SHEQ May-June 2015

safety

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h e a lt h

|

environmental issues

|

quality

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m a n a g e m e n t sheqmanagement.com

HSE Solutions: saving the PPE industry from itself!

How to turn human bodies into compost The ins and outs of ISO 9001:2015 Extreme weather insurance = a payout without any physical damages?

Want to keep job hoppers from hopping?

| SHEQ management

MAY/JUNE 2015 | R70.00

SHEQ

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Typically we’re given safety boots that look dull and masculine, but these shoes are just fantastic! I can’t believe how much fun they are. I love the pink trim.

| SHEQ management

Xoliswe - Tug Fleet Manager

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CONTENTS EDITOR Charleen Clarke Cell: 083 601 0568 email: charleen@charmont.co.za ASSISTANT EDITOR Jaco de Klerk Cell: 079 781 6479 email: jaco@charmont.co.za SUB-EDITOR Jeanette Lamont Cell: 083 447 3616 email: jeanette@charmont.co.za JOURNALIST Claire Rencken Cell: 082 559 8417 email: claire@charmont.co.za CONTRIBUTORS Albert Mushai email: albert.mushai@wits.ac.za Andrew Sharman email: info@rydermarshsharman.com PUBLISHER Tina Monteiro Cell: 082 568 3181 email: tina@charmont.co.za ADVERTISING SALES Barend van Wyk Cell: 076 217 1883 email: barend@charmont.co.za Elsie van Wyk Cell: 072 827 2913 email: elsie@charmont.co.za CIRCULATION MANAGER Bev Rogers Cell: 078 230 5063 email: bev@charmont.co.za DESIGN AND LAYOUT Nelio da Silva email: nelio@charmont.co.za © Copyright. No articles or photographs may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without specific written permission from the editor. In the interests of preserving the environment, SHEQ MANAGEMENT is printed on environmentally friendly paper, using soya-based ink. www.sheqmanagement.com

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Features

HEAD TO TOE PROTECTION 20 Personal protective equipment saves lives, yet many go for something cheap (and nasty) to lessen the grudge purchase … We talk to Stephen Burrow, sales director at HSE Solutions, to find out how the company is saving the industry from itself.

PEELING THE RISK BACK 24 Risk and the environment (be it Mother Nature or your place of work) are like peas in a pod … We take a look at the effects of extreme weather on local insurers and how you can keep an eye on the environment in which you find yourself.

A NEW ISO ON ITS WAY …

26 Hope Kiwekete – principal consultant of quality assurance and audits, as well as risk management, at Transnet Freight Rail – takes a glimpse into the current ISO 9001:2015. It is evident that a risk-based quality management system is already embedded into any organisation’s processes …

INCLUSIVE EMERGENCY PLANNING 34 The workplace presents many potential hazards for workers with disabilities during an emergency or disaster. It is every employer’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace for all employees, including those with disabilities.

PPE PLAYS ITS PART 38 Truck Test 2015 demonstrated that the South African transport industry is conscious of safety, efficiency and protecting the environment. Personal protective equipment also enjoyed some time in the spotlight.

Regulars

Editor’s letter SHEQ Sound Off Letters News Sharman on Safety Legally Speaking Subscription Form

2 4 6 8 12 16 40

| SHEQ management

Published alternate monthly by Charmont Media Global Unit 17, Northcliff Office Park, 203 Beyers Naude Drive, Northcliff, 2195.

P O Box 957, Fontainebleau, 2032, South Africa Tel: 011 782 1070 Fax: 011 782 1073/0360

1

ed’s letter

A concept that is

to die for?

| SHEQ management

Charleen Clarke

2

But. Let me tell you about it anyway

for human composting. It contains bodies

– because I am somewhat intrigued.

and high-carbon materials. Over the span

The scheme’s proper name is the Urban

of a few months, with the help of aerobic

Death Project and it is the brainchild of

decomposition and microbial activity,

one Katrina Spade (really, yes, spade as

the bodies decompose fully, turning into

in digging a grave … I swear). She is one

compost. That compost can be used within

clever person, having earned her Masters

the neighbourhood, or, if you really want

of Architecture from the University of

to, you can get a container of compost

Massachusetts Amherst and a BA in

produced exclusively by Aunty Jane.

Anthropology from Haverford College.

Does this sound macabre? Spade says

During her studies, she received a grant

it’s not. You can still have a burial ritual (a

from the Massachusetts Department of

la the normal cemetery gig). In the case of

If this was our April issue I know readers would not believe me.

Luckily it’s not – so I can tell you all about a bizarre new concept: turning human bodies into compost!

Agriculture to build and monitor a compost

the Urban Death Project model, this can

heating system, a project which ultimately

include optional washing and wrapping of

led to Urban Death Project.

the body itself with the assistance of death

I

This is how the Urban Death Project

midwives, a procession carrying the body

wants to conduct its business. First of

up four storeys to the top of the core, and

all, someone dies, hopefully of natural

covering of the body itself with woodchips

causes. His or her body can be stored in

and sawdust.

a refrigerated space for up to ten days

“Depending on the wishes of friends and

t was with a certain morbid sense of

before the so-called “ceremony” takes

family, the ritual may also include music

fascination that I read all about this

place. No embalming can take place during

during the procession, prayers or words as

scheme. I use the word “scheme”

this time – because decomposition is an

the body is covered, and a gathering (like

intentionally … while the concept

important part of the process.

a memorial service or funeral) to mark the

itself is quite clever (I think), the founder is

Thereafter, the body is shrouded in

passing of the deceased. The Urban Death

calling for donations (which always makes

linen and it is transferred to what Spade

Project is not simply a system for turning

me a tiny bit nervous).

calls the “core”, which is basically a building

our bodies into soil-building material. It

is also a space for the contemplation of our place in the natural world, and a ritual to help us say goodbye to our loved ones by connecting us with the cycles of nature,” her website notes.

I’m not so sure about connecting with cycles. However, there is a fairly strong environmental argument in favour of us becoming compost once we’re dead. The good news is that this project promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – because composting does not produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Methane is produced, however, by anaerobic processes, such as the putrefaction of an embalmed corpse in a sealed concrete vault six feet under, according to the Urban Death Project.

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“Fewer greenhouse gases will be produced by the manufacture of embalming fluids, vaults and coffins, as more and more people choose to have their bodies composted. Fewer trees will be cut down to make caskets. Less arable land will be used for cemeteries, allowing crops to be grown closer to urban centres, reducing the need for fossil-fuel-powered transport of food,” it points out.

“Modern-day humans are simply too toxic to turn into plant food”

But this concept is not without its critics. There are obviously

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people who reject the idea for religious reasons, and I respect their points of view. Others say that it’s a problem to compost human bodies because there are some dangerous things in “dem bones”.

I heard one person saying that the HIV/Aids virus would survive the composting process while others have said that the mercury in fillings is a huge problem.

I was reading comments on a website called Natural News recently and it proclaimed that the Urban Death Project was “a

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bona fide death project that will cause widespread sickness and death if carried out as currently envisioned”. The site claims that the project is dead in the ground (sorry could not resist it) because “modern-day humans are simply too toxic to turn into plant food”.

Rising in hysteria, the site warned that citizens could be required to turn themselves over to the “recyclers” upon reaching the age of 70. “Or 65, or whenever the government decides it can no longer afford to keep sending out social security cheques.

And that’s how the Urban Death Project, despite being paved with good intentions, could very easily become the Urban MASS Death Project that’s used by the government to greenwash mass murder!” it proclaimed.

I almost died laughing when I read that … | SHEQ

Improving performance reducing risk Lloyd’s Register and variants of it are trading names of Lloyd’s Register Group Limited, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Copyright © Lloyd’s Register Group Services Limited. [2015] A member of the Lloyd’s Register group

SHEQ SOUND OFF

Retention is better than cure

that employees no longer intend spending

time that an employee stayed with their

decades slowly moving up the corporate

current employer was 4,6 years, while

ladder before eventually retiring and

young employees, between the ages of 20

taking up golf …

and 34, stayed with one employer for only

Kay Vittee, CEO of Quest Staffing

Jaco de Klerk

| SHEQ management

The days when people expected to spend 30 to 50 years with one company are long gone. Younger generations are job hopping more than ever, staying in one position, or with one company, for only a few years and viewing each position as a stepping stone to reach their goals quickly. What effect is this having on businesses?

4

T

here

is

nothing

wrong

with ambition, right? Most

2,3 years.

Solutions – one of South Africa’s leading

“For businesses to thrive, finding and

staffing solutions companies within the

retaining the best employees is crucial,”

white-collar recruitment industry – notes

Vittee points out. “When employees resign,

that the younger generation (currently

especially when they are in and out every

in their 20s) are job hopping more than

few years, costs are incurred in recruiting

ever, staying in one position, or with one

and training new employees.” She adds

company, for only a few years.

that this also lowers productivity until

“Nowadays, employees don’t think twice about ‘job hopping’ – changing jobs often enough for it to be noticed – if

the new employees learn the day-to-day needs of the business.

The

importance

of

retention

is

a bigger or better opportunity comes

emphasised in Global Human Capital’s

up with greater promise of growth or

survey: Engaging the 21st Century

compensation,” Vittee points out. “They

Workforce. It notes that, after surveying

view each position as a stepping stone to

2 532 businesses and human resource

reach their goals quickly.”

leaders across 94 countries in 2014, one

This

causes

problems

for

the

of the most urgent trends for businesses

organisation that’s being left behind as

(after

the cost of hiring a new employee goes far

engagement.

beyond their salaries – it involves a lot of time, training and resources.

leadership)

is

retention

and

“With this in mind, it is important to understand why job hoppers ‘hop’,” Vittee

is

According to the United States Bureau

points out. “According to LinkedIn’s ‘Talent

problematic if you consider

of Labour’s statistics, in 2013 the average

Trends 2014’, the top motivations for

certainly

not,

but

it

• Invest in your staff – whether through

are opportunities for advancement and

training or refresher courses, keeping

better compensation and benefits. These

your staff up to date on industry

motivators can easily be addressed by

trends and developments makes them

employers to retain employees, perhaps

feel important, and ensures that your

not for 40 years – but at least for four or Vittee provides some tips on how to

career growth – employees will become

retain your employees:

frustrated and may lose motivation

•C onsult or hire human resources

if they do not see a clear future for

(HR) professionals – who are able to

themselves at your company. Let them

streamline structures and processes,

know how to get to the position and pay

monitor and address employee needs

grade they are after – without having to

and are up to date on employment laws

look elsewhere.

• Recognise staff accomplishments –

and regulations.

• Be competitive to stand out – offering

from long service awards to prizes for

your staff benefits like medical aid or

the top achieving team. Recognising the

life insurance contribution, retirement

effort and time your employees have

savings or flexible working hours can

put into your business will make them

make your business a more attractive

feel appreciated and connected to your

place to work.

company and its vision. | SHEQ

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| SHEQ management

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business doesn’t fall behind.

• Communicate opportunities for internal

five.”

Emergency first aid for chemical splashes to the eyes and skin

SHEQ SOUND OFF

‘actively looking individuals’ to change jobs

5

SHEQ

MAIL Keep your greatest assets safe According to the International Labour Organisation, globally, an estimated 2,3 million people die every year from work-related accidents and diseases.

