SHEQ September-October 2014

safety

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h e a lt h

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e n v i r o n m e n ta l i s s u e s

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quality

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 | R66.00

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Substance abuse still drugging SA’s workplaces Noshcon 2014 – a feast of colour

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CONTENTS

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EDITOR Charleen Clarke Cell: 083 601 0568 email: charleen@charmont.co.za ASSISTANT EDITOR Gavin Myers Cell: 072 877 1605 email: gavin@charmont.co.za SUB-EDITOR Jeanette Lamont Cell: 083 447 3616 email: jeanette@charmont.co.za JOURNALISTS Jaco de Klerk Cell: 079 781 6479 email: journalist3@charmont.co.za Claire Rencken Cell: 082 559 8417 email: journalist2@charmont.co.za CONTRIBUTORS Albert Mushai email: albert.mushai@wits.ac.za Jannie Koegelenberg email: janniekoegelenberg96@gmail.com PUBLISHER Tina Monteiro Cell: 082 568 3181 email: tina@charmont.co.za ADVERTISING SALES Barend van Wyk 082 885 9042 advertising@charmont.co.za CIRCULATION MANAGER Bev Rogers Cell: 078 230 5063 email: bev@charmont.co.za 100 95 75

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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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CHARMONT m e d i a

g l o b a l

Features

ACCOLADES ALL-ROUND Volkswagen Group South Africa has won the SJM Flex Environmental Award for the third year in a row … but this isn’t all. The company is attaining accolades for other aspects of the acronym as well.

BURN BABY, BURN! In some circumstances healthcare waste is incinerated. This practice can result in dioxins, furans and other toxic air pollutants being produced as emissions. We investigate.

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WHEN UNDER THE INFLUENCE Alcohol and drug abuse is widely acknowledged as one of the most prevalent and serious issues facing the South African workplace; it’s a problem that needs to be met head-on, at all levels of an organisation.

PUTTING THE COLOUR IN SHEQ Year after year Noshcon delivers the goods – and the 2014 event was no exception. SHEQ MANAGEMENT enjoyed the mix of information and entertainment.

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Proactively addressing skills shortages Skills shortages are plaguing various South African industries, yet unemployment numbers remain sky-high! We discover how training can be the “one stone” that tackles these “two birds”.

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CERTIFIED TO PREVENT PAINFUL ENCOUNTERS 36 Have you ever thought about what happens before you strap on your live-saving gear? SHEQ Management takes a look at the origins of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as the manufacturing and testing processes behind some of today’s equipment.

Regulars

Editor’s letter SHEQ Sound Off Letters News Legally Speaking Raising the Bar Brainwave Subscription Form

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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

EDITOR’S LETTER

Meeting

Manuel!

Charleen Clarke

I have terrific news for fans of Fawlty Towers! Manuel is alive and well … and working in the Mercedes-Benz Vito plant in Spain!

| SHEQ management

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thinking: why am I waxing lyrical about

customers all over the world. The Vitoria

“my” Manuel in SHEQ MANAGEMENT? Well,

plant is the second-largest Daimler van

because Manuel from Mercedes-Benz is

production plant in the world.

one of the most passionate fans of quality

Manuel the Merc man works there as a

that I have ever encountered. He loves

manager, and he was tasked with taking a

it almost as much as Manuel the waiter

group of journalists (including yours truly)

loved his hamster (which was actually a

around the final assembly section of the

rat).

factory. The tour (which, truth be told, I

I met Manuel the Merc man in the city

was dreading) was a revelation – because

of Vitoria, which is where the Mercedes-

of Manuel’s huge enthusiasm. In between

Benz Vito is assembled – and it was a truly

apologies for not speaking superb English

wonderful experience. I travelled to the

(he spoke just like Manuel the waiter; I

region to drive the marvellous new Vito

loved it), our tour guide eagerly showed us

(which comes to South Africa next year)

around each nook and cranny of the plant.

and also to visit the plant, which is located

Unlike the “I know nothing” waiter,

in the heart of the Basque region in north-

our guide was extremely well informed

western Spain.

