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Health and Safety

Breathalyser tests should be adapted, not cancelled

By: Darren Parker 18th September 2020 The misconceptions regarding the potential hygiene risks associated with alcohol breathalyser tests can have a significant negative impact on affected industries, since the safety of staff and expensive equipment can be compromised by intoxicated workers, says alcohol breathalyser and drug... →

Acquisition ensures increased OHS offering

By: Darren Parker 18th September 2020 Facilities management services provider Afroteq Advisory, a subsidiary of holding company AFMS Group, expanded its service offering in the occupational health and safety (OHS) sector by acquiring OHS service provider OHS Africa. Acquired in May this year, the new division, OHSAfroteq, forms part... →

Photo by Adobe
A HEALTHY OUTCOME Covid-19 has put health and safety in the workplace at the top of the agenda

Covid-19 outbreak delays launch of dust suppression system

By: Darren Parker 18th September 2020 Environmental solutions company I-CAT intended to launch a new dust suppression system earlier this year but there were many delays owing to the national lockdown, says I-CAT director Lourens Jansen van Rensburg. “While the Covid-19 national lockdown halted many mining operations, the outbreak... →

A MIST OPPORTUNITY I-CAT’s new misting system launch was delayed because of Covid-19, but the company aims to launch it before the end of the year

Correct policies, equipment vital for substance testing

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 7th February 2020 Without the correct drug-testing policies and correct testing equipment in place, companies can face serious legal implications, warns workplace testing company ALCO-Safe MD Rhys Evans, adding that these policies serve as guidelines for employees and employers. “Having policies in place ensures... →

WELL INFORMED Policies ensure employees understand the drug-testing equipment better and eliminate misconceptions

Employment services assist facilities go digital

7th February 2020 Temporary employment services (TES) provide the missing link in helping healthcare facilities on their journey to digital transformation, says information and communication technology company T-Systems South Africa operational excellence manager Theresa Ackerman. Healthcare costs continue to... →

Devices assist to combat sick building syndrome

7th February 2020 Monitoring devices that are able to detect high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) have been introduced to the local market to help detect poor air quality that can lead to sick building syndrome. Sick building syndrome refers to the condition affecting office workers, typically marked by headaches... →

NO PLACE TO HIDE The devices allows operators to easily monitor carbon dioxide levels

Sprinklers and ventilation systems must work in harmony

By: Tracy Hancock 20th September 2019 Sprinkler and ventilation systems are essential parts of a building’s fire-protection system and need to operate in harmony with each other to ensure its holistic operation, says fire risk management company ASP Fire CEO Michael van Niekerk. “Many people don’t understand the value of employing... →

SAFETY IN HARMONY Sprinkler and ventilation systems need to work together to preserve life, as well as the building they protect

Economic difficulties creating OHS challenges in South Africa

By: Tracy Hancock 20th September 2019 South Africa continues to have a high injury-on-duty rate despite its advanced occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and regulations, and adoption of best international practices, says industry body South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh) president Sanjay... →

ZERO HARM QUESTIONED Is zero harm possible, considering the complexities and varying risks associated with different industries?

Health and safety practitioners need tech roadmap

By: Tracy Hancock 20th September 2019 Health and safety practitioners need to develop a technology roadmap to provide a foundation for planning aspects of safety that support technological advancements, says Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) director-general Thobile Lamati. “The roadmap will allow for the expansion or... →

SAFETY EVOLUTION Occupational health and safety practitioners need to become more familiar with emerging technologies to support safety efforts

Collision solution complements operator activities

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 8th February 2019 Since the launch of its fourth-generation MineAlert collision awareness system (CAS), the core focus of industry leader in fleet management technology in mining, Modular Mining Systems, Inc. (MMSI) is to ensure that the collision awareness solution mitigates false alarms while continuing to... →

Know how to choose quality PPE and workwear

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 8th February 2019 Personal protective equipment supplier, Dromex has launched a specialised range for arc protection, which includes Arc Workwear and includes a 51 Cal rated Suit, Arc Visors, an Arc Hard Hat and Arc Gloves, Kimi Gas Escape Mask, Denim Conti Suits and a flat fold respirator tailored for women and... →

PROTECTIVE GEAR Companies should ask suppliers for a copy of certifications when purchasing products with specific standards

Latest technology improves clients’ on-boarding experience

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 8th February 2019 Next month cloud-based platform company Passport 360 will release the latest version of its Passport 360 application (app), which incorporates the latest robotic process automation technology to improve the platform and assist clients to on-board even faster. What exactly does the app do? →

Appropriate measures, equipment emphasised to ensure safety

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 21st September 2018 Owing to the prevalence of dangers whilst working in confined spaces, it is imperative that companies implement proper measures to ensure safety at all times. This was the message conveyed at multinational company 3M’s Fall Protection – Confined Spaces workshop, held last month at 3M’s offices in... →