It is, therefore, of paramount importance for businesses to ensure safety and protection of their workforce – whether a business operates in an office environment or at sea, as Maersk Line and Safmarine do.

With challenging current economic conditions, it is easy to become

Wellness is a growing priority for talent One of the biggest challenges for organisations of all sizes is to attract and retain talented employees.

Traditionally, recruitment strategies have focused on

complacent when it comes to safety and wellness in the workplace, as

creating competitive compensation packages and offering

output and efficiency are top of mind for most South African employers.

candidates clear opportunities for career advancement.

One incident is one too many, however, particularly in challenging

Today, a new criterion has joined the list of must-haves

environments such as the mining and maritime industries, where these

for potential employees: workplace wellness.

incidents may prove fatal to an employee or to the environment. It is,

In a 2014 study, conducted by Global WorkPlace

therefore, crucial to have strict and measurable policies in place that

Solutions (GWS) and CoreNet Global, 75 percent of those

form a core part of employees’ tasks and responsibilities.

surveyed said that, when seeking a new position, it’s

Safety is a matter of training and behaviour. The only way to instil a safe working environment, on land and at sea, is through continuous training. A culture of safety and wellness is entrenched by means of strict training programmes, and by ensuring that, at all times, there are effective and open lines of communication between business leaders and peers.

In South Africa, businesses are encouraged to conduct regular safety

important that a potential employer support health and well-being.

Once in the job, more than half (57 percent) said they would be likely to stay longer at a company if their employer valued health and well-being.

The study showed a majority of survey respondents

and security audits of facilities, as well as inspect and test fire-detection,

(75 percent) felt that their job has an impact on their well-

first-aid and safety equipment, in order to identify issues before they

being – and not necessarily for the better.

become problems.

Between their work and their private life, more than

Staff should also undergo mandatory fire drills, and businesses

half (53 percent) responded that they were stressed

should have policies in place to ensure that all staff members have been

during a normal week, caused by: pressure to balance

evacuated from the building safely during the drill to a pre-arranged,

private and professional commitments (79 percent); high

easily accessible muster point. The muster points and fire exits should

expectations toward myself (72 percent); and constant

be well marked and lit, and regular checks need to be conducted to ensure lights are in working order.

Frederick Jacobs Chairman of Maersk SA – responsible for the Maersk Line and Safmarine brands

availability through technology (53 percent).

As a result of the stress, survey respondents said they felt overwhelmed, tired and less productive.

There is an increasing amount of evidence linking productivity and wellness. According to a 2012 report, by professional services company Towers Watson, nearly 66 percent of the companies that have workplace wellness programmes perform better than the competition.

The growing demand for workplace wellness programmes is a trend that organisations can no longer ignore. Workers are taking control of their health, making wellness a priority, and they expect their employers to support their efforts. To remain competitive, companies must demonstrate a commitment to wellness.

| SHEQ management

Philip Gregory

6

Senior regional executive: Johnson Controls GWS, Middle East & Africa

7

| SHEQ management

????????????????

SHEQ

NEWS Marking out the maze The Oxford English Dictionary defines

evolving

Minotaur as: “A monster with the body

Brady

of a man and the head of a bull.” In Greek

signage solutions for a more

mythology the monster was the result of

efficient turnaround.

the union of Pasiphaë, wife of King Minos

environments, offers

durable

The signage can be

of Crete, and a bull.

used in a number of ways

“The Minotaur was confined in a

to support field operators:

labyrinth and fed with human flesh. It was

gauges and fluid containers

eventually slain by Theseus, who thus freed

can be marked to show

Athens from a regular tribute of seven

allowable ranges or levels;

young men and seven young women sent

lubrication points can be identified; and

information can also be displayed where

to the monster.”

equipment can be labelled with a barcode

they are needed.

Luckily this isn’t ancient Greece, but

linking to maintenance history, or supplier

field operators in a chemical, oil or gas

information, to easily reorder parts.

plant often face a labyrinth of pipes and

Checklists

and

procedures

The signs are resistant to UV exposure, weathering, extreme temperatures and

can

chemicals. They can be printed on site using

instruments. They have to rely on past

be attached to the equipment itself to

a Brady printer and pre-defined templates

training and experience to know where they

optimise compliance. Pipe contents,

(very handy if you need to mark a labyrinth

need to be. To easily navigate these ever-

flow direction, source and destination

out on the go …).

What is SHEQsys?

Incident

Allows users to easily log Incidents of varying severity and level from Low Risk Potential Incidents and Near Misses to High Risk Incidents.

Risk Assessment

Audit

Conduct audits; inspections, reviews, observations and surveys with customisable templates with percentage based scoring.

Calibration

Document Register

Manage controlled company documents and ensure you always have the latest revision as well as access to historical revisions.

Concession

Record process or system risks and provide proposed suggestions for improvement and reduced risk.

Keep track of and maintain instrumentation calibration via a schedule with full calibration history.

Request special approval for a non-conforming product or service.

Trend Pareto Analysis

Innovation

Call Report

| SHEQ management

Generate Pareto analysis of production process defects, allowing you to easily identify common problems and correct them.

Users can log; investigate and implement innovations and ideas which save time; money or improve SHEQ.

8 Telephone: +27-011-8497053 Mobile: +27-082-4432281

SHEQsys is an online web-application, which allows users and managers to log, investigate, report and determine trends of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality related activities. It does this through the use of modules which all work individually, or together, in an easy to navigate web interface with in-built wizards to assist users in operating the system.

Reports

Extensive reporting capabilities are included, across all modules of SHEQsys, from basic listings, to full graphical analysis. Custom filters can be applied and the results are often colour-coded for easy identification.

Email Notifications

Throughout SHEQsys, automatic email notifications when events take place and overdue reports will be sent to the relevant people.

Installation

Look after your customer/supplier relations by documenting meetings and assigning individuals to follow up outstanding requests.

Website: www.SHEQsys.com

No installation on users’ computers is required, as SHEQsys is a web-application, which can be hosted on our dedicated server.

Contact

Please contact us if you would like to know more, or if you would like to request a demonstration, or evaluation system.

Email: info@SHEQsys.com

we don’t just ACT global, we ARE global

Global HSE Training IRCA SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY IRCA Global is committed to the preservation and protection of its people, the environment, products and assets and will achieve this by implementing internationally accepted safety, health and environmental standards encompassed in an Integrated Management System.

IRCA Global will ensure continuous improvement in the performance of all safety, health and environmental aspects related to its entire business unit. To give effect to this policy, IRCA Global cultivates an attitude of responsibility to safety, health and environmental aspects and will practice these principles:

• • • •

IRCA GLOBAL SHE POLICY | 06032104 / CRAIGALLANDESIGN

• •

Comply with all relevant safety, health and environmental legislation Set quantitative safety, health and environmental objectives and targets Use best practicable means to prevent and reduce all hazards that may result in personal injury, ill health, pollution and damage or interruption to the business Monitor compliance to the management policy standards, targets and procedures Conduct regular audits and management reviews of the integrated management system Request suppliers of goods and services to apply equivalent management standards Effectively train all employees and contractors whose activities have a significant impact on safety, health and environmental aspects Make safety, health and environmental performance a key issue in measuring managerial performance Communicate the policy openly with stakeholders, interest groups, authorities and communities

| SHEQ management

• • •

IRCA GLOBAL HEAD OFFICE Tel: +27 0 11 285 4200 | Email: solutions@ircaglobal.com

www.ircaglobal.com

WHEN YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT MANAGING RISK 9

NEWS

Setting up shop North Safety Products Africa has officially

BASF achieves positive results in Germany

launched its first personal protective equipment (PPE) store in Isando.

North CEO Craig Garvie points out that the primary aim of the North retail stores is

Towards the end of March this year, six years ahead of its self-imposed deadline, BASF in Germany achieved its targets for reduction of emissions to water. The past year saw significant progress overall regarding environmental, health and safety goals.

BASF aimed to achieve an 80-percent reduction in emissions of organic substances and nitrogen to water and to reduce heavy-metal emissions by 60 percent, compared to the baseline figure of 2002.

These targets were achieved, and exceeded in some cases, in 2014. Organicsubstance emissions declined by 80 percent, nitrogen emissions by 85 percent and heavy-metal emissions by 64 percent.

Another BASF goal is to introduce sustainable water management, in accordance with the European Water Stewardship Standard, at all production sites in water stress areas by 2020. The percentage of certified sites rose from 11 percent in 2013 to 30 percent in 2014.

According to Ulrich von Deessen, head of the Environment, Health and Safety Centre of Expertise, and BASF’s climate protection officer: “These excellent figures are the result of our efforts over the past few years to make our production even more environmentally compatible.”

Positive trends were also evident in terms of health and safety goals.

Transportation accidents continued to decline and were 64 percent below the baseline 2003 figure.

The rate of work-related accidents, per million hours worked, was down 54,5 percent compared to the baseline in 2002. “We are on the right track in the area of occupational safety. However, it is important for us that we continue to strengthen our safety culture, because one accident is one too many,” Von Deessen said.

BASF measures its health performance on the basis of the Health Performance Index (HPI), which has five components: confirmed occupational diseases, medical emergency drills, first aid training, preventive medicine and health promotion.

By 2020, BASF will conduct risk assessments for all products sold by BASF worldwide in quantities of more than one metric tonne per year. These are intended to support appropriate use that involves no risk to people or the environment. Since last year, assessments of this kind have been available for more than 62 percent of products.

accessibility. The stores allow customers to walk in and walk out with the products that they require. “We want to make our products freely available and provide customers with choice, while ensuring that our pricing remains competitive.”

North manufactures a significant amount of the products that it stocks in store, which Garvie believes gives the company a competitive advantage in the industry. “It definitely gives us a pricing advantage compared to some competitors that only resell products. We do, however, also stock other quality brands to ensure that customers are provided with the best selection at the most competitive prices.”

The

company’s

products

include;

respiratory equipment; hand protection; hearing protection; eye, head and face protection; height safety; protective clothing and footwear.

North also offers the option of on-site stores that are administered by North’s inventory control system. North’s export manager Hayley Arnesen adds: “The inventory control system allows the client to measure and control PPE issues by individual, thereby reducing expenditure on PPE and providing valuable data on consumption by: plant, employee, job position, cost centre and item. It also eliminates the need for costly stockholding, as customers pay only for what they use.”

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The new Gravity suspension harness was officially

makes use of aluminium D-rings and triple-locking

launched locally in March by the African division of

carabiners with a 23-kN strength to ensure full

MSA. The harness is available in a Premium and a

peace of mind and security for the user.

Light version, and is suitable for use in a variety of applications that require fall protection.

NEWS

MSA launches new Gravity harness in SA

Both Gravity suspension harnesses feature five anchor points for connection – two on the front of

MSA Africa fall protection consultant, Ashanti

the harness, one near the top and the other near

Whiteman, states that the Gravity harness is

the bottom. The Gravity harnesses also feature a

suitable for controlled descent, positioning, ladder

ventral attachment point at the waist, and fall arrest

climbing, rescue, and fall arrest. “The lightweight

rated back and front D-rings. Fully padded leg loops

and comfortable Gravity range provides users with

with quick-release buckles ensure that the user is

high-strength and superior-quality performance.”

able to get free in an emergency.