about the intricacies of the facility. He

While it certainly doesn’t show its age,

shared lots of facts and figures with

the factory is quite old; it’s celebrating

us – such as the news that Mercedes-

its 60th anniversary as an automotive

Benz

kay I am taking a bit of

production location this year. The first

€190 million (roughly R2,7 billion) in

Vans

had

recently

invested

journalistic licence here. The

vehicle rolled off the assembly line there

the plant. The money was mainly spent

chap at the Vito plant is

in 1954, when the plant still belonged to

on the modernisation and reorganisation

not actually my most loved

the Auto Union company.

of the plant’s body shop, paint shop and assembly area.

waiter in the entire world. He’s not chaotic

The former Daimler-Benz AG acquired

and probably doesn’t hail from Barcelona.

the plant in 1981. Today the plant site

Examples of these investments in

His name isn’t even Manuel (although, for

covers a total area of 600 000 m². It

production include: a new coordinate

the purposes of this article, I’m using this

has a production space of around

measuring machine, which measures

pseudonym).

370 000 m² and manufactures about

bodies-in-white

80 000 vans annually for export to

to within one millimetre; a new optical

By now, I know exactly what you’re

extremely

precisely

EDITOR’S LETTER The Mercedes-Benz Vitoria plant is Daimler’s second largest van plant. After the body is coated with paint, employees in the paint shop inspect the quality. though. It take place right here; on the line.

SHEQ MANAGEMENT.

Then action can be fast. This is a good idea,

I have no doubt that the vehicle will

sí (yes)?” Manuel the Merc man noted with

be a success – because of that quality.

a huge grin. We all agreed immediately. It

One of the greatest factors contributing

really does make sense – the managers

to that success, however, won’t be the

stand around a meeting table each day,

investment in fancy equipment or even

and discuss various quality issues. Then, if

the millions spent on training. Personally, I

something needs to be addressed, they go

think the sense of pride – as epitomised by

straight to the line and deal with the issue

our guide – probably has an even greater

immediately.

impact on quality.

measuring device for checking body

I witnessed one of these meetings

During our tour, we encountered a

components; a new waxing facility;

and, in some respects, it’s as daft as

special display of the new Vito, and I swear

adapted

numerous

your average scene from Fawlty Towers

I saw tears in Manuel’s eyes (and, for a

automation processes and more efficient

– everyone has to stand (which isn’t

change, they didn’t come from being hit

laser systems.

wonderfully comfortable) and it’s also

over the head with a frying pan). “Look!”

An army of new robots was also

really noisy, but, according to Manuel, these

he urged. “This (is) our new baby! She

acquired and they’re utterly fascinating

meetings work wonders when it comes to

beautiful! Sí?”

to

maintaining and improving quality.

assembly

watch.

In

lines;

addition,

more

than

Oh, yes she is! But so, too, is the

€8 million (about R116 million) was

Emilio Titos, head of the Vitoria

company’s passion for quality … I would

invested in Vitoria to provide the

assembly plant, concurs. “Our team does

love to bottle that passion and dish it out

employees with around 300 000 hours

top-notch work, and we are very proud

liberally. It would end many companies’

of training, to prepare them for the new

that we build the new Vito in Vitoria in

quality woes. | SHEQ

model series. Naturally, these investments

top quality. As a result, Vitoria continues

were made in order to bolster quality.

to be the competence centre for mid-

Do you believe that your

There are numerous other moves afoot

size vans within our global production

employees are passionate about

to ensure good quality too. Just one is a

network. Together with all of the other

quality? I would love to hear from

daily meeting of the most senior managers.

participants, we are now looking forward

you. Email charleen@charmont.co.za

“It no take place in fancy meeting room

to the new Vito’s success story,” he told

3

SHEQ SOUND OFF

plight of the

broken link Jaco de Klerk

The internet is an endlessly rich world of sites, pages and posts – until it all ends with a click and a “404 not found” error message … This phenomenon, usually caused by “link rot”, is far more than just an occasional annoyance to individual users

| SHEQ management

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’m a proud geek and simply have to draw attention to the plight of the broken link; as highlighted in the article: The growing problem of Internet “link rot” and best practices for media and online publishers, written by Leighton Walter – research editor at the Journalist’s Resource *.

