Thesis (MBA) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / Due to the global economic trends, the subject of workplace safety has become important such that international conventions instituted the international organisation for standardization to help regulate and bring about the improved workplace conditions. Safety in the workplace has become important such that every business irrespective of its size need to have a proper risk management plan in place. Risk management plan will help in identifying hazards; assess the risks and also provide the strategies to be used to mitigate the risks. This demand an ongoing management review for continual improvement through regular audits. Risk management will help in minimizing the risk and saving the cost as this will result in proactive but not re-active measures. Organisation leadership must take the lead in making sure that the employees are safe. They must communicate what is required from employees and employees will comply freely. Effective leadership is the key to a good health and safety. Management must make sure that employees are trained about workplace safety standards and policies so that they can carry out their roles and responsibilities as prescribed in the occupational health and safety act. Risk management is equal to good corporate governance as it helps in dealing with uncertain future events that could influence the achievement of the organisation’s objectives. Therefore risk management must be embedded in all levels of management and in the planning stage so that it must form part of the daily activities of the business.