On 11 February 2010 a group of enthusiastic Health and Safety Professionals of South Africa established the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh), this was on the historic day when South Africa celebrated the 20th anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. In 2013 Saiosh was recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as the professional body to register Occupational Health and Safety Professionals in South Africa in terms of the NQF Act, Act 67 of 2008. Saiosh is today the largest Occupational Health and Safety professional body in Africa and the leading source of information and networking opportunities within the Occupational Health and Safety profession in South Africa.

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has confirmed that the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh) is the recognised professional body for Occupational Health and Safety in South Africa. Saiosh was approved by SAQA as a Professional Body for the purpose of the NQF Act, Act 67 of 2008.