He explains that, while it was conceived in the 1960s, the hyperlink came into its own with Hypertext Markup Language

(HTML) protocol – a standardised system for tagging text files to achieve font, colour, graphic and hyperlink effects on the World Wide Web (www) – in 1991. There’s no doubt that the first broken link soon followed …

On the surface, the problem is simple: A once-working Universal Resource Locator (URL) – a webpage’s address – is now a goner. The root cause can be any number of things: content could have been renamed, moved or deleted, or an entire site could have evaporated.

In its own way, the web is a very literalminded creature and all it takes is a singlecharacter change in a URL to break a link.

A 2014 Harvard Law School study looks at the legal implications of internet link decay and finds reasons for alarm. The authors, Jonathan Zittrain, Kendra Albert and Lawrence Lessig, determined that approximately 50 percent of the URLs in US Supreme Court’s opinions no longer link to the original information.

They also found that, in a selection of legal journals published between 1999 and 2011, more than 70 percent of the links no longer functioned as intended.

The scholars write: “As websites evolve, not all third parties will have a sufficient interest in preserving the links that provide backwards compatibility to those who relied upon those links. The author of the cited source may decide the argument in the source was mistaken and take it down.

“The website owner may decide to abandon one mode of organising material

for another, or the organisation providing the source material may change its views and ‘update’ the original source to reflect its evolving views.

“In each case, the citing paper is vulnerable to footnotes that no longer support its claims. This vulnerability threatens the integrity of the resulting scholarship.”

To address some of these issues, academic journals are adopting use of digital object identifiers (DOIs), which provide both persistence and traceability, but, as Zittrain, Albert and Lessig point out, many people who produce content for the web are likely to be “indifferent to the problems of posterity”.

The scholars’ solution, supported by a broad coalition of university libraries, is perma.cc – a service that takes a snapshot of a URL’s content and returns a permanent link (known as a permalink) that users employ rather than the original link.

This subject still has a lot more to offer, however, as companies and individuals do have various other options to eliminate the weak link that is “link rot”, and can maximise their site’s long-term utility to users … More on those in future Sound Offs. * Based at Harvard’s Shorenstein Centre on Media, Politics and Public Policy – in the United States – the Journalist’s Resource project examines news topics through a research lens. Last year, the American Library Association named it one of the best free reference websites. | SHEQ

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5

SHEQ

MAIL Interesting news for coffee lovers I’d love to share some fun facts that

findings were published in the Journal of

association between coffee drinking

were highlighted in e-Care, a newsletter

Caffeine Research and The New England

and the risk of dying. “Freedman noted

provided by Consolidated – an authorised

Journal of Medicine. According to the

that the association between coffee and

financial planning business.

study’s author, Neil Freedman, from the

longevity was similar for men and women

National Cancer Institute, the participants

and tended to get stronger as they drank

were between the ages of 50 and 71.

more coffee.”

In its piece: Drink some coffee, the company relates the most wonderful news … it turns out that a “cup of Joe” might just

“The participants were asked about

“Drink some more coffee”, states

hold the key to a long life. After following

their coffee consumption as well as their

another study, published in Mayo Clinic

half a million people, a study found that

lifestyle behaviours; such as whether

Proceedings, which found, however, that

those who drank more coffee

they smoked, whether they exercised,

both men and women, under the age of

seemed less likely to die

their diet, and even their educational

55, who drank more than four cups of

status,” notes e-Care – adding that they

coffee a day, may be at greater risk of an

The newsletter feature

were then followed over the course of

early death.

states that the

12 years. “At the end of the study in

The e-Care piece, however, says it best:

2008, the researchers noted whether the

“The association with coffee and early

participants were still alive or not,

death is only that – an association, not a

prematurely.

and, if not, the cause of death.”

cause.”