For added safety, the Gravity harness range

Furthermore, the harness is Radio Frequency

boasts a unique integral load indicator, in the form

Identification (RFID) enabled, which allows it to

of webbing, which opens in order to indicate to the

be traced. “The RFID system allows information

user that the harness was previously involved in a

regarding the harness to be relayed to an electronic

fall and should not be re-used, but rather discarded.

reader for monitoring. This saves valuable time

The Light Gravity suspension harness features

in rescue operations, where mere seconds could

steel D-Rings and steel triple-locking carabiners,

mean the difference between life and death,”

while the Premium Gravity suspension harness

Whiteman concludes.

With a continued focus on safety in its product

there was no method to monitor nozzles

nozzle, or an incorrect spraying pattern, will be

evolution, GEA has introduced a camera

and spray dispersal,” points out Wayne

clearly visible and detectable.

system for monitoring the nozzle systems in

Labuschagne, after-sales and service, GEA

While the heat data images will not show

spray dryers, aptly called SprayEye.

Africa. “These systems increase safety and

a definitive leak, per se, the rise in temperature

facilitate improved productivity – ultimately

will alert operators to potential threats,

contributing to increased profitability.”

allowing them to take preventative action.

When using cameras located within the spray dryer’s air disperser, clients have a choice of either a visual or infrared monitoring

The system consists of air-cooled cameras,

“Disaster aversion is not the system’s only

system. The visual monitoring system allows

encased in stainless steel camera housings,

purpose,” Labuschagne points out. “It plays a

the user to monitor the spray dispersal,

located in the spray dryer’s air disperser – one

pivotal role in facilitating increased production

identify nozzle leaks and any product build-up

for every two spray nozzles. The cameras

in factories in which it is installed.”

on the spray nozzles. The infrared monitoring

show a continuous picture of the spray zone,

He explains that monitoring systems

system provides continual data and heat

allowing operators to ensure that there are no

changes the risk profile, which allows clients

variation images pertaining to the spray of

leaks, or build-up of solid matter, and that the

to raise the drying air temperature, enabling

each nozzle, and irregularities therein.

spray dispersal remains at an optimum level.

a much faster production rate. “In other

Both systems were introduced to the

The infrared version of the system

words,” he says, “it increases productivity to

South African market during GEA’s South

monitors the temperatures, so smouldering

the maximum by safely optimising this part of

African road show in mid-March. “Previously,

lumps of powder building up due to a faulty

the process.”

| SHEQ management

GEA spray nozzle increases safety level and plant productivity

11 11

SHARMAN ON SAFETY

learn Watch and

Behavioural-based safety (BBS) observations are a popular tool for many organisations. In this article ANDREW SHARMAN traces the roots of the process and offers five steps to great safety observations

| SHEQ management

I

12 12

n striving to improve safety performance and lower accident rates, organisations typically work systematically through three phases. The first phase focuses on building infrastructure – getting the systems, policies and procedures in place to provide a framework for working safely.

This brings about a sense of structure, order and discipline, which usually has a beneficial effect on performance. However, as the systems bed into place, often the direct impact on accident and incident rates begins to slow down and reach a plateau.

It’s at this point that the organisation finds a renewed vigour and promptly organises refresher training, additional supervision and shiny new signs, to remind people to work safely, appear around the workplace, but, just as with the first phase,

this second wave also crashes onto the beach of the performance plateau.

Many of our clients, around the world, come to us at this point and ask what can be done to “move the needle”, to create a catalyst for action, and to shift them closer to their ultimate goal of zero injuries.

Before we go on, look back at those first two phases. What do you notice? That’s right, both focus on formality; rules and the enforcement of rules. Now think about another question: Do you like to work within a rigid structure and be constantly reminded about what you must do, or do you prefer to have information and guidance explained to you, be trusted to get on with things, and then recognised when you do a good job? I’m guessing it’s the second of these two, right?

So let’s turn the spotlight onto the actual behaviour of those who work with us and see if we can view it from a different perspective.

Shine a light In 1920, Australian sociologist Elton Mayo and his team of researchers wanted to study the effect of physical work conditions on productivity. Mayo’s ground-breaking study focused on the production lines of the Western Electric Company, at their factories in Hawthorne, a suburb of Chicago in the United States of America.

Mayo created two groups of employees as the subjects of the study. All workers were employed as production-line operators, working on similar manual activities within the factory environment. One group was steadily exposed to fluctuations in lighting within their work areas while the second group (the ‘control group’) worked in an area where the lighting remained unchanged for the duration of the study. Mayo’s hypothesis was that those working with enhanced lighting would be more productive.

Day after day the lighting was gradually increased for group one and the research team observed carefully. Just as the scientists had anticipated, the productivity of workers in the highly illuminated work area improved. It must have been an exciting conclusion, and one that would have thrilled the management of the Western Electric Company. You can imagine the rush to order additional lighting fittings for the entire factory!

Mayo and his team of scientists departed the factory, pleased with their discovery, but the success was short-lived. Within days of the study ending, the productivity of the group of workers who enjoyed the enhanced lighting returned to the previous levels. What happened?

Watch and learn Mayo and his team returned to the factory

Observing behaviour There are many proprietary tools available on the market now to help you build a format for behavioural safety observations. Several of these come complete with little pre-printed notecards with prompts for what should be observed. These may be useful to you in your own journey to improve safety, but they’re not essential.

You can build your own template – or, for those feeling brave, why not ditch the idea of a proforma and instead think about the behaviour and the communication best practices you would want your observer to display.

What’s the point of observations? Well, they can help us gather information to improve the way we work and make things safer. This information can also help us to avoid events that could cause harm to our people, our business and our environment.

They’re also a great way to demonstrate

SHARMAN ON SAFETY

that safety is important to the organisation and its leaders.

Current research indicates that around 85 percent of what we learn comes from observation of our peers, and as little as five percent from the formal training we receive.

As Elton Mayo and his team found out, the power of positive observation is enormous!

Steps to great safety observations 1 Be brave One of the easiest ways to make an impact during a safety observation is to pussyfoot around. At a site in Johannesburg, recently, I noticed a manager gingerly hanging around on the edge of a work area. After a full minute checking that the coast was clear, he locked his sights on a poor unsuspecting employee and rushed straight towards him.

During his approach he aborted his mission, twice.

The third time he was lucky and the connection was made with the worker, who, by this time, was thoroughly confused about this leader’s intention. There was plenty of impact – all of which was negative. In the workplace, nothing arouses suspicion and fosters a lack of trust more than a manager who looks as though he doesn’t know what he’s doing.

Sure, it’s easier for managers to sit tight in their offices, behind the urgent spreadsheets and workplans, but getting out of the comfort zone and onto the shopfloor is critical to success. It’s likely that you will have to talk to people you may not know well. You may hear information that is difficult to take, because it may generate more work for you.

Be brave.

2 Plan Safety observations are not about wandering round smiling and shaking hands. They are not PR exercises. They require careful thought, preparation and skill. Before you step foot on the shopfloor ask yourself: • Where will I walk?

• What am I likely to encounter?

• Who will be there?

• What are their roles?

• What safety events have happened here recently?

• What story can I tell to break the ice?

Prepare yourself for the observation by ensuring that you have the relevant personal protective equipment to enter the work area.

»

| SHEQ management

and a second round of studies began. They observed closely and again the productivity of the group with extra lighting began to soar, even going beyond the increased productivity noted in the first round. The scientists were puzzled – at face value, they appeared to be able to prove and further support their initial thesis that more light resulted in more productivity.

Mayo decided to wander over to the control group and see how they were doing.

Within a short time of the researchers setting up camp, something amazing occurred – the productivity of the control group started to increase. Even without the additional lighting, workers were getting more done.

After further observation, the scientists revised their hypotheses and advanced that productivity increased not due to the changes in the work environment, but because of the attention levied on the workers by the research team.

The “Hawthorne Effect”, as it has become known, refers to the tendency of some people to work harder and perform better when they are aware that they are being observed. It seemed to matter not whether a light was being shone on them, when they realised they were being watched, workers simply wanted to be seen “in the best light”.

Mayo’s conclusion was that individuals appear to change their behaviours as a direct result of the attention they receive.

13

SHARMAN ON SAFETY

Be mindful of the work activities taking place; if the environment contains lots of chemicals, dust or dirt you may not wish to wear your best suit.

As you enter the workspace look carefully in front, above, below, around and behind you to identify any potential hazards and familiarise yourself with the work area. Pay particular attention to warning signs and other local rules posted in the area.

3 Be strong It’s crucial that observers have confidence in their task. This is demonstrated appropriately with respect for those around them and their opinions. Observations aren’t audits!

Being strong is about being assertive rather than aggressive – remember, the aim is to build relationships, foster agreement and drive improvement. So be direct about what you see, talk about specific issues, and use factual information. For example: “I’m concerned to see that …

There have been six near misses involving this in the last two months …

What is the safe way to operate this machine ...?”

Remember that how we say something has a more powerful effect than the words we use, so be aware of your body language.

Aim for a relaxed, at-ease posture but don’t slouch. Keep your hands free. Don’t fold your arms. Maintain eye contact when talking.

Look interested and avoid distractions.

4 Focus Use your plan to generate a clear picture of the outcome you intend for your observation.

Pay attention to the way the discussion

moves forward, and be sure to bring it back on track if it drifts off. Open questions can help bring out the real issues, but closed questions with “yes” or “no” answers can help keep things on track.

Don’t jump right in. Begin with small talk first, perhaps by showing a genuine interest in the person, asking about how long they have worked in the organisation or department, the nature of the product that’s being made on the line, how the job is done, or even if they prefer the Bulls or the Sharks.

Then move on to discuss safety.

On a recent observation visit, as part of a coaching session with a senior leader at a food factory in KwaZulu-Natal, I heard the following conversation: Leader: “Hey, how’s it going?”

Worker: “Uh, all good thanks.”

Leader: “Got any safety issues around here?”

Worker: “No, everything’s good.”

Leader: “Ah, great! Okay thanks, see ya.”

This “observation” lasted a total of 35 seconds. You can draw your own conclusions as to its impact and success. After a coffee and some discussion with the leader I was delighted to observe her next attempt: Leader: ”Hi, this looks interesting. What are the main safety risks in this job?”

Worker: “Well, the moving machinery, I suppose.”

Leader: “Can you explain why, I’m not an expert on this particular process.”

Worker: “Well the invert arm could come over and catch your hand if you’re not careful.”

Leader: “Right, so the invert arm could injure your hand?”

Worker: “Yes.”

Leader: “Oh, right. So how do you stay safe?”

Worker: “We use this interrupt button to isolate the moving parts if we need to get into the machine. Shall I show you?”

This second dialogue continued for around five minutes, and culminated in a series of suggestions from the worker about how things could be improved. As we left the workplace, smiles were evident on the faces of both the leader and the worker.

5 Feedback Finally, following up on observation visits is vital. If, during a conversation you identify and agree on actions to be taken, gain agreement with the worker on specific actions that need to be taken, by them and by you. Be sure that the necessary time is taken to organise these and make a point of returning to the work location to share updates with those who have raised the issues with you.

Think about how you can use the outcomes from your observations to share learnings more broadly across the organisation.