PERILOUS ENVIRONMENT Occupational health and safety when working in a confined space is a pertinent issue, as it is a feature at most work sites, spanning all industrial sectors

Plastic pallets championed in factories

21st September 2018 The use of wooden plastic pallets when considering the health and safety issues at factories is one of the most important decisions for managements, according to plastic pallets distributer Premier Pallets. The balancing act of juggling costs, “green conscience” regarding recyclability of company... →

Culture imperative in facilitating safe workplaces

21st September 2018 Creating a safe working environment is a complex issue and requires a concerted effort by all stakeholders over a sustained period of time, posits cement, lime and related products supplier PPC technical and lime executive Hardie de Beer. “It is this understanding that is at the core of PPC’s... →

Photo by Bloomberg
SAFE APPROACH While there is no single formula for creating a safe workplace, there are certain basic principles that can be adapted to create an all-important safety culture

Rational fire design solutions championed

21st September 2018 It is imperative for buildings to be designed to allow for safe escape and the control of fire and smoke, as a minor design flaw could potentially put people, equipment and property at risk. For example, inhaling five breaths in a smoke filled room can lead to death. →

FIRE RISKS The three main causes of fire are electrical, arson and heating equipment

Lack of communication impacts on safety

By: Paige Müller 9th February 2018 Many large companies typically do not have the required technology or resources available to adequately communicate with lower-level staff, which software company Wyzetalk believes affects industry health and safety negatively. “Organisations provide a corporate email address for executives and... →

GYSBERT KAPPERS Constant health and safety communications result in safety practices becoming habitual in an organisation

Employees electing not to join medical aid schemes a concern

By: Paige Müller 9th February 2018 Construction and civil engineering industry professionals are reluctant to join medical aid schemes, citing monetary concerns as a primary deterrent. The Building and Construction Industry Medical Aid Fund (BCIMA) states that this is a concerning trend, given the number of work-related injuries... →

THE MEDICAL AID OF CHOICE The Building and Construction Industry Medical Aid Fund was elected the industry fund of choice by the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry

Fire suppression technology improves industrial kitchen safety

9th February 2018 Electric and gas operated equipment in kitchens, which uses large amounts of flammable ingredients, is susceptible to ignition and a fire break out, says protective fire equipment provider Centa Group chairperson Duncan Boyes. “Cooking oils have high ignition temperatures and spontaneously... →

F-CLASS FIRE KITCHEN SYSTEM Designed for kitchen areas in hotels, restaurants and public institutions

Saliva drug testing growing in popularity

By: Paige Müller 9th February 2018 Since establishing that antiretrovirals (ARVs) cause positive cross-reactions during employee drug testing, saliva testing methods, which circumvent cross-reaction issues, have drastically increased in popularity, says Pretoria-based drug and alcohol testing equipment and accessories company... →

Untrustworthy PPE leads to higher injury rates

By: Paige Müller 9th February 2018 Companies buying personal protective equipment (PPE) without conducting adequate market research on vendors and the products supplied may result in more harm than good, says labour, financial assistance, broad-based black economic empowerment and PPE outsourcing company Innovative Solutions Group... →

A GROWING INDUSTRY The personal protective equipment industry had a turnover of about R57-million over the last financial quarter of 2017 and an 11% turnover increase from 2016 to 2017

Cooling vest reduces industrial heat stress

By: Marleny Arnoldi 22nd September 2017 Staff exposed to hot environments, in combination with doing arduous work and wearing multi-layered protective clothing, such as firefighters, may suffer thermal physiological strain, says water jet cutting company Total Blasting, which is the South African distributing agent for Sweden-based... →

JUST CHILL TST Sweden’s cooling vest consists of nontoxic, nonflammable compound blends of salts, which are known to be an effective ingredient for temperature regulation

New global standard for workplace health and safety, company proves compliance

By: Marleny Arnoldi 22nd September 2017 The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) will announce the next stage in development of its ISO 45001 health and safety standard later this month. Companies across various industries globally are required to comply with ISO standards before operation starts. →

UP TO STANDARD Interwaste implements solutions such as fully automated shredding technology and baling machines to assist in achieving optimal workplace safety

Platform ensures more effective communication

By: Marleny Arnoldi 22nd September 2017 With ineffective communication often affecting the level of health and safety implementation and efficiency in industries that have stringent safety requirements, software company Wyzetalk provides more effective communication for such industries. →

CUSTOMISED ENGAGEMENT Wyzetalk can deliver content that is valuable for both the employer and the employee

Upgraded zero-tolerance device ensures safety across industries

By: Marleny Arnoldi 22nd September 2017 Alcohol testing equipment supplier Alco-Safe launched its Lion Alcoblow Rapid Test breathalyser, which has received a technology upgrade, last month. A built-in wireless transmitter now enables the device to wirelessly activate a receiver-enabled entryway, granting or denying access based on a... →