The author points out that, contrary to what you would

Johan van Niekerk

think, there is an opposite

Cape Town

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SHEQ

NEWS the numerical horror Strikes … so abundant in South Africa that they even have their own season, but what is the real cost of industrial action? Jan du Toit, senior consultant at the South African Labour Guide, paints the numerical picture

Cleaner coal for the Cape

in his piece: Strikes in numbers – which

It is estimated that South Africa produces an average of 224 million tonnes of

cites The Annual Industrial Action Report for

marketable coal per year, with nearly three quarters of that being consumed

2013, released by the Department of Labour

domestically. According to the Department of Energy, around 77 percent of our

(DoL), as its source.

country’s energy needs are directly derived from this fuel ... like it or not, this energy

“In 2012, the monetary impact of strikes reported to the DoL amounted to trillion

compared

to

Pollution from this commodity doesn’t only come from burning it, but also from

‘only’

transporting it. Every time coal is shipped to a new location, coal dust pollution comes

R1,07 trillion in 2011. The recently released

into play, not to mention the CO2 emitted during its shipment around the country

statistics for 2013 do not look much better in any way,” Du Toit points out.

(most coal is mined in Mpumalanga). However, all is not lost ...

An innovative partnership between Wescoal Trading and Logistics Intelligence

According to data collected and analysed in 2013 by the DoL, there was a rise in the

(LQ) has seen the completion of an environmentally friendly product storage and distribution centre in Bellville, Cape Town.

number of strike incidents, but a drop in

André Bojé, CEO of Wescoal, says he is immensely proud of being part of such an

working days lost, in 2013 when compared

innovative solution to the coal supply chain process. “Wescoal and Wescoal Trading

to 2012. “About 114 strike cases were

are very proud to be involved in this environmentally friendly distribution centre. It

identified and recorded by the department,”

reduces our carbon footprint in the overall coal supply process, as the coal barely

says Du Toit. “The number of strikes recorded

touches the ground once extracted from the coal mines in Mpumalanga.”

is greater than strikes recorded in the last

The transport of the commodity has also been moved from road to rail. The 12 m

five years. It represents an increase of

containers are railed from the Pretcon container terminals in Pretoria, and delivered

15,1 percent from 2012 to 2013.

to the site on trailers.

“Work

days

lost

decreased

by

The first stage is to decant the 12 m container by tipping the contents into a

44,2 percent from 3,3 million in 2012 to

large hopper that can accommodate 30 t. This is then fed by conveyor and loaded

1,85 million in 2013,” notes Du Toit.

into back-door, shipper-owned containers, for delivery or storage.

The industrial action in the mining, manufacturing and transport industries have

This new transshipment centre, the first of its kind in Africa, results in 10 000 t of coal (or 350 vehicles) being taken off the road and transported by train per month.

all had a bad impact on the economy of the

Dirch Olsen from LQ says that the company is thrilled to be part of this process

country. Experts suggest that 2014 will be

and looks forward to further developments in this regard. “A similar facility is already

no different. “These strikes will continue

being planned for Port Elizabeth. This process is very clean and enables a seamless

to hurt the South African economy and its

intermodal solution without adding costs to the supply chain. It fits in perfectly with

investment appeal,” adds Du Doit.

what drives the LQ team – the concept of ‘smart moves’.”

| SHEQ management

R6,67

source will be around for some time.

7

NEWS

Age in numbers The world is ageing fast. According to

HelpAge International states that the

the Global AgeWatch Index, developed by

Index represents 90 percent of people

non-governmental organisation HelpAge

over the age of 60 across the world.

but has the second-highest ranking in the region.

According to HelpAge International,

International, there will be more people

Globally, Norway tops the Index this

there are currently 868 million people

over the age of 60 than children under 10

year, closely followed by Sweden. The top

over the age of 60 – nearly 12 percent

by 2030 …

ten regions are in Western Europe, North

of the global population. By 2050, this

The organisation believes data is

America, Australasia and Japan. The worst

number is predicted to rise 2,02 billion – or

needed to spur informed debate on ageing.

place for an older person is Afghanistan.

21 percent.