In his handy little book The One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard encourages us to “catch the person doing something right”. In conducting safety observations it’s so easy to fall into the trap of doing the opposite though, and telling people what they’ve got wrong.

With every observation, try to find a positive action for which to thank your colleague. Not only will it break the ice, but it provides a great place to build further discussion from. | SHEQ

Sharman on Safety is a series of extracts that SHEQ MANAGEMENT is running this year, from Andrew Sharman’s new book: From Accidents to Zero: a practical guide to improving your workplace safety culture. Andrew is an international member of the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH) and chief executive of RyderMarshSharman - consultants on leadership and cultural excellence to a wide range of blue-chip corporates and non-government organisations globally. More at www.rydermarshsharman.com. SHEQ MANAGEMENT readers will receive 20 percent off the price of Sharman’s book at: www.fromaccidentstozero.com using the code SHEQSA.

From Accidents to Zero A practical guide to improving your workplace safety culture

This A to Z of safety represents an eminently practical knowledge toolbox, one filled with tools which will add value to the CEO and the front line Safety Practitioner in equal measures. Relevant, accessible and applicable, this is safety distilled and a ‘must-read’.

Steven Brown, Brewery Manager, Heineken

14

Read more at www.fromaccidentstozero.com

| SHEQ management

Thought-provoking and insightful. From Accidents to Zero progressively pushed me to see new connections, and new ways to address organisations’ safety culture and risk management challenges.

Mieke Jacobs, Global Practice Leader – Employee Safety, DuPont

15

| SHEQ management

SHARMAN ON SAFETY

LEGALLY SPEAKING

Workers’ Compensation, rape and s35 of COID

Rape is a heinous crime and all perpetrators must pay. If this outrage has happened at work, must the employer pay, or should the employee receive workers’ compensation instead?

| SHEQ management

I

16

n the previous edition I discussed

John Stuart Mill, a great Victorian

of another human being. Good law is thus

the recent Australian case where a

intellectual, once pointed out a simple fact:

written broadly to include all these types of

woman, while away on a business

if you take murder, as an example, the

acts, not just one specific act.

trip, was injured while having sex

crime does not mention the act. The law

The reason why I discussed the recent

and claimed workers’ compensation. We

does not say: “You must not murder by

Australian case is because, here in South

saw how the decision, on whether or

shooting.” Mill explained why.

Africa, we recently had our own case: that

not she was entitled to compensation,

There are thousands of acts which could

of the Member of the Executive Council

was changed as the case wound its way

result in the death of a person. To specify

(MEC) for the Department of Health, Free

through the various adjudicating bodies.

the actual act, would mean the law would

State versus Dr E ZASCA 2014 167 SCA,

Some said no, then yes, then no and so

have to repeat itself thousands of times.

where a doctor working for the Department

on. In the end, the highest court (by majority)

Each act would require its own law, and so

of Health was raped early one morning and

said no, but even there a minority judgment

the law became: “Thou shalt do no murder”,

decided to sue her employer, represented

said yes. I argued that the problem was the

with the very clear understanding it does

by the MEC.

court’s failure to isolate the correct legal

not matter which specific act is committed.

The employer raised the defence that it

It means that an act must have been

could not be sued, since, by virtue of s35 of

committed, which brings about the death

the Compensation for Occupational Injuries

issues, concentrate on the correct issues and answer the correct questions.

LEGALLY SPEAKING and Diseases Act (COID), employees are

“Occupational injury” is defined in the

apprehended and prosecuted, convicted

precluded from suing their employers, but

Act to mean a personal injury sustained

and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.

should receive workers’ compensation

as a result of an occupational accident,

instead. The employee did not lodge a

and “accident” is defined to mean an

She was injured

workers’ compensation claim but resorted

accident arising out of, and in the course

Being struck on the head with a brick is an

to suing her employer.

of, employment. This can be broken down

injury, so the answer to the first question

into three questions:

is in the affirmative. It can be argued that being raped is an injury, but this is not

was not precluded by s35 (1) of COID. The

• Was she injured?

MEC appealed against this decision. The

• Was her injury the result of an accident?

appeal was dismissed by the Supreme

• Did it occur in and through the course of

Court of Appeal (SCA), leaving the way clear

her employment?

for the doctor to sue her employer. It is this

necessary since it is clear she was injured.

The injury was the result of an accident One would think the argument would go

SCA judgement I am going to discuss here.

The doctor went, at 02:00, to attend to a

over the question whether a deliberate,

The relevant portion of s35 (1) reads:

patient in the Neonatal High Care Unit and

intentional, assault with a brick or being

“No action shall lie … in respect of any

was returning back to Ward 3A. On the way

intentionally raped is an accident, but, it

occupational injury … ”

back, she was stuck on the head with a

was not. It has long been settled that,

So the issue is straightforward: Did

brick, rendered unconscious and raped. He

for compensation and insurance purposes,

the doctor sustain an occupational injury?

assailant was a 16-year-old youth, who was

intentional acts can constitute accidents.

»

| SHEQ management

The doctor launched her action in the High Court where the judge ruled her claim

17

LEGALLY SPEAKING

The most famous discussion as to the meaning of an accident comes from and

employee was injured as a result of an

case: Minister of Justice versus Khoza

accident.

1966. The court pointed out that “in the

English case where the judge conceded

In the Minister of Justice versus Khoza

course of” means the accident had to have

that an accident does not have a clearly

1966 A, the employee, a policeman, was

taken place while the employee was busy

defined meaning. It denotes an unlooked-

injured when a fellow policeman accidently

with his employment duties, and “out

for mishap or an untoward event which is

discharged his firearm while playing with

of employment” means the event is in

not expected.

it. The injured employee was entitled to

connection with his duties.

The event must, however, be a specific

compensation.

The chief justice pointed out that the

event, the nature of which, and the time

In Van de Venter versus MEC Education

requirement, out of, and in the course of,

and place and circumstances, admit to

2012, an employee was injured in a

employment, will generally be met if the

definite proof. Well, being hit with a brick

robbery and the court ruled “a personal

accident occurred at the place where the

is an event of a specific nature, which took

injury sustained by an employee, caused by

employee works. The chief justice also

place at a provable time, date and place –

any criminal act, arising out of, and during

pointed out that if the accident occurred

so, legally the doctor suffered injury as a

the course of, an employee’s employment

while the employee was executing his or

result of an accident.

amounts to an accident”. Further cases can

her duties while at work, the requirement

In any event, there have been a host

be cited, but it is not necessary. It is clear:

out of, and in the course of, employment

of cases where the courts have ruled that

the fact that the injury is brought about

was met.

injuries, caused by intentional criminal acts,

by an intentional, even criminal, act does

are the result of an accident. In McQueen

not mean the injury was not caused by an

Conclusion of the court

versus Village Deep 1914, a supervisor

accident.

Surprisingly, the court concluded that: “I am

was attacked and struck on the head

unable to see how a rape, perpetrated by Out of, and in the course of,

an outsider, on a doctor who was on duty

supervising. The court decided the assault

employment

at a hospital, can arise out of the doctor’s

was an accident.

The last question is: Did the injury, which

employment. I cannot conceive of the risk of

by one of the fellow employees he was

In Langeberg Foods versus Tokwe

resulted from an accident, arise out of,

rape being incidental to such employment.

1977, an employee was found smoking

and in the course of, employment? In the

There is no more egregious invasion of a

and was assaulted by a security officer.

course of employment is clear enough. She

woman’s physical integrity, and indeed of

The employee fled the assault and

was attacked while doing her job. She was

her mental well-being, than rape.”

was injured when the security guard

injured while just doing her job. Did the

So the court has opened the way for

fell on top of him. The court ruled that

injury arise out of her employment? Again

injured employees to sue their employers,

the assault, although deliberate, does

the answer would appear to be yes.

despite the existence of s35 (1) of COID.

not detract from the notion that the

I’ve already mentioned the leading

This appears to be becoming a trend. | SHEQ

| SHEQ management

Legally Speaking is a regular column by Albert Mushai from the school of Economics and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand. Mushai holds a master’s degree from the City University, London, and was the head of the insurance department at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe before joining the University of the Witwatersrand as a lecturer in insurance.

18

????????????????

we don’t just ACT global, we ARE global

Training & Education Why train?

Feedback gleaned from value management workshops as well as various inquiries into health, safety and environment, notably the Leon Commission of Inquiry in the mining industry, highlighted the following shortcomings:

IRCA GLOBAL TRAINING & EDUCATION | 22042104 / CRAIGALLANDESIGN

• • • • • • • •

Lack of supervisor skills Inadequate worker participation in health and safety matters Failure to identify hazards and evaluate workplace risks Lack of hazard awareness Inadequate problem solving skills Poor coaching abilities Inadequate incident investigation skills Lack of hands-on experience in the real environment

IRCA’s trainers have the required knowledge, skills, competency and expertise to effectively facilitate learning in a multi-disciplinary environment. They are also equipped with an Education Training Development Practitioner’s Qualification (ETDP).

IRCA’s objective is to work in close co-operation with various authorities to ensure that training programmes are in the forefront of knowledge and add value to our clients. This results in the following benefits: •

•

Learners benefit from quality education provision, qualifications that enjoy national recognition and where applicable, international comparability. They also benefit from clear learning paths in the qualification structure, to facilitate and support lifelong learning and career advancement.

Employers benefit from quality education provision, qualifications that enjoy national recognition and where appropriate, international comparability. They also benefit from clear learning paths in the qualification structure, to facilitate and support lifelong learning and career advancement.

| SHEQ management

IRCA is an accredited training provider and presents a variety of SHEQ training courses. The courses incorporate international standards and practices and are adapted to the environment of the various countries in which IRCA operates. This ensures that individual needs of executives, management, supervisors, representatives and workers are satisfied.

IRCA GLOBAL HEAD OFFICE Tel: +27 0 11 285 4200 | Email: solutions@ircaglobal.com

www.ircaglobal.com

WHEN YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT MANAGING RISK

19

????????????????

COVER STORY

protection Head to toe

As a supplier of quality personal protective equipment (PPE) in South Africa, and exclusive distributor of Honeywell Safety Products, HSE Solutions is concerned about the lowering of standards in the PPE industry. CLAIRE RENCKEN speaks to sales director, Stephen Burrow, about how the company is committed to bringing quality back to this sector

| SHEQ management

H 20

SE Solutions is a division

couldn’t miss it, as it literally stood out

of Sturrock and Robson

above the rest.

After gaining seven years’ experience in the PPE industry, Burrow joined HSE

Industries. Its head office,

Burrow was enthusiastic about the

Solutions in June 2014. He is responsible

warehousing and logistics

exhibition, saying: “It really is a fantastic

for sales in sub-Saharan Africa, and is

facilities are based at Tunney Ridge,

opportunity for brand positioning and for

passionate about bringing quality back into

in Gauteng. In addition, it has national

creating brand awareness, with so many of

the PPE industry; so much so that he has

sales and support capacity and a

our existing customers, as well as potential

written an article about the devaluation of

network of distributors, that are well-

new ones, all under one roof.

the PPE industry.

equipped to provide safety products

“The fact that the expo was co-located

In the article, Burrow writes: “How

and solutions to organisations in all

with Securex has been great. There is an

many times do we see companies

industries.

obvious link between safety and security,

proclaiming their staff to be their greatest

For the fourth consecutive year, HSE

so a lot of the visitors who would normally

assets? Yet, too many organisations

Solutions had a stand at the A-OSH Expo.

just have attended Securex, have come

pay lip service to this proclamation by

A very impressive one, I might add. You

through to the A-OSH side too.”

sidestepping their duty to provide

????????????????

