What the New OHS Act Amendments Mean for Your Safety Training & Compliance Strategy in 2026

Key Highlights of the Amendments

1. Updated Definitions

Terms like “refresher training” have been replaced with more modern and measurable requirements, such as:

• Competency validation
• Skills reinforcement

This change pushes companies to move beyond once‑off training, placing more emphasis on proving that employees can consistently perform tasks safely.

2. Expanded Employer Duties

Employers are now legally required to maintain documented evidence of:

• Ongoing safety training
• Skills reinforcement sessions
• Competency assessments

This documentation must be kept up to date and made available during inspections, audits, or employee requests.

3. Stronger Worker Rights

Employees may now request proof of their own training records and the company’s compliance status.
This increases transparency and encourages shared responsibility between employers and workers.

4. Increased Penalties

Non-compliance fines have been raised to reflect the seriousness of workplace risks.
The financial impact of failing to train staff or failing to prove they were trained is now significantly higher.

5. Mandatory Annual Safety Audits

Businesses above a certain size are now required to complete annual safety audits, with stricter reporting timelines and evidence requirements.
This ensures organisations remain compliant throughout the year, not only during inspection season.

How These Changes Affect You and Your Company

For South African professionals and business owners, these updates highlight the importance of:

✔ Keeping compliance documentation current

Inspectors want proof, not promises.
Your files and training records must be accurate, accessible, and consistently updated.

✔ Providing skills reinforcement regularly

Training is no longer a once‑off tick-box exercise.
Competency must be maintained, measured, and refreshed continuously.

✔ Building confidence in safety practices

When staff receive ongoing skills development, their decision‑making improves, risk-taking reduces, and your workplace becomes safer and more productive.

How DIY Safety Training & Skills Development Can Help

At DIY Safety Training & Skills Development, we’re committed to guiding South African companies through these regulatory changes with confidence.
We provide:

• Up‑to‑date safety training solutions
• Safety file templates
• Guidance on audit preparation and compliance recordkeeping

Our goal is simple: make compliance easier, faster, and more accessible for every business.

Stay Ahead & Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter

Get the latest updates on:

• OHS Act and regulation changes
• Health & Safety file templates
• Practical training tips and tools
• Exclusive workshop and webinar invites

👉 [Subscribe now and never miss an update]