Workplace Safety and Social ESG as Drivers of SMME Sustainability

This study investigates the integration of occupational health and safety (OHS) and the social pillar of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices in South African small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs). Recognised as key drivers of employment, innovation and inclusive growth, SMMEs face sustainability challenges due to their limited financial resources, regulatory burdens and constrained managerial and workforce capacity. This study explores how robust OHS measures and social ESG adoption, including fair labour practices, employee well-being, community engagement, and non-discrimination enhance workforce stability, operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness. A qualitative research methodology is employed, analysing legal, regulatory and policy documents alongside existing literature on corporate sustainability, OHS and social ESG practices. The study reviews international, continental, regional and national frameworks to identify barriers and enablers for SMMEs. The findings highlight financial, regulatory, skills and awareness constraints as key challenges and propose targeted interventions such as low-cost training, simplified compliance guidance, mentoring and sector-specific reporting tools. The study provides value by offering practical and policy-oriented recommendations to strengthen sustainable governance in SMMEs. By emphasising the mutually reinforcing relationship between OHS and social ESG, it delivers actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders and enterprise managers to improve workforce welfare, ethical governance and long-term business resilience.