The 2014 edition of the Global AgeWatch

Ranked only just above it are Mozambique,

Index, ranks 96 countries according to

West Bank and Gaza, then Malawi.

the social and economic well-being of the elderly, measuring four key areas: income

Closer

to

home,

South

Save the date!

Africa

ranks low on the Index at 80 overall,

security, health, personal capability and an OSH Expo Africa, the continent’s

enabling environment.

premier occupational health and safety exhibition, will be back at Gallagher Convention Centre from May 12 to 14, 2015.

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Because every life has a purpose...

NEWS

Shrouded in smoke A new study, led by the United States-based National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), estimates that more than 40 percent of the world’s garbage is disposed of through unregulated burning – which emits gases and particles that can substantially affect human health and climate change.

“Air pollution across much of the globe is significantly underestimated, because no one is tracking open-fire burning of trash,” says NCAR scientist Christine Wiedinmyer, lead author of the new study.

Wiedinmyer and her co-authors estimate that 1,1 billion tonnes, or 41 percent, of the total waste generated globally each year is disposed of through unregulated burning. The countries producing the most total waste, according to the study, are China, the United States, India, Japan, Brazil, and Germany. Those with the greatest emissions from trash burning are China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan and Turkey.

It states that as much as 29 percent of human-related global emissions of small particulates (less than 2,5 microns in diameter) come from the fires, as well as ten percent of mercury and 40 percent of a group of gases known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These pollutants have been linked to such significant health impacts as decreased lung function, neurological disorders, cancer and heart attacks.

“This study was a first step to assess the magnitude of this issue,” says Wiedinmyer. “The next step is to look at what happens when these pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere – where are they being transported to and which populations are being most affected.”

Freedom won: an EV is released back into the wild There were heavy hearts, and some tears, when Team-Freedom Won (a proudly South African electric vehicle – EV – conversion company) released Freedom3 back into the wild on August 21.

“She’s now on route back to her home in Chobe, Botswana,” says Lizette Kriel, strategy and brand manager, as well as a co-owner and the fairer half of the Freedom Won team (the other being a visionary engineer, Antony English).

The team will see her again this October – strutting her electric stuff – when they spend some time at the Chobe Game Lodge, in Botswana’s Chobe National Park, when commissioning Freedom4 – Chobe’s first electric “skimmer” river boat …

Freedom3, a special electric Land Rover created by Freedom Won, is a Defender 130 pickup with crew cab. It was originally fitted with a 2,5-litre, Td5 diesel engine and a five-speed manual gearbox.

Freedeom3 has been transformed almost beyond recognition under the bonnet, but the exterior remains unaltered and distinctly Land Rover. The magic lies in the 80 kW permanent magnet motor that is coupled directly to the original transfer case, which delivers 600 Nm at low speeds – thus effectively eliminating the need for a gearbox.

“We have retained the high/low and diff-lock functions in the transfer case, so it is still a very rugged off-roader …” Kriel explains. “It is capable of creeping along sandy rutted tracks and climbing rocky ascents, then setting out on the open road at speeds up to 120 km/h.“ A typical range on sand tracks is estimated at 120 km. “On the open road she will manage 150 km if driven carefully,” Kriel points out. “An average charge will be two to three hours, or six hours if the cells have been fully depleted.”

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9

Legally speaking

For law or

money

| SHEQ management

Albert Mushai, with a contribution by Professor Robert W Vivian, looks at an interesting battle between economists and lawyers in the management of the Asbestos Relief Trust

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health

When the Principals complain, after

would delay the restructuring and, in

witnessing the opulent lifestyle of the

2003, Gencor decided to avoid litigation

Africa has been limited,

Agents; who are driving multi-million

and to settle the matter out of court.

essentially

the

rand cars, flying first class around the

Eventually, trusts were established for

Compensation for Occupational Injuries

world, spending hundreds of millions on

the benefit of the victims of asbestosis.

and Diseases Act (COID) prevents

their private houses, with armed guards

One of these trusts is the Asbestos

employees from suing their employers.

pushing the people out of the way – and

Relief Trust.

