The literature shows the benefits of awareness and compliance with occupational health and safety guidelines in businesses in developing nations. Small, micro and medium-sized enterprises in Tshwane are required to abide by the South African occupational health and safety Act (Act no. 85 of 1993) while conducting business to protect the safety and employees, customers and the environment in which business is conducted. A survey of 406 businesses in Tshwane found that just over half of businesses (53.45%) comply with occupational health and safety regulations. The survey found that business enterprises that were operated by actual owners complied relatively better with guidelines in comparison with businesses that were operated by employees. The availability of enough financial resources and level of awareness were also found to be influential determinants of compliance.