COVER STORY optimum protection in the pursuit of

inherent risk that comes with a lowering of

short-term gain.

standards is simply too high.

“To be effective and meet acceptable standards of safety, the PPE industry needs

“One of the major culprits contributing

“Sadly, the true cost of inferior

to refocus on its primary responsibility,

to the increased risk of avoidable accidents

products is not immediately evident or

namely keeping workers safe. Clients

is the lowering of standards in the PPE

easily measureable up front. It is only when

should no longer be misled into believing

industry. The scramble for cheap products

accidents regularly result in avoidable

that low-end products offer the same

that barely meet minimum standards, while

injuries, that questions are asked and

value as premium PPE.

offering no safety benefits, has effectively

consequences are counted.

“Manufacturers should continue to

turned the industry into a regressive

“In fact, the actual cost of high-

advance technology to provide PPE that

market where decreasing consideration is

performance products, which adhere to

is innovative and cost-effective. Workers

given to value, quality, reliability and life-

and often exceed the highest industry

need to be encouraged to comply with

time safety.

standards, compare favourably to that of

safety regulations by being provided with

low-end products. Factors that need to be

PPE that they wear with comfort, pride and

strenuously bemoan the steady rise

taken into account include:

confidence,” Burrow concludes.

of prices in nearly all categories of

• High-performance

procurement

manager

will

products

deliver

The company’s safety brand manager,

products and components, particularly

consistent and predictable performance;

Leanne Oosthuizen, is just as passionate

where quality is an imperative. Curiously,

• The efficacy and integrity of the high-

about quality PPE. “We have recently

though, the price of many PPE products

performance

has seen a sharp decline, as low-

throughout its lifetime;

end products begin to proliferate and saturate the market.

“Numerous buyers have pounced on

product

is

retained

launched a campaign to create heightened awareness of the critical need for

• Premium-quality products invariably

appropriate, quality PPE and are investing

last considerably longer than cheaper

heavily in repositioning the brand at

products;

distributor level. We have been very vocal

the opportunity to reduce costs on what is

• High-performance products offer greater

through our public relations campaign

often perceived to be a grudge purchase.

protection from those ‘unseen’ risks such

about the flaws in the safety industry. Our

The disposable nature of PPE products

as the permeation of harmful and often

sales force is well positioned and equipped

erroneously strengthens the argument

carcinogenic chemicals;

to deliver on our promise and truly add

for moving away from high-performance

• Manufacturers of high-performance PPE

products, while the real cost of using

invest considerable amounts in research

cheaper products does not always enter

and development and constantly pursue

into the purchasing decision.

innovation; and

value to the customer experience,” she explains.

So it would seem that HSE Solutions has embarked on a crusade to save the

“So, what is the case for premium-

• Because they are designed for comfort

PPE industry from itself. We salute the

quality products in these times of austerity?

as well as efficacy, premium products

company’s efforts and will be watching this

Simply stated, the cost of ignoring the

enhance worker compliance.

space. | SHEQ

| SHEQ management

“Any

21

QUALITY

quality What is a

workplace?

A quality workplace is essential to keep employees on task and working efficiently. An excellent work environment is marked by attributes such as: competitive wages; trust between the employees and management; fairness for everyone; and a sensible workload with challenging, yet achievable, goals...

A

ll this comes together to

Work, puts trust between managers and

provide the best possible

employees as the most important aspect

working conditions. Small

of a quality workplace. He theorises that

business professionals can

workers will not thrive under a system

profit from creating the best possible work

in which they suspect managers are

environments for their employees. Here

only interested in bottom-line results,

are some ways in which to do this:

and that this is the only reason they attempt to create a decent workplace for

Competitive compensation and benefits

employees.

Employers need to be “above board”

One of the best ways to create a quality

with everything they do, so that real trust

workplace is to show employees they

can develop. You need to demonstrate to

are quality workers. The most tangible

employees (through actions and not just

way to express this is by providing

words) that you are not only concerned

competitive compensation and benefits

with profitability, but also genuinely

to staff. Employees have financial and

concerned with employee welfare and

health needs. It is important to help

happiness.

| SHEQ management

provide for these by offering wages and

22

a benefits package commensurate with

Structure

their contribution to the business.

The HR Leader website says a quality workplace is one which is structured.

Trust

This means employees must be given

Robert Levering, author of A Great Place to

clear directives, responsibilities and

According to a study conducted by the Gallup Organisation in the United States, employees say the 12 components that make up successful workplaces are: • Knowing what’s expected; • Having the right materials and equipment; • Doing what I do best; • Recognition or praise; • My supervisor cares about me; • Someone encourages my development; • My opinions seem to count; • Understanding my company’s mission or purpose; • Doing quality work; • Having a best friend at work; • Talk to me about my progress; • Opportunities to learn and grow.

QUALITY

One of the best ways to create a quality workplace is to show employees they are quality workers.

Fair management Quality is also measured in terms of fairness in the workplace. Employees should be able to trust that their managers are equitable in their treatment of all. Stick to company principles and regulations when dealing with delicate workplace issues. Do not let personal preferences guide your decisions, or allow personal bias to be a determining factor.

Reasonable workload No employee should be expected to handle so

a transparent method of reporting issues.

great a workload that they cannot possibility

Structured guidelines give workers the clarity

complete the work to the best of their abilities.

and definition they need in order to operate

Supervisors must carefully judge how many tasks

effectively on the job.

to assign to individual workers and consider

Provide written materials that describe the

the complexity and length of projects when

organisation’s structure and distribute these

deciding how much work is enough, but not too

to all the staff. Open your door to questions

much. Directives need to be altered if it becomes

from employees regarding how the business

obvious that an employee has a load greater than

operates.

he or she can effectively handle. | SHEQ

Signage for an efficient turnaround

The physical COG plant outside the control room is often only minimally identified. As a consequence field operators face a labyrinth of pipes and instruments. Navigate the labyrinth with durable COG signage!

‘Equipment visuals for process operations’.

| SHEQ management

Request our free white paper: www.bradyeurope.com/petrochem T: +27 11 704 3295 F: +27 86 501 7775 E: emea_request@bradycorp.com

23

RISK

Peeling back

the risk

Risk and the environment (be it Mother Nature or your place of work) are like peas in a pod … We take a look at the effects of extreme weather on local insurers and how you can keep an eye on the environment in which you find yourself

E severe

xtreme weather events have

cover – particularly in the food, leisure and

weather does create additional costs and

increased dramatically in the

entertainment industries – for cancelled

it can result in a reduction in revenue for

past 20 years, with South

events, reduction in patrons at pubs and

the organisers, hosts and even providers

Africans experiencing more

restaurants, and even reduced crowds at

of accommodation.

hailstorms, heavier rains and

are

owners

of

open-air

restaurants who dread an unseasonal cold

severe damage to cars, homes and other

broadly termed in the Lloyds market, is one

snap or deluge, and organisers of outdoor

property. Not all loss relates to physical

of the faster growing insurance segments,”

concerts and sports competitions who

loss or damage, however …

says Peter Olyott, CEO of Indwe Broker

fear the cancellation costs when severe

Holdings, the parent corporation of Indwe

weather prevents those activities from

Risk Services.

taking place,” Olyott clarifies.

than in the agricultural sector) is relatively

| SHEQ management

“There

“Event insurance, as it is perhaps too

Extreme weather insurance (other

24

West End and Broadway productions.

increased flooding – which have caused

rare in South Africa, but it is becoming

“This is spurred on by the increasing

Given the unpredictable and changing

increasingly common in Europe. This

costs associated in hosting events, or

weather patterns seen around the world,

involves instances where severe weather is

the need to sustain turnovers to pay for

the insurance industry needs to adapt.

having a significant impact on businesses,

increasingly valuable retail floor space,”

Innovative local insurers should give

but no actual physical loss or damage has

he explains.

serious consideration to providing such

occurred.

Specialist insurers have been providing

Although outright cancellations of

cover to businesses, whose livelihoods are

events are rare in South Africa, adverse

dependent on the vagaries of the weather.

RISK Mother Nature isn’t the only type

office. This includes remote management

He continues: “This hardware and

of environment that holds risk …

of server rooms, entire business networks

software solution is perfect for the modern

Many businesses underestimate the

or even remote renewable energy sites,

user on the move, as it allows easy remote

importance of environmental monitoring

from a single management console and a

monitoring of environmental conditions

when it comes to an IT computer room,

single device.

from anywhere on the globe.”

data centre or other valuable IT assets

It can remotely open and close gates,

This device also has the ability to

and facilities. Without environmental

serve as an alarm system (when connected

monitor and control the conditions inside

monitoring,

to

to movement sensors and sirens) and

a room. It can detect whether it is too

expensive assets and the loss of data

they

risk

damage

inform users through an SMS or e-mail of

cold, too hot, too wet or if there are any

and intellectual property.

power outages as well as other potential

unwanted gases or a fire.

In order to address this, Netshield

outages due to environmental threats.

“With

its

small

form,

multiple

South Africa has developed its Nviromon

“Environmental monitoring is vital

monitoring tools and ability to integrate

range, comprising the Nviromon-1 S,

because computer and network equipment

seamlessly with existing environments, the

Naccumon, Nviromon Lite and Monone

is designed to operate effectively only

Nviromon is the ideal device for customers

software. The company specialises in

within a specified range of environmental

who are serious about environmental

electronic, mechanical, instrumentation,

conditions,” says Inus Dreckmeyr, CEO at

monitoring across multiple applications,”

optical and technological research and

Netshield. “And, in a personal capacity,

says Dreckmeyr.

development.

it creates peace of mind in our security-

Risk and the environment might be

The range enables users to remotely

conscious country, because you will know

peas in a pod, but there are luckily a

monitor and manage their environments in

instantly if someone is in your home or if

few “peelers” out there to separate the

various applications, ranging from home to

you have left a gate or door open.”

two … | SHEQ

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Legal Universe

Document Management

Legal Register

Continuous Improvement

Compliance Auditing

Email Notifications

Incident Management

Mobility and Syncing

Risk Assessments

Workflow and Task Delegation

Dashboard Reporting

Reporting and Trend Analysis

Occupational Hygiene

Configurable Setup

I Compliance

| SHEQ management

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compliance@lexisnexis.co.za25 CT014/15

RISK MANAGEMENT

A new ISO on its way

How will this influence governance, risk and control for auditors?