The Constitutional Court decision of

so on, they are told the wealth will trickle

Thembekile Mankayi versus Anglogold

down; yet it never does.

because

2011, however, uncovered a previously unknown gap in the legislation.

The 2013 Annual Report of the trust reveals an interesting development taking

And so, the Agents do very well at

place. The purpose of the trust is for

the expense of the Principals. In 1776,

the benefit of those who suffered from

Closely allied to the issue of litigation

Adam Smith pointed out that the division

asbestosis (the Principals). Potential

is a problem arising from economic

of labour was the most efficient way

beneficiaries needed to contact the trust

theory,

The trustees had no option but to reject these claims; by doing so they were protecting the real victims of asbestosis.

called

the

Principal-Agent

problem. Economically speaking, it can be argued that it is the most pervasive and intractable economic problem in the world. It has many manifestations and many labels, but, for the purpose of this article, Principal-Agent will do.

Further, the Principal-Agent problem, as

recognised

today,

bears

little

for an economy to function. Today the

and apply for compensation. The trustees

resemblance to the way it was originally

division of labour is widespread. There

(the Agents) would then ensure that, if

formulated.

are Agents everywhere. With the division

they met the requirements, they would be

of labour, however, comes an unintended

compensated from the funds held in trust.

The Principal-Agent problem arises where the Agent purports to act for, and

consequence;

in the interests of, the Principal, but, in

problem.

the

Principal-Agent

The trust could expect to receive many applications, all of which would have to

reality, the Agent acts contrary to his

Not much thought has been devoted to

be considered. This indeed happened. As

mandate; often acting for himself, for

the Principal-Agent problem in litigation,

of the April 28, 2013, 14 500 enquires

his own benefit and usually against the

but the very limited occupational-health

had been received. During the litigation,

interests and benefit of the Principal.

litigation in South Africa seems to

the lawyers claimed to be acting for

As indicated, the problem is pervasive.

demonstrate the Principal-Agent problem

7 500 registered claimants against Cape

It exists in every field of economic

may well be alive and well within litigation

plc and, of course, once Gencor became

activity; it’s sometimes called a conflict

framework.

party to the litigation, additional litigants

of interest. At other times it can be

In 1997, complex asbestosis litigation

called regulatory capture, a moral hazard,

was launched in England against Cape

The problem is that once the trust was

adverse selection – and so on. The Agent

plc, claiming on behalf of South African

established, many who did not qualify

will always claim to be acting in the

victims of asbestos. As the litigation

also approached the trust for money.

interests of the Principal, but the facts

progressed, it became clear that Cape plc

These included some of the original

will reveal a different picture.

was in a precarious financial position. This

7 500 plus, who joined the register of

Lawyers also recognise a Principal-

could be added.

was reflected by its share price, which,

litigants, although they did not qualify for

more

in Oct 2001, had plummeted to £0.11

compensation.

conservative. They believe the Agent will

per share. It became clear that, even if

Of course these applicants had to be

act in terms of the mandate. Lawyers are

the case was won, Cape plc probably

turned away. The trustees (Agents) had

more trusting than economists and they

would not be able to pay as it would

no option but to reject these claims, since

have a much narrower concept of the

possibly follow other former asbestos

they did not fall within the parameters

Principal-Agent relationship.

manufacturers into insolvency.

specified in the trust deed. By doing

Agent

Take

relationship,

a

simple

but

are

example:

In

Legally speaking

and

safety litigation in South

a

Almost seamlessly, the litigation then

so, the agents would be protecting the

democracy, the people (Principals) elect

switched to an action in South Africa,

interests of the real victims of asbestosis,

representatives (Agents). The people

against the South African company

the Principals, as expected by the

believe their representatives will act in

Gencor. At the time, Gencor was in the

lawyers.

their interests. However, once elected,

process of restructuring to form what

Thus, it seemed as though the

their Agents quickly use the system for

would become BHP Billiton. What could

economists would be wrong. Agents

their own benefit.

possibly be long drawn-out litigation

do indeed act in the interests of the

»

| SHEQ management

O

ccupational

11

Legally speaking

Principals. In this case, the trustees were

did not meet the criteria, as an ex gratia

doing what is legally required of them. In

payment.

