OHS Inspector Job Vacancies – Western Cape | Department of Employment and Labour Hiring Now

Are you an experienced professional with a passion for workplace health and safety? The Department of Employment and Labour is currently hiring six Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Inspectors across multiple Labour Centres in the Western Cape. With a competitive annual salary of R397,116, this opportunity is perfect for qualified candidates in environmental science, engineering, biology, or related fields who are ready to make a tangible impact by ensuring safer work environments. If you have at least two years of relevant experience and a valid driver’s license, this could be the career move you’ve been waiting for.
Who Should Apply for This OHS Inspector Role?
This role is ideal for professionals with a solid background in inspections or enforcement within occupational health and safety, or in related technical environments. Whether your expertise is in environmental health, engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, chemical), biology, or biotechnology, your qualifications are highly relevant.
If you’re detail-oriented, skilled in planning, and able to communicate effectively across diverse teams and industries, then this is your opportunity to contribute directly to worker safety in South Africa.
Where Are These OHS Positions Based?
There are six vacancies in total, distributed across three Labour Centres in the Western Cape:
- Beaufort West Labour Centre – 1 Post
Reference: HR4/4/10/804 - Somerset West Labour Centre – 4 Posts
Reference: HR4/4/10/805 - Worcester Labour Centre – 1 Post
Reference: HR4/4/10/806
Be sure to reference the correct post in your application to ensure your submission is directed appropriately.
Why You Should Consider This Opportunity
Joining the Department of Employment and Labour as an OHS Inspector places you at the forefront of creating safe and compliant work environments across South Africa. In this role, you won’t just enforce legislation — you’ll be educating businesses, resolving complaints, and playing a key role in preventing workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
This is not just a desk job. You’ll be in the field, conducting inspections, investigations, and advocacy campaigns, with the chance to influence policies and contribute to national labour safety standards. With the stability of a government position and the satisfaction of protecting workers’ rights, this role is as meaningful as it is challenging.
Key Responsibilities
As an Occupational Health and Safety Inspector, your duties will include:
- Investigating incidents and complaints related to workplace health and safety, with the authority to appear in court as a state witness when required.
- Developing inspection reports and maintaining records that support legal and regulatory decisions.
- Participating in advocacy campaigns, including the analysis and reporting of their impact.
- Collaborating on regional inspection planning, including statistical reporting and case analysis.
You’ll operate independently, requiring a high level of personal accountability and professional judgment.
Minimum Requirements
- Educational Qualification: A three-year tertiary qualification (NQF Level 6) in one of the following fields:
- Environmental Health
- Mechanical, Mechatronic, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry, Construction, Biology, Microbiology
- Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry
- License: A valid driver’s license is essential, as this role includes field visits.
Required Skills and Knowledge
To excel in this role, you’ll need:
- Strong understanding of:
- OHS Act and Regulations
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act
- Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act
- Employment Equity Act
- Unemployment Insurance Act
- Competency in:
- Communication (verbal and written)
- Conflict resolution and negotiation
- Computer literacy and report writing
- Analytical thinking and innovation
- Planning, facilitation, and public speaking
You’ll be interacting with various stakeholders, so interpersonal and interviewing skills are crucial.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted on the new Z83 application form. This form must be fully completed, initialled, and signed. Incomplete or outdated forms will disqualify your application.
You must include:
- The completed Z83 application form
- A detailed, updated CV
- Appropriate job title and reference number should be included in the subject line of your email.
Only PDF attachments will be accepted. Applications submitted in JPEG or picture formats will be rejected.
Send your application to the appropriate email address:
Jobs-WC3@LABOUR.gov.za
Apply here for ohs inspector vacancy
Alternatively, hand-deliver or post your application to:
Department of Employment and Labour
Sub-directorate: Human Resources Management, Western Cape
PO Box 872, Cape Town, 8000
Important Application Notes
- Closing Date:14 May 2025
- Walk-in applications: by 16:00
- Online/email applications: by midnight (00:00)
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Shortlisted applicants may be asked to:
- Submit certified copies of qualifications
- Undergo a technical competency assessment
- Complete a practical pre-entry exercise
- Non-South African citizens must include a SAQA evaluation report (only if shortlisted).
For questions or more information, contact:
Mr. Q. Bowman – Tel: (021) 441 8120