By Jared Kangisser, CEO of KBC Health & Safety
Operational Risk Management (ORM) is too often associated solely with the dramatic, large-scale incidents that occur in high-risk industries like mining and construction. Yet, under South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993), every employer is legally obligated to ensure a safe working environment, irrespective of industry. While the need for detailed, continuous risk management training may be most critical in sectors such as Mining (MHSA), Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Warehousing, and other manual labour industries, even white-collar environments can benefit from an engaging, albeit, more scaled-back, approach to safety awareness.
Risk in Unexpected Places
The misconception that only traditionally hazardous sectors require robust risk management overlooks both the legal mandates and the inherent dangers that exist in every workplace. Section 8 of the OHS Act compels all employers to provide and maintain a work environment that is safe and without risk to health. In manufacturing plants, warehouses, and logistics centres, hazards, ranging from machinery malfunctions and chemical spills to ergonomic injuries and physical strain, pose real threats.
In contrast, while white-collar settings are less exposed to these immediate physical risks, they are not immune to issues such as ergonomic problems and stress-related illnesses. However, the intensity and frequency of training in these settings can vary, with ORM serving more effectively as an engaging feature for safety focused days rather than a daily mandated requirement.
Building a Safety Culture for Business Resilience
Waiting for an incident to occur before taking corrective action is simply not acceptable. We must strive to move from a reactive state to one in which we are doing everything possible to position our people and the organisation to be in a safe and productive work environment, daily.
The OHS Act insists on proactive risk assessments and continuous monitoring of workplace hazards. For high-risk environments (manufacturing, warehousing, logistics etc) this means integrating ORM and continuous strategies, which involve training, audits, in-the-field observations, and employee input. These measures not only ensure compliance but also safeguard the operational integrity and financial health of a business.
In contrast, while white-collar organisations may not require the same intensity of detailed training, incorporating ORM principles into periodic safety events can reinforce a culture of safety without disrupting daily operations.
This CAN be done with minimal to no impact on production!
Targeted Training: The Riski Diski Approach
Section 13 of the OHS Act mandates that employees must be properly informed and trained about the risks associated with their work environment. Recognising that one-size-fits-all training is inadequate, KBC has developed the Riski Diski programme – a dynamic, gamified approach that uses soccer as a medium for safety training. This innovative model is tailored to meet the rigorous demands of industries where physical risk is prominent, without disrupting day to day operations and output.
Riski Diski is implemented as a detailed, continuous training module, empowering employees to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in real time.
In white-collar settings, while the need for daily in-depth ORM training may be less critical, Riski Diski offers a fun and engaging alternative for safety days, reinforcing key safety principles through interactive activities.
This adaptable programme not only ensures compliance with legislative requirements but also fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among employees at all levels.
The Cost of Neglect
The failure to adopt a comprehensive ORM framework has significant legal and financial ramifications. Under Section 38 of the OHS Act, organisations, and their leadership risk severe penalties (including fines, litigation, and even imprisonment) if they neglect their duty to maintain a safe workplace. Beyond legal consequences, the direct costs of workplace incidents are substantial.
Increased accidents lead to lost productivity, higher workers’ compensation claims, and potential shutdowns, while reputational damage can hinder the ability to attract quality employees and secure valuable business contracts.
The Benefits of a Resilient Safety Culture
Investing in ORM yields dividends far beyond mere compliance. A robust safety culture enhances operational efficiency by reducing downtime, improving employee morale, and boosting productivity. For businesses in manual labour-intensive sectors, the continuous application of ORM principles through programmes like Riski Diski is a strategic advantage. It not only minimizes operational disruptions but also strengthens corporate ESG credentials, thereby enhancing a company’s social licence to operate. Meanwhile, in less hazard-prone, white-collar environments, ORM initiatives can serve as an energizing component of safety days, promoting awareness and reinforcing commitment without the need for daily rigorous training.
A Risk Worth Taking
The evidence is clear: safeguarding every workplace is both a legal imperative and a strategic investment. In sectors where physical hazards are prevalent, detailed, and continuous ORM is essential. In white-collar settings, while the day-to-day risks may be lower, incorporating engaging safety programmes like Riski Diski can still make a meaningful impact. By embracing an initiative-taking, tailored approach to risk management, businesses not only comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act but also build resilience, enhance productivity, and secure long-term success.
For organisations across South Africa and beyond, the message is unequivocal: operational risk management is not a luxury reserved for high-risk sectors—it is a necessity that, when executed effectively, benefits every industry.
Now, more than ever, investing in an ORM framework is a risk worth taking