Master of the High Court.

Once again it was indicated that the

the Principal-Agent framework, they were

The payment was supported by the

trustees should pay over funds to people,

acting in terms of their mandate. The

office of the premier of Northern Cape.

who did not qualify in terms of the trust

Principal-Agent problem in economics,

And so the Principal-Agent problem of

deed. Without prior notice, the Chief

however, warns that Agents will not keep

economics appears. In this case, the

Master then advised that he was going

within their mandate and that funds will

trustees continued to refuse to make

to unilaterally appoint two additional

be used for purposes outside of the terms

the payments. On the face of it, it looked

trustees. Their appointments were not

of the mandate.

as though the economic Principal-Agent

made at the request of the trustees

problem would not arise, and the lawyers

(Agents) or the beneficiaries (Principals),

would be correct.

or in consultation with them. On the

It was not long after the formation of the trust, that people, who had put their names down as claimants, started

In terms of legislation (the Trust

to demand money – even although they

Property Control Act), trusts fall under

August 5, 2013, the Master appointed

were not victims of asbestosis. Trustees

the control of the Master of the High

It now remains to be seen whether

(Agents) continued to refuse to make any

Court. In October 2012, the trustees were

the trust will start distributing funds that

payments to these claimants.

the two additional trustees.

summoned to the office of the Master

are not authorised by the trust deed.

During May 2012, the trustees were

of the North Gauteng High Court, in

The economic Principal-Agent theory

requested to meet with the deputy

Pretoria, for a meeting. Representatives

indicates that this may well happen.

minister of mineral resources in Pretoria.

of the deputy minister and office of

Lawyers will say it cannot happen. It will

At the meeting, it was suggested that the

the premier were in attendance. The

be interesting to see who is correct; the

trust pay R30 million to individuals, who

meeting was presided over by the Chief

lawyers or economists! | SHEQ

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 Wits University as a lecturer in insurance.

What is SHEQsys?

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 smaller 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.

Modules SHEQsys is the framework, the modules are the tools you plug into it. This basically means that SHEQsys can be scaled to meet your needs, now or later.

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, email notifications will be sent to relevant people when events take place.

Installation | SHEQ management

No installation on user’s 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.

Telephone: +27-011-8497053, +27-082-4432281 Website: www.SHEQsys.com Email: info@SHEQsys.com

12

Innovation

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

Incident

Allows users to easily log Incidents of varying severity and level from Low Risk Potential Incidents and Near Misses to High Risk Incidents. Investigation is fully customisable and follows approval routes to ensure proper completion.

Audit

Conduct audits; inspections and surveys with customisable templates with percentage based scoring. Raise incidents or feedback directly from audit findings.

Feedback

All users can express constructive feedback whether negative or positive to keep open communication between different areas.

Trend Pareto Analysis

Generate Pareto analysis of production process defects or any quantifiable value.

Allowing you to easily identify common problems and correct them.

Call Report

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

Risk Assessment

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

Document Control

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

Instrumentation

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

13

| SHEQ management

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

Raising the bar

Coach, mentor,

communicate Having looked at leadership over the past few months, we now need to focus on coaching and mentoring.

The first important skill to consider is communication

W

hat

difference

Mentorship can be time bound within

is the sender. This person begins the

between a coach and a

is

the

a formal process, which can continue

communication by taking an idea or

mentor?

informally after the agreed period, and by

subject and relating it to the receiver. The

agreement between both parties.

message is then coded in order for the

A coaching relationship

is initiated as a result of the manager

In a nutshell, a mentor provides advice

receiver to understand what is needed.

or supervisor’s job description, which

on career, development opportunities and

This coding can take various forms such as

translates to a formal and hierarchical

what it would take to become a leader.

written or spoken language, or non-verbal

relationship. There is always a specific

The coach, on the other hand, is more

communication. The sender will decide on

objective to be achieved, which is often

of a tutor; observing the employee’s work

the best form of communication to use for

task orientated. It is driven and initiated

and actions and providing comments on the

the subject at hand.

by the coach.

execution and skills which may be lacking.