ACCESS DENIED Depending on the alcohol test result, Alco-Safe’s wireless transmitter technology determines whether employees or visitors are allowed access on site

Training company acquired to boost safety services

10th February 2017 Diversified services company Workforce Holdings (Workforce) has acquired KBC Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiary, KBC Health and Safety with effect from January 1, 2017 for a maximum purchase consideration of R47-million. KBC provides induction training, safety, health, environment and... →

Outstanding achievements earn company chemicals industry award

10th February 2017 Imperial Logistics group company Freightmax has been awarded the Responsible Care Haulier Award by the Chemicals and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA). This annual award recognises companies in the South African chemicals industry for outstanding achievements in health and safety, resource... →

PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Freightmax operations director Shaun Barker (left) and national SHERQ manager Alvin Pillay (right) with the Responsible Care Haulier Award

Circumventing the challenges of impaired drug tests

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 10th February 2017 There is a need for testing methods that do not cross-react, especially when employees are HIV positive, says drug and alcohol testing equipment and accessories company Alco-Safe. “. . . people who are HIV positive are not obligated to disclose their HIV status, and rightly so. However, it does... →

INACCURATE TEST RESULTS Antiretroviral medication can affect the outcome of drug tests

SAFEHouse

By: Zandile Mavuso 10th February 2017 With South Africa having a considerable number of electrical product that are non-compliant with regulations and are potentially unsafe, the situation has prompted a formation of a non profit entity SAFEHouse Association by a group of organisations in the electrical industry with the aim of... →

Airport upgrade project sees over a million LTI-free hours achieved

10th February 2017 Integrated firm AECOM has clocked up over a million lost-time-injury- (LTI-) free hours at the Kasane International Terminal project, where it is providing consulting and supervision services for the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana. The AECOM project team, which oversaw the achievement of... →

MEANINGFUL ACHIEVEMENT The achievement of over a million lost-time injury free hours by AECOM allowed the team to fulfil its goal of ‘no injuries under my watch’

Arc Flash workwear passes international testing

10th February 2017 Technology solutions to personal protective equipment (PPE) supplier Dromex’s Arc Flash Protera workwear recently passed the Open Air Arc test. The test was performed by life cycle management solutions company Kinectrics, at its Arc test facility in Canada. →

Photo by Bloomberg
HOT STUFF The Arc Flash Protera workwear protects against the thermal hazards of electric arc

Flooring installation wins safety award

By: Kimberley Smuts 16th September 2016 Kevin Bates Albert Carpets (KBAC) Flooring was awarded its second Master Builders Association (MBA) North Safety Trophy in July for installing the flooring of petrochemicals group Sasol’s new head offices in Sandton, Johannesburg. KBAC Flooring supplied and installed Interface carpet tile. The... →

Photo by Bloomberg
SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL Every company and person working on site needs to be aware of and trained in health and safety and regulations

Drug testing ensures industry health & safety

By: Kimberley Smuts 16th September 2016 With health and safety being of paramount concern across industrial sectors, owing to the high-risk working environments and frequent use of heavy machinery, employees and contractors are being subjected to alcohol and drug testing before they are allowed to enter company premises, says drug and... →

Development of mobile SHE management tool under way

By: Kimberley Smuts 16th September 2016 Mining consultancy The MSA Group is currently developing a mobile safety, health and environment (SHE) management toolset that integrates with a client’s existing SHE management systems. The company explains that, at present, many small mines and exploration sites run tedious paper based systems... →

Mobile platform enhances safety across industries

By: Kimberley Smuts 16th September 2016 Technological engineer and mobile application (app) provider ttrumpet currently has a number of apps and services that are used to gather information and drive awareness about safety across industries. “Technology is driving innovation . . . particularly changes in existing customer service... →

APP DRIVES SAFETY AWARENESS Active citizenry, coupled with a strong purpose-built platform that brings together relevant parties, has real potential to change the status quo

PPE donated to firefighters in African countries

By: Lynne Jackson 5th February 2016 Safety products manufacturer MSA Africa has partnered with nongovernmental organisation Africa Fire Mission (AFM) to donate and refurbish more than 1 100 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) to fire brigades in Southern Africa. →

NAIROBI FIRE SERVICE Volunteers ready to assist the Nairobi fire service with donations and volunteers

New health and safety training courses launched

By: Lynne Jackson 5th February 2016 Health and safety training company NOSA is set to roll out two new health and safety courses launched at the end of last year. NOSA marketing, commercial and social media editor Nadia Pisanti says NOSA’s 34 training facilities across South Africa are indicative of the high demand for education... →

Gas supplier strives for OHS excellence

5th February 2016 Gas products supplier Air Products South Africa has, over a number of years, developed a formal occupational health and safety (OHS) programme, which has proven effective, and has gained recognition in the health and safety industry. The safety programme involves not only strict adherence to... →

SUE JANSE VAN VUUREN corporate risk manger at Air Products South Africa

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