Hope Kiwekete – principal consultant of quality assurance and audits, as well as risk management, at Transnet Freight Rail – takes a glimpse into the imminent ISO 9001:2015. It is evident that a risk-based quality management system is already embedded into any organisation’s processes …

I

t is anticipated that the International

evident that a risk-based QMS is already

goals will be achieved. Management plans

Organisation for Standardisation’s

embedded

organises and directs the performance of

ISO 9001:2015 will be published

processes.

organisation’s

sufficient actions to provide reasonable

during September 2015. How

It has been widely publicised that a risk-based approach is what is foreseen

preparing for the transition?

in the forthcoming standard. As the

As stated in ISO 17021:2011, clause

Every five years, ISO standards are

timeline gets closer, are auditors of ISO

4.3: “Competence of the personnel,

revised. Since 1987, the inception of

management systems getting acquainted

supported by the management system

ISO 9001 Quality Management System

with

of the certification body, is necessary

(QMS) standards revealed that the user

principles?

how a risk-based approach was already embedded into their processes.

governance,

risk

and

control

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) defines these as follows: Governance; is the combination of

assurance that objectives and goals will be achieved.

to deliver certification that provides confidence.”

Would

governance,

risk, and control be among the set of competencies auditors require or

The topic of risk, in the context in

processes and structures implemented

which organisations deliver their services

by the board to inform, direct, manage

Although there is no specific set of

and products, is now more predominant

and monitor the activities of the

desired competences, the IIA Global

thanks to the work of ISO/Technical

organisation toward the achievement of

Internal Audit Competency Framework,

Committee (TC) 176, the related sub-

its objectives.

2014, is a good point of reference. It

committees and the global standards user community.

| SHEQ management

any

are auditors of management systems

community may not have been aware of

26

into

already possess?

Risk; is the possibility of an event

states: “Additionally, internal auditors

occurring that will have an impact on

require technical expertise in governance,

Many organisations have realised

the achievement of objectives. Risk is

risk and control to inform their work

the necessity to implement formal

measured in terms of impact and

and help organisations accomplish their

risk-management processes. It should,

likelihood.

objectives.”

therefore, not be overwhelming for

Control; is any action taken by

auditors who are already active in this

management, the board, and other

Going forward

environment. As we take a glimpse

parties to manage risk and increase the

As much as emphasis was put on auditors

into the current ISO 9001:2015, it is

likelihood that established objectives and

understanding

the

process-based

based approach.

Auditors will need to pay attention to how they interpret the new requirements and how they understand the rationale of the forthcoming ISO 9001:2015 standard.

The bottom-line is that auditors need to be comfortable while speaking the language of the business. | SHEQ

What benefits will ISO 9001:2015 bring to organisations?

With the revision of ISO 9001 at Final Draft International Stage (FDIS), and the publication of the final draft expected in the coming months, organisations are beginning to focus on their transition plans for ISO 9001:2015.

One of the questions that many organisations ask is: “What are the benefits for my organisation and our stakeholders?”

Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Limited (LRQA) Southern Africa – a leading provider of independent assessment services including certification, validation, verification and training across a broad spectrum of standards and schemes – list some of the anticipated overarching benefits while looking at the standard’s current version.

Enhancing continuous improvement: The revisions to ISO 9001 will ensure that your Quality Management System (QMS) is integrated with, and aligned to, your organisation’s objectives.

Leadership: By placing more emphasis on leadership, ISO 9001:2015 will drive greater involvement in your organisation’s QMS by top management. This will help to ensure that employees are motivated towards the stated goals and strategic objectives.

Managing risk: ISO 9001:2015 also introduces a “risk-based approach”. This focuses the organisational resources on the areas which are most likely to cause concern.

A risk-based compliance programme will assist in identifying, managing, monitoring, and reducing the compliance risks key to your business – making board and regulatory reporting easier to conduct and maintain.

Through the use of your QMS as a governance tool you can identify business opportunities that contribute to bottom-line improvements and effectively manage your risks.

Performance Measurement: Self-governance and organisational behaviour have a direct influence on performance and the capacity to create value for customers and employees.

Effective performance measurement and self-governance can result in higher levels of innovation, employee loyalty, and customer satisfaction; as well as superior financial performance.

Integration: At first glance, the new high-level structure common to all new and revised management system standards, Annex SL, appears to make the standard writers’ lives much easier. In reality, however, as organisations begin to understand and appreciate the value of different management systems all speaking a common language, it will be organisations – and in turn the consumer – who stand to be the true beneficiaries.

Experience the world’s leading trade fair live!

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Focus on safety with A+A 2015! www.aplusa.de/erleben

27th – 30th October 2015 Düsseldorf, Germany

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| SHEQ management

approach, the same should apply to them understanding the risk-

With good reason.

27

A-OSH

EXPO 2015

The latest occupational health and safety innovations all under one roof 7803 - A-OSHEXPO 2015 EVENT GUIDE COVER Paths.indd 1

2015/04/29 9:33 AM

This year, Africa’s Occupational Safety and Health exhibition (A-OSH Expo) was held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, from May 12 to 14. CLAIRE RENCKEN was there and spoke to some of the exhibitors

F

| SHEQ management

ormerly known as OSH Africa, the exhibition was rebranded to better represent its Africa-centric strategic direction. About 2 445 eager industry occupational health and safety professionals queued at the doors, where the 85 exhibitors shared their knowledge and expertise on an interactive and highly energised basis over the three-day event.

Joshua Low, event director at Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, says that the excitement levels were high as the exhibition enjoyed an increase in visitor numbers of almost 28 percent over the previous year’s event. “We welcomed 888 first-time visitors, many of whom were thrilled with the superior quality of both the products and services on display.”

In addition to learning about best practice from the 69 local South African companies and 16 international companies (of which 27 local and 12 international companies were exhibiting for the first time at A-OSH Expo), two seminar programmes

28

and a conference provided much-needed educational input.

The National Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Board (Noshebo) Theatre seminar, and Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) Working at Height Theatre proved extremely popular with the crowds and were packed to capacity. The South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh) conference was once again booked out weeks in advance of the exhibition opening.

Nare Kgomo from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says: “I started in OHS at the DCS last year, so this is my first A-OSH Expo and I found it to be really excellent. My goal was to source service providers for OHS training courses and I will be following up on a number of suppliers I have found. I attended some of the Noshebo Seminar Theatre sessions and was really impressed with the quality of the speakers and the topics presented.”

Low adds: “We introduced two new

features this year: the Business Matchmaking Programme (an initiative that matched visitors up with the most relevant exhibitors); and the Fire Hazard Identification Challenge (which was based on a simulated office environment with six to eight fire hazards that had to be identified by participants). The Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa also ran its InFiRES conference alongside A-OSH Expo for the first time. The conference was a great success, attracting over 100 people from some of the leading insurance companies in South Africa.”

Datasaint showcased a ppe2go standalone, self-service kiosk and software solution that allows for biometric authentication and personal protective equipment (PPE) selection through a touch-screen interactive interface.

The University of South Africa’s Centre for Business Management introduced a number of industry-relevant courses, including one in safety management and one in advanced safety management. The basic course provides an overview of safety management while the advanced course focuses on a broader view of safety management and the responsibilities of both line managers and staff safety practitioners.

Astutis, a company based in the United Kingdom, provides a wide range of accredited health, safety and environmental classroom-

A-OSH

EXPO 2015

based training courses, tailored in-company training, e-learning and distance learning.

It also offers consultancy solutions to businesses and individuals across the globe.

As a first-time exhibitor at the show, Astutis MD, Steve Terry, was impressed by its scope. “Many of our e-learners have been coming to the stand to meet us, and we are finding this a great way to connect with delegates. I personally don’t get the opportunity to travel to South Africa as regularly as I would like, so it was great to catch up with our colleagues and delegates at this superb event.”

Alco-Safe, specialists in management of substance abuse in the workplace, exhibited for the fifth consecutive year. Director, Rhys Evans, sees great value in the show: “It’s an affordable way to market ourselves to both existing and prospective clients without having to drive all over the country and set up appointments to see people. We get the opportunity to create brand awareness and we definitely generate sales as a result of being at the show, even if these take place only ten months down the line.”

Lizette Kasselman, group marketing manager for North Safety Products, echoed these sentiments, and was clearly proud of the company’s stand: “This is the best I’ve ever seen North’s stand look!” she enthused.

Lauren Clueit, owner of We Do That, the company that conceptualised and project managed the impressive 3M stand, said: “3M is a solid pillar in industry and in the communities that it serves. An integral part of this is protecting workers with worldclass PPE. “Each pillar on the 3M stand represented a different product family, with a spotlight on new or key products. The stand design incorporated the new 3M brand trifecta, the company’s new tagline: ‘3M Science.

Applied to Life’, as well as a ‘call to action’ to connect on Facebook and create posts about experiences.”

There seemed to be mixed feelings among the exhibitors about the rebranding of the show. Some felt that, because the show was seamlessly co-located with the Securex exhibition this year, there were definitely more feet moving through their stands.

Others observed that there was some confusion about what the “A” in A-OSH stands for. A surprising number of people were not aware that it stands for “Africa” and felt that a better job could have been done of the rebranding.

One thing’s for sure, the show seems to keep going from strength to strength each year. We look forward to seeing what next year brings. | SHEQ

2015/04/29 9:33 AM

SHEQ management management || SHEQ

7803 - A-OSHEXPO 2015 EVENT GUIDE COVER Paths.indd 1

29 29 29 29

A-OSH

EXPO 2015 World-class health and safety training and consulting services Safety Management and Training Services

in Johannesburg, Cape

(SMTS) is an internationally accredited

Town, Durban, Pretoria,

provider of training and health and safety

Port

consultancy services. SHEQ Management

Bloemfontein, as well as

spoke to Max Koen, head of the company’s

Windhoek in Namibia.”

South African division, at its stand at the A-OSH Expo.

7803 - A-OSHEXPO 2015 EVENT GUIDE COVER Paths.indd 1

In addition to these 2015/04/29 9:33 AM

training courses, SA SMTS

Koen, executive director of SA SMTS, said

provides consultancy and advisory services, risk

exhibiting at the show. He felt that it was

assessments and policy

the perfect platform to maintain the brand’s

writing. It also develops

presence in the market.

safe systems of work,

the industry that we are training providers

| SHEQ management

and

it was the company’s fifth consecutive year

“It also gives us an opportunity to remind

30

Elizabeth

SA SMTS executive director, Max Koen (left), and operations manager Jamie Richardson.

and undertakes client/contractor audits and

and to exercise ‘due diligence’ of the main

management.

contractor.

for the National Examination Board in

South African operations manager,

“The benefit of this is twofold – it is a cost

Occupational Safety and Health (Nebosh)

Jamie Richardson, stressed the importance

saving for our client in the long run, and it

courses, which are now available across

of the contractor management services.

also ensures the safety of the contractor and

southern Africa from SA SMTS,” he continued.

“Specific audits can be developed for a

his employees,” he explained.

“We have a full schedule of Nebosh

variety of industries to determine the

International General Certificate (IGC) courses

suitability and competence of contractors

“We like to think of it as ‘taking away the pain’ for our clients,” concluded Koen.

????????????????

A-OSH EXPO 2015

From great speakers to wonderful rewards The South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh) once again hosted a conference at the African Occupational Safety and Health (A-OSH) Expo, held from May 12 to 14 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg

Saiosh continued to raise the bar for support to both the profession and professionals. With more than 4 000 individual and 300 corporate members, Saiosh is also the administrative arm for IOSH SA, the professional body for occupational safety and health professionals in South Africa, as recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

A highlight at the post-conference cocktail function, on day one, was the announcement and presentation of a trophy and monetary award to the Saiosh Student of the Year. This bursary is awarded to the top achieving second-year student studying towards a National Diploma in Safety Management (NADSAM).

