Health and safety in supermarkets reach far beyond wet floors and ‘caution’ signs. South African retailers must manage manual handling, slips and trips, chemical exposure, refrigeration risks, electrical hazards, crime, and loadshedding, all under the eye of regulators.

These realities are driving many retail leaders to events such as A-OSH EXPO, co-located with Securex South Africa, Facilities Management Expo, Firexpo, and RE+ South Africa at Gallagher Convention Centre from 2 to 4 June 2026.

The Department of Employment and Labour enforces the Occupational Health and Safety Act across retail. Recent inspection figures show that roughly 34% of workplaces checked nationwide were non-compliant with OHS requirements.^[1] Although the report does not list retail separately, it sends a clear signal: the inspectorate is active, and retail is on the radar.

In supermarkets, risk comes from many directions. On the physical side, staff lift and carry stock, push trolleys, move cages, stack shelves, and stand for long periods. Left unmanaged, these tasks lead to back strain, shoulder injuries, and long-term musculoskeletal conditions. Older research from a Gauteng food retail chain recorded 586 work-related injuries in three years, with slips, falls, and lifting problems dominating the statistics.^[2]

Chemical and biological hazards are also significant. Cleaning agents, sanitisers, degreasers, and refrigerants fall under the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations. Food hygiene regulations add another layer. Poor chemical storage, unlabelled decanted products, and inadequate staff training expose workers and customers to risk and invite enforcement action.

Electrical and refrigeration safety are frequently overlooked. Damaged wiring, makeshift extensions, or neglected switchgear create fire and shock hazards, especially in backrooms and plant areas. Loadshedding and unplanned outages can increase risk when equipment restarts, lighting fails, or staff move through poorly lit areas. Robust maintenance and clear procedures are vital.

Examine safety solutions at A-OSH EXPO

“A-OSH EXPO provides a focused environment where retail decision-makers can examine safety solutions suited to this mix of risks. Exhibitors include providers of spill control systems, non-slip flooring, lockout-tagout equipment, safe ladders, manual handling aids, environmental monitoring tools, and digital incident reporting platforms. Training specialists can support the development of practical, store-level safety programme,” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Montgomery Group Africa.

The co-located shows extend this toolkit. Securex South Africa showcases access control, CCTV, analytics, and panic systems that protect staff and premises during incidents, robberies, or emergency evacuations. Facilities Management Expo focuses on energy management, building systems, and maintenance tools that improve lighting, ventilation, and power stability.

Firexpo presents detection, suppression, and evacuation solutions tailored to public spaces and back-of-house plant rooms. RE+ South Africa, launching in 2026, highlights renewable and backup energy options that can help keep critical systems running safely during outages.

“For retailers, the goal is not only to comply with the law, but to prevent incidents in the first place. That means moving beyond a tick-box approach and building systems that work. Regular risk assessments, visible housekeeping standards, clear signage, and working equipment all matter. So does listening to staff, who often see hazards first. Our A-OSH EXPO exhibitors have amassed decades of experience and knowledge to assist retailers with OSH compliance,” says Anderson.

Creating a platform for compliance

Staff turnover in the retail sector adds pressure. New employees may not know procedures, and short-term staff may not feel confident to speak up. Simple, clear induction training, refresher briefings, and supportive supervision can reduce mistakes and near misses.

Legal firms continue to handle supermarket injury claims for slips, trips, and falling objects. These cases highlight the cost of getting safety wrong, both financially and in terms of brand trust. By contrast, those retailers that invest in robust OSH systems often gain fewer incidents, lower absenteeism, and better staff engagement.

Events such as A-OSH EXPO and its co-located shows give supermarket and retail leaders a chance to step back from daily pressures, see what is possible, and update their approach. In a sector where risk is often underestimated, that perspective is not a luxury. It is a key part of responsible, modern retail management.

“Exhibitors benefit from reaching a captive market under one roof, while visitors benefit from the best OSH advice available. Visit the website: www.aosh.co.za to find out more about A-OSH EXPO and the co-located shows,” says Anderson.

Organisations wishing to exhibit at A-OSH EXPO 2026, can contact the A-OSH EXPO team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book a space or capitalise on a sponsorship opportunity.

See some of the A-OSH EXPO 2025 highlights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgOUusGJFf4

^[2] https://uir.unisa.ac.za/items/4afa8fd3-8eed-43a9-8662-1e31c993cb5a

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