31/07/2025
SAIOH 2025 Conference - PDC 01
Title: Ergonomics Regulations and Current Pitfalls
Course Abstract for SAIOH 4-hour PDC
Date: 20 October 2025
Afternoon Session - PDC 1
TO REGISTER CLICK HERE
https://www.saioh.co.za/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1979674
(for this PDC session and more)
Ergonomics regulations are designed to protect workers by minimising the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and promoting safe, efficient, and human-centered work environments. In South Africa, the 2019 Ergonomics Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85/1993) marked a significant step toward formalising ergonomics practices across various industries. These regulations mandate employers to identify ergonomic risks, conduct risk assessments, and implement control measures through a structured, systems-based approach to ensure optimal human well-being and system performance.
Despite the regulatory framework, several pitfalls hinder effective implementation. Key challenges include limited awareness and understanding of ergonomics among employers and employees, a shortage of competent ergonomics professionals, and poor integration of ergonomics into existing occupational health and safety systems. Additionally, only parts of the Regulation seems to be implemented with critical systems overlooked.
This presentation underscores the importance of bridging the gap between regulation and practice. It calls for improved training, better communication of ergonomics principles, and greater support for workplace compliance to ensure that the intent of the regulations—ensure optimal human well-being and enhancing overall system performance—is fully realised.
About the speakers: Dale Kennedy
Dale Kennedy is South Africa’s first Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE 15-01) and a pioneering figure in the field of ergonomics on the African continent. In 2000, Dale founded Ergomax Holdings (Pty) Ltd, where he continues to serve as Chief Executive Officer and Lead Ergonomist. Under his leadership, Ergomax has grown into the leading ergonomics consultancy in Africa, delivering comprehensive solutions to the mining sector and general industry for over two decades.
Dale has conducted extensive ergonomics consulting throughout Southern Africa, providing expert risk assessments, system design input, and strategic guidance across a wide range of high- risk and complex environments. In addition to his consulting work, he is deeply involved in ergonomics training and professional development, helping to build capacity and awareness across industries.
A notable innovator, Dale developed the Ergokinetic Risk Calculators, a suite of ergonomics risk tools, tailored specifical for the unique African context, designed to quantify ergonomics risks related to Manual Materials Handling, Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULDs), and pushing and pulling tasks. He also created an online office ergonomics risk assessment platform that supports both remote and in-office workers.
In the mining industry, Dale developed the Trackless Mobile Machinery (TMM) Risk Calculator and a Fatigue Risk Calculator, addressing some of the sector’s most pressing health and safety challenges. He has played a critical role in shaping national policy, serving on the Compensation Commissioner’s committee to develop WRULD guidelines and authoring the tool used to assess WRULD causal factors under compensation legislation.
Dale has also contributed his expertise to broader regulatory and sustainability efforts, including serving on the Department of Employment and Labour’s technical committee for the development of South Africa’s Ergonomics Regulations and participating in the Green Building Council’s technical team for interior tool development.
With a career marked by innovation, leadership, and impact, Dale continues to drive the integration of ergonomics into systems thinking, policy, and everyday work practices across Africa.
Regards,
The SAIOH Team
SAIOH is thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Annual Scientific Conference, taking place at the Coastlands, Umhlanga, South Africa, from 20th to 24th October 2025. This year's conference will be held in a hybrid format offering both in-person and virtual participation options. This flagship event....