The Student of the Year is Bonisiwe Sibiya studying at the Vaal University of Technology. The purpose of this bursary is to encourage students to enter the field of occupational health and safety.

Saiosh also presented the Saiosh Person of the Year award at this function. The trophy and monetary award was handed to Dallas Pakkiri from Stefanutti Stocks Building.

Hundreds of visitors attended the Saiosh stand at the A-OSH Expo and enquired about the SAQA professional OHS designations that Saiosh offers via IOSH SA. Visitors were particularly impressed by the new membership benefits offered by Saiosh, which include the free e-learning programme and a free legal update service of more than 250 Acts.

It’s clear that Saiosh remains South Africa’s leading professional body for the occupational health and safety community.

For more information about Saiosh please visit www.saiosh.co.za www.saiosh.co.za

Saiosh Head Office Tel: 010 001 7455 | Email: info@saiosh.co.za

Saiosh – “Keeping You Informed”

| SHEQ management

Saiosh – in partnership with the United Kingdom-based Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) – hosted the fifth annual Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Conference at the A-OSH Expo. Held over one-and-a-half days, the conference featured international speakers, who covered a wide range of topics. These included: updates in legislation, a new philosophy in accident prevention, business continuity planning and third-party liability.

31

HINTS AND TIPS

In aid of

safety It is important that employees receive fast and appropriate first-aid treatment when injured at work – it can mean the difference between life and death. Sarah Heep, marketing officer at St John, elaborates on employers’ first-aid duties and what to look for in training providers

T

he Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, of 1993, is very clear regarding an employer’s first-aid duties. In terms of the Act, employers are legally required to provide their employees with a safe working environment. They also have to take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure that their employees receive prompt first-aid treatment, in the event of an injury or medical emergency.

Safety is a two-way street; both management and staff need to work together to identify dangers and to develop and implement the necessary safety measures to keep the workplace safe.

The OHS Act states: “When there are more than ten employees at a workplace, the employer of such employees shall take steps to ensure that for every group of up to 50 employees at that workplace, or in the case of a shop or an office (as contemplated in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1983), for every group of up to 100 employees, at least one person is readily available during normal working hours,

who is in possession of a valid certificate of competency in first aid.”

There are a number of questions companies should ask when choosing a firstaid training provider: • Are they registered with, and do they meet the requirements of, the Department of Labour?

• Are they recognised internationally?

This is important if your employees move from country to country in the course of their duties. St John offers first-aid training in more than 40 countries, worldwide. This means that when you choose St John as your first-aid training provider, your certificate will, in most instances, be recognised.

• Are they registered with the Resuscitation Council of South Africa to ensure that current Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) protocols are being taught?

• Does the course offer the right balance of theory and practical hands-on training?

This is vital as first aid is about applying practical skills, often under immense pressure.

• Can they provide first-aid training in line with your company’s particular risk register?

• Are their instructors regularly monitored and evaluated?

• Are their courses aligned to the latest training theories?

• Do they offer observation learning, including multi-media training aids?

• Is the training suitable for learners with limited reading and writing skills?

Depending on your particular work environment and risk factors, it is advisable to send employees for refresher training annually.

It is also a good idea to arrange mock accident scenarios within the workplace so that the company’s disaster plan can be practised by the safety team and, where necessary, the local emergency services can be involved.

Some companies have implemented in-house first-aid competitions for their employees in order to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. | SHEQ

Workplace accidents happen – First Aid will make the difference If you’re serious about workplace safety, contact St John today:

| SHEQ management

• First Aid Level 1 – Emergency Level (Document C) • First Aid Level 2 & 3 – Standard Level (Document C) • Health & Safety in the Workplace (introduction)

• Basic Life Support (BLS) Accredited with RCSA • CPR / AED Courses • Fire Safety

• We stock a variety of first aid kits for the shop, office, factory and vehicle too • St John is accredited with the Dept of Labour and the HWSETA. • St John is a Level 1 contributor to B-BBEE

Bloemfontein (051) 444-6276 • Cape Town (021) 461-8420 • Durban (031) 305-6588 • East London (043) 722-9840 • Fish Hoek (021) 782-3306 • Grahamstown (046) 636-1650 • Johannesburg (011) 403-4227 • Kimberley (053) 838-2519 • Port Elizabeth (041) 364-2701/2 • Somerset West (021) 851-7394.

32For more information, visit our website www.stjohn.org.za

STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Are you neurologically wired to handle

stress?

W

hen hiring for a high-

your brain to ‘switch-off’. When stress

also measures coping abilities as these

risk position, such as

intensifies further, we experience anxiety,

have a direct effect on reaction times,”

a commercial vehicle

frustration and anger. The more stress we

it states. “The questions are designed so

driver, you need to

experience, the larger are the areas of the

that individuals cannot give what they

brain over which we lose control.

think is the correct answer.

be sure that the person can handle the stresses associated with such a position.

This can be life threatening when

“The ingenuity of brain profiling is that if

Yet, how can you be 100-percent sure how

operating heavy machinery and can also

you have a shortlist of potential employees,

someone will react in a stressful situation?

cause damage to your bottom line – when

and each seems just as capable as the

Should you inspect their curriculum vitae

it happens to employees who are placed in

next, you can use brain profiling to make

with a fine toothcomb? Take them on a

key positions in your company.”

the final call. It can reveal that certain

driving test? Ask for references and track their driving habits?

Asking an employee if they are right-

individuals do not have the ability to handle

or left-handed will not show, which side

stress associated with driving an 18-wheel

While all of these methods can be good

of their brain is dominant. “Most people

truck over a long distance. It can also show

indicators, it might still not explain why

believe the dominant side of their brain

where that person would excel instead.”

your truck driver did not see something he

is the side that is opposite to the side

Zondagh adds that proof of the value of

should have …

they write with,” says Zondagh. “However,

brain profiling can be seen in a mine that

Brain profiling could be a possible

this is not necessarily true. The only way

used it to determine why a driver failed

answer. According to Brenda Zondagh, the

to determine which side of your brain is

to prevent an accident, which could easily

managing director of Bottomline Business

dominant is through brain profiling.”

have been avoided. “The mine closed for

Consulting and a Neuro-Link licensed

brain

three days, causing a loss of millions. The

practitioner, neuroscience research has

profiles through a simple online test,

The

company

determines

driver was tired, facing personal problems

revealed that when an individual is under

which delivers the results immediately.

and was hot, as the truck had no air-

high stress the non-dominant side of their

Bottomline Business Consulting doesn’t

conditioning. The brain profile showed how

brain loses function.

only reveal the dominant side of the brain,

these factors impaired his decision-making

relates:

but which of 16 different personality

abilities and the mine used the results to

“Stress causes the non-dominant side of

groups an employee fits into. “The test

implement safety measures.” | SHEQ

The

company’s

website

| SHEQ management

People deal with stress differently and some are unable to handle stressful situations adequately. This could be problematic when hiring someone for a high-risk position. Thankfully, employers could use brain profiling to determine whether they’re getting the right person for the job

33

FIRE & EMERGENCY PLANNING

Inclusive emergency

planning It is every employer’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace for all employees, including those with disabilities. The workplace presents many potential hazards for workers with disabilities during an emergency or disaster. CLAIRE RENCKEN reports

P

lanning

alternative

person’s ability to walk long distances

evacuation of the building. There should be

communications as well as

for

and perform tasks that require excessive

plans in place for a number of evacuation

inclusive

and

physical activity, such as evacuating a

options:

recovery procedures is of

evacuation

building. These limitations may be

• Horizontal evacuation: This uses exits

key importance to employee safety in

exacerbated by smoke, dust, fumes and

that are horizontal to the ground level

disaster situations – ranging from fires and

chemicals.

or moving into unaffected wings of the

floods, to hazardous materials incidents

• Speech disabilities, such as difficulties

and earthquakes. Knowledge, planning,

with articulation, voice strength, language

• Stairway evacuation: Stairs are used

and practice will protect workers with

expression or total loss of speech, will

to reach the ground level exits of the

disabilities and save lives.

affect a person’s ability to communicate

building.

• Area of refuge: A member of the

during an emergency.

Examples of how disabilities will impact

may

affect

worker’s

network

will

assist

the

a person’s ability to respond to

individual who has a mobility disability

• The deaf and hard of hearing may

emergencies in the following ways:

to the safe refuge area and will then

not have the ability to hear or react

memory loss, problems with orientation,

inform on-site emergency personnel

to emergency warning systems or aural

distractibility, perception and difficulty

and/or first responders of the location.

thinking logically.

(Areas of refuge should be used as a

instructions. ability

| SHEQ management

disabilities

emergency planning

• Visual disabilities will affect a person’s

34

• C ognitive

building.

to

identify

escape

• Mental illness or mental disorders are

last resort. All other options should be

routes,

health conditions that are characterised

considered first. However, choosing to

directional information, instructions,

by alterations in thinking, mood or

wait for first responders in order to

objects or hazards. This will increase their

behaviour. These may be exacerbated in

evacuate is a personal decision of the

evacuation time.

an emergency situation.

employee with a disability.)

• Mobility disabilities may affect a Evacuation of workers and

In their emergency plan, employers should

the worksite, use stairs or open doors.

visitors with mobility disabilities

include the evacuation of mobility devices

• Respiratory disabilities may affect a

Not every emergency requires a full

along with the user of the equipment.

person’s ability to independently leave

Property

damage

and

physical

response, and reduces the need to

injuries related to fire are more

carry multiple types of equipment.

prevalent during the extinguishing

“Equipped

phase than as a result of actual

responders

contact with the flames.

immediately without having to worry

I-CAT Environmental Solutions is an official supplier of Telesto’s EXTINGUISHmist, which is a handheld

with

EXTINGUISHmist,

can

attack

a

fire

about whether the agent is appropriate for the type of fire.”

The

small

amount

of

water

water-mist fire extinguisher able

sprayed from the extinguisher – just

to suppress all common causes of

six litres per minute – also guarantees

fire without collateral damage to

a firefighting capacity that lasts ten

property, humans, animals and the

times longer than traditional hoses.

environment.

It also has a high degree of

I-CAT non-executive director,

dispersion and forms a large screening

Professor Jan du Plessis, notes: “This

surface or “halo”. It uses just one

has the potential for enormous cost

percent of the volume of water used

savings. When using conventional

by fire hoses and the mist generated

equipment, only five percent of water

is far more effective.

directed at the fire is actually used

“People who are shielded by

for extinguishing it. The remaining

this mist barrier can survive even in

95 percent floods the surroundings.

close proximity to a powerful fire.

