PUB4860
ASSIGNMENT 4 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 30 JULY 2025
, PUB4860
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 30 July 2025
Public Human Resource Management
The Importance of Employee Wellness and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
in the Public Sector: A South African Perspective
Employee wellness and occupational health and safety (OHS) are pivotal in ensuring a
productive and efficient public sector. In South Africa, where government departments
and agencies employ thousands, maintaining a safe and healthy working environment is
both a legal obligation and a necessity for effective service delivery. This paper critically
analyzes the significance of employee wellness and OHS in the South African public
sector, examines their impact on institutional performance, and discusses key human
and external factors contributing to workplace accidents, using real examples from the
country’s public service sector.
Understanding Employee Wellness and Occupational Health and Safety
Employee wellness refers to programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the overall
well-being of employees in the workplace. It encompasses physical health, mental well-
being, financial stability, and social aspects of an employee’s life. A robust wellness
program ensures that workers are in optimal condition—both physically and mentally—
to perform their duties efficiently. Examples of employee wellness initiatives include
stress management programs, employee assistance programs (EAPs), regular health
screenings, and gym memberships.
Occupational health and safety (OHS), on the other hand, focuses on preventing work-
related injuries, illnesses, and hazards. OHS policies and regulations ensure that
workplaces comply with safety standards to protect employees from harm. In South
ASSIGNMENT 4 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 30 JULY 2025
, PUB4860
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 30 July 2025
Public Human Resource Management
The Importance of Employee Wellness and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
in the Public Sector: A South African Perspective
Employee wellness and occupational health and safety (OHS) are pivotal in ensuring a
productive and efficient public sector. In South Africa, where government departments
and agencies employ thousands, maintaining a safe and healthy working environment is
both a legal obligation and a necessity for effective service delivery. This paper critically
analyzes the significance of employee wellness and OHS in the South African public
sector, examines their impact on institutional performance, and discusses key human
and external factors contributing to workplace accidents, using real examples from the
country’s public service sector.
Understanding Employee Wellness and Occupational Health and Safety
Employee wellness refers to programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the overall
well-being of employees in the workplace. It encompasses physical health, mental well-
being, financial stability, and social aspects of an employee’s life. A robust wellness
program ensures that workers are in optimal condition—both physically and mentally—
to perform their duties efficiently. Examples of employee wellness initiatives include
stress management programs, employee assistance programs (EAPs), regular health
screenings, and gym memberships.
Occupational health and safety (OHS), on the other hand, focuses on preventing work-
related injuries, illnesses, and hazards. OHS policies and regulations ensure that
workplaces comply with safety standards to protect employees from harm. In South
