational challenges. From organised crime in construction to cargo hijackings in logistics, risk assessments must now address both traditional hazards and emerging threats.

Industrial Sector: Digitalisation Meets Disruption

• Adoption of digital risk registers and predictive maintenance tools.
• Integration of ergonomic and mental health factors into assessments.

Construction Sector: Complexity and Crime

• GDP contribution has dropped from 3.2% to 2.2% over seven years.
• “Construction mafias” disrupt projects through extortion and violence.
• Draft 2025 Construction Regulations demand:
  • Ongoing monitoring and documentation
  • Inclusion of water/flood risks and emergency planning
  • Site‑specific, continuously updated risk plans

Logistics Sector: Security and Continuity

• Transnet’s crisis pushes cargo onto congested roads.
• Truck hijackings and cargo theft at decade high levels.
• SMEs and large operators adopting GPS, RFID, and AI‑driven monitoring.

Practical Takeaway

Sector‑specific risk assessments are no longer optional. They are the only way to ensure compliance, continuity, and credibility.