With EXTINGUISHmist, a superfine

It protects fire-fighters and victims

‘dry to the touch’ mist is emitted

from thermal radiation and smoke.

that quickly vaporises in the fire

The mist contains air and, therefore,

zone.”

it allows people to breathe freely, de-mineralised

preventing asphyxiation and buying

with disabilities need to take certain

water, the mist is also 100-percent

time in rescue operations,” concludes

responsibilities upon themselves. These

safe to humans, animals and the

Du Plessis.

include ensuring that there is a personal

environment. Du Plessis explains:

The portable fire extinguisher

preparedness kit on site, containing the

“The product is so safe that it can

consists of a proprietary nozzle

following: extra medications; personal

be sprayed directly onto victims

and phase regulator that can be

assistive equipment and devices; extra

threatened

allowing

incorporated with any manufacturer’s

batteries; and food for specific dietary

responders to swiftly and effectively

cylinder and valve, including the

needs.

execute rescues.”

stored pressure or cartridge type. The

Workers and individual contractors

FIRE & EMERGENCY PLANNING

Putting a dampener on fire damage

Comprising

by

fire,

Wheelchair users should have a tyre

In addition, the product’s universal

technology is also available in a hose

repair kit or extra tyres in case one is

application across all common fire

and reel device that can be mounted

damaged during the emergency. | SHEQ

classes accelerates fire incident

onto fire trucks, vehicles and trailers.

SOUTH SOUTH AFRICA AFRICA

EUROPE EUROPE

tel: +27 tel: +27 (0) 11 (0)794 11 794 6040 6040 email: email: sales@charnaud.co.za sales@charnaud.co.za

tel: +44 tel: +44 (0) 113 (0) 113 35073507 651 651 email: email: sales@charnaud.eu sales@charnaud.eu

WWW.CHARNAUD.CO.ZA WWW.CHARNAUD.CO.ZA

WWW.CHARNAUD.EU WWW.CHARNAUD.EU

Proudly Proudly manufactured manufactured by by

| SHEQ management

ADVANCED ADVANCEDLIGHTWEIGHT LIGHTWEIGHT PROTECTION PROTECTION AGAINST AGAINST FIRE FIRE AND ANDFLAMES FLAMES

35

SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Vested with safety

Every employee has the right to be safe and secure at their place of work, even if they have a high-risk occupation. Security guards, law enforcement and emergency response personnel can now feel more confident about their safety thanks to South African-based Jasco Group’s new body-worn security technology

B

eing a security guard is a

“The solution has been tested in the

with their own monitoring software and

risky business … you’re the

market over the past four years and has

provided with a secure log-in to control

person who is going to stand

proved to be efficient in terms of the model

each vest – to activate audio, visuals or

in the way of someone who

and the technology being used,” he continues.

tracking, as needed, for example.

probably wants to commit a crime. There is,

“With the support of the Jasco Group, our

however, more to this sector than sidearms

security and technology expertise, and

What sets it apart?

and handcuffs.

national footprint, we believe this product

“The

has the potential to gain significant market

good fit with our security, networking,

share locally and in sub-Saharan Africa.”

communications and other businesses,”

Jasco has added a range of body-

| SHEQ management

worn surveillance solutions to its security

36

solutions

portfolio

presents

a

portfolio, which was launched at Securex

The technology enables real-time

Zollner points out. “While there are similar

South Africa (held in conjunction with

tracking with geotagging and streaming

products in the market, few are able to

A-OSH Expo, from May 12 to 14, at the

of visuals. It has enormous potential to

stream real-time visuals, provide geotagging

Gallagher Convention Centre).

improve management, safety, cost and

and enable remote control of features.

“These integrated body-worn tracking

operational efficiencies in a number of

There are a number of differentiators.

and surveillance solutions offer the

industries; including security, transport

“The real-time image and video-

security and other industry sectors the

and logistics, emergency response, law

streaming technology includes advanced

capabilities they need to better manage

enforcement and facility management.

compression algorithms that enable use

personnel, improve service delivery, lower

The solution combines GPS location and

even in low-bandwidth environments. A

costs and meet service level agreements

tracking technologies with a body-worn

copy of the footage is stored in the vest unit,

with their customers,” says Eckart Zollner,

camera that sends real-time images, even

but is simultaneously streamed live to the

head of business development at the

in low-bandwidth conditions, to a dedicated

cloud, to a server on the client’s premises,

Jasco Group.

centrally hosted server. Each client is issued

and to the data centre.

SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE vests and access to the control room for live

restraints and rights are not abused; that

viewing. In addition, with a full software-

police receive the backup they need; and

development team, Jasco is able to respond

ensures that the actions of perpetrators

to

are fully recorded.

customers

bespoke

development

requirements.”

In facility management: What’s it good for?

• In shopping centres, railway and bus

In the security and guarding industry:

stations

• Monitoring guards to ensure they stick

can be worn by security personnel to

to schedules and routes. This means the

record actions and incidents, improve

company no longer needs to deploy a

apprehension

supervisor to physically spot-check

perpetrators, limit collusion and monitor

personnel.

traffic flows.

• In dangerous

situations,

or

and

terminals,

and

the

vests

identification

of

when

responding to an incident, the body

In industry, mines and utilities –

cameras can provide real-time footage to

maintenance and troubleshooting:

provide irrefutable evidence of conditions

• The vest provides a set of eyes to

at arrival, support actions taken, and can

supervisors where oversight is required of

enable decision-making as the situation

sensitive or complex projects in the field.

develops (for example, potentially alert

• The real-time visuals will enable engineers

monitoring agents of the need for backup).

or other experts to provide informed,

This will minimise disputes (such as

hands-free guidance where maintenance needs to be performed remotely.

“The cameras on the vest can be

“whether or not the window was broken

controlled remotely by authorised personnel

at arrival”), ensure security staff abide by

and managers. If the camera or tracking

regulations in their actions and that they

In high-value goods transport:

is switched off, an alert is generated at

are better protected.

• Security guards wearing these vests will,

the control room. A number of additional

in the case of incidents, be able to record

functions are supplied as standard, such

In the transport and logistics industry:

their view of events, potentially improving

as a panic button, audio surveillance, geo-

• Drivers can be tracked via GPS to ensure

the quality of evidence. And the vests will

fencing and no-movement alarms.

scheduled routes are followed.

“The range of solutions are locally developed and locally manufactured.

“Full support is provided nationally by

limit collusion.

• It can monitor if drivers take the required rest stops and that no illegal passengers

In emergency rescue:

are in the vehicle.

• Teams on the ground wearing the vest

Jasco’s sales and technical teams. This

will provide coordinators with a first-hand

covers activation and maintenance of the

In law enforcement:

view of the situation, helping to inform

vests, technical support to manage the

• It monitors that police action meets legal

subsequent actions. | SHEQ

An SABS ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified company

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37

| SHEQ management

109

18 Wattle Street, Newlands, Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa Tel: 011 477 0190/2/3 Fax: 011 477 0420 safeco@icon.co.za www.safecosafety.co.za

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PPE

PPE plays its part

Truck Test 2015 demonstrated that the South African transport industry is conscious of safety, efficiency and protecting the environment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) also enjoyed some time in the spotlight

S

ince

2012,

SHEQ

eastbound along the N4, to Komatipoort,

for us go to their premises and practise,”

sister

a small town just five kilometres from the

Myers adds.

publication FOCUS on Transport

Mozambique border, with a slight detour

Everyone had to don hard hats, safety

and Logistics has run Truck

via the Schoemanskloof Pass, on April 15

boots and reflective jackets. MSA Africa

– with a return trip on April 16.

generously sponsored the hard hats

MANAGEMENT’s

| SHEQ management

Tests in the medium (2014), heavy (2013)

38

and extra-heavy (2012/15) commercial

“Truck Test 2015 is perhaps the most

and reflective jackets and Beier Safety

vehicle segments. These tests have been

unique in the series thus far, in that it was

Footwear (equally generously) the boots

run in partnership with Hellberg Transport

required for each participating vehicle to

for the FOCUS team. Thank you so much for

Management and Engen.

be fitted with an identical trailer and load,”

looking after our colleagues!

“After a year of planning, Truck Test

Myers points out. This required a lot of

Scania South Africa’s product and

2015 hit the open road during April. It was

planning and some practice loading the

marketing director, Alexander Taftman,

the most thoroughly planned, scientifically

vehicles – so a dummy run was arranged.

says it best: “Safety is everything in the

accurate, utterly awesome event so far,”

“It was organised early on that David

transport industry. It’s the foundation for

relates Gavin Myers, assistant editor of

King and his team from AfriSam would

all activities that take place during the

FOCUS.

supply the pallets of cement to be loaded

whole logistical chain.”

The test ran from Johannesburg,

on to the vehicles – so they were happy

The company entered two vehicles,

next morning, when Truck Test 2015 set off to Komatipoort.

The focus on safety didn’t stop there, however; it continued at the Middelburg weighbridge. “Here, the trucks would have their mass ratings confirmed,” Myers points out. The Trans African Concessions (TRAC) N4 representatives wouldn’t allow our editor Charleen Clarke, who is also the editor for FOCUS, to film this part of the event if she wasn’t wearing her reflective jacket (the event was broadcast on DStv’s Ignition, channel 189, at the end of May). Thanks once again MSA! Taftman adds that PPE is part of the complete safety focus within the transport industry. “It does not stop when you leave the vehicle. It has to be with you all the time, all the way.”

TRAC N4 also set up a driver “work one pulling an interlink and another a

and R500 (interlink combination), were

out” area, where they could stretch their

reefer trailer, which it made available a

absolutely bog-standard off-the-shelf

limbs and grab an energy drink, at Engen

week before they were actually required.

units. Taftman explains: “We wanted to

Belfast One-Stop. This was appropriate

Taftman was very excited to take part

enter vehicles that any customer can

as driver fatigue and wellness are two of

in the day. “It’s great to be able to learn

buy, with no tweaks at all. The G460, for

the most pressing matters in the industry.

about the problems and be able to set the

example, has steel rims; the R500 has

At the end of the day, Truck Test

process. It’s just fun to be here, actually; at

aluminium – that’s our fleet spec, exactly

2015 went down a treat. It was the most

what is the start of the Truck Test,” he said.

what the customer will get. We wanted

thoroughly planned, scientifically accurate,

“FOCUS and the organisers have really

to deliver good, reliable figures that our

utterly awesome event so far, as well as

customers can achieve.”

being one that demonstrated that both

completely different this time, which is

The PPE was in use again at AfriSam’s

brilliant. It’s the most comprehensive

Roodepoort depot, during the pre-test

commercial-vehicle test in the South

loading day, and at Super Group’s Super

Catch more on the efficiencies and

African market,” he enthused.

Park, in Jet Park, a day before the test

productivity of all the Truck Test 2015

Scania’s two vehicles for Truck Test

(when the vehicles had to have their tanks

trucks, as well as the test’s results, at

2015, the G460 (reefer combination)

filled to exacting measurements) and the

www.focusontransport.co.za. | SHEQ

safety and efficiency are valued by our local transport industry. | SHEQ management

taken Truck Test to the next level. It is

39

BUYER’S

GUIDE

SGB‐ Cape a Division of Waco Africa offers CETA (Accredita;on Number: 4P4592) approved Access Scaffolding Training and Cer;fica;on for the Listed Learning Programmes: •Scaffold Erectors (System, Self lock and Aluminium Scaffold) •Scaffolding Inspec;on •Scaffold User Training (Working @ Heights) •Advanced Scaffold Erec;on & Inspec;on Contact the following people for assistance: •Reinhardt Coetzee (reinhardtc@sgbcape.co.za)

082 300 6867

•Michael van Jaarsveld (michaelv@sgbcape.co.za)

074 803 0021

•Jan‐Paul Coetzee (janc@sgbcape.co.za)

082 440 3597

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