Having focused on communication with

needs to decode and interpret the

employee is based on the task being

customers in the last series of articles, it is

message and understand it fully. If this

taught. When this has been mastered, the

important to state that good communication

does not take place, communication would

relationship is over until the next task.

is also central to being a great coach and

have been lost.

A mentoring relationship is based on the holistic development of an employee

| SHEQ management

mentor. It is most important to develop superb communication skills.

A

very

important

aspect

of

communication is that the receiver

during his or her career, and not solely in a

The distinct attributes that make up any

responds in some way, thus initiating a

single area of operation. A mentor does not

messages being communicated are words,

two-way conversation, assuring the sender

offer only work-related advice and support,

measured at seven percent of the total;

that the message has been understood as

but also supports and advises on personal

tone, at 38 percent; and body language, at

it was intended. This response can, once

matters.

55 percent.

again, take various forms; for example,

This area of communication is generally

It is, therefore, imperative to project a

initiated by the business, or by encouraging

positive image when communicating. Note

employees to seek a mentor from an

how a motivational speaker carries him or

approved panel, or to choose someone

herself when addressing an audience …

they are comfortable with.

14

The person receiving the message

The relationship between coach and

The first key element of communication

verbal or written communication, or a nod of the head.

Going forward, we will focus on developing coaching and mentoring skills of the highest order. | SHEQ

Jannie Koegelenberg is passionate about promoting positive customer experiences. He runs the EDGE Training Consultancy, a leading provider of world class training and development programmes that meaningfully change and impact on people’s lives. He has a 38-year track record in the motor industry, having worked at Mercedes-Benz distributor United Cars and Diesel Distributors, Ford Motor Company SA and Toyota SA Marketing.

Quality

It’s an ideal time to get

certified A survey by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) shows how management systems help tackle global challenges. Ian Osmond, business development manager at Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA), explains total of 1 541 983 certificates had been

of the major ISO standards

issued worldwide by December 2013,

of the Independent International

currently under revision,

representing a four percent increase

Organisation for Certification (IIOC),

the latest ISO Survey of

year-on-year. This annual survey, now

the organisation participates in all

Certifications indicates that achieving

entering its third decade, continues

of the major committees helping

certification

management

to provide a pragmatic picture of

to shape the future of the world’s

system standards is still very much a

certifications to ISO’s management

leading ISO standards – including

priority.

system standards across the globe.

ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001

to

ISO

With both ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environmental) at Draft International Standard (DIS) stage, providers of consultancy, assessment, certification and training services are gearing up for potentially the single largest increase in activity in the history of the management systems industry.

Interested

including

LRQA’s

membership

ISO’s survey shows that a grand total of 1 541 983 certificates had been issued worldwide by December 2013.

On trend from previous years,

parties,

Through

the

latest

edition

demonstrates

(the new ISO standard for occupational health and safety, set to replace

organisations, quality/environmental/

reliable performance for all seven ISO

OHSAS

health and safety managers and

management system standards covered

LRQA to design its services to make

consultants, as well as certification

in the survey, including: quality/

the transition to the new standards

bodies, are all trying to interpret the

automotive quality, environmental,

as seamless as possible for the

changes as they happen.

energy, information security, food and

many thousands of clients served

medical devices.

worldwide. | SHEQ

ISO’s survey shows that a grand

18001).

This

allows

the

| SHEQ management

A

gainst the backdrop of all

15

risk management

As a relatively new discipline, risk management continues to be a constantly researched subject matter – with many experts doing their best to reflect on its effectiveness and predict its future, especially during this era of economic turmoil. One such attempt has been by Steve Culp, senior managing director of Accenture Finance & Risk Services

B

ased in London, Culp has

The challenge is ensuring consistency

levels of investment and focus on risk

more than 20 years of global

around the risk process and entrenching

management puts more pressure on risk

experience, working with

risk buy-in in areas that are different in

officers to demonstrate the benefits of

clients to define strategy

terms of doing business, have different

the process, by linking the outcomes

and execute change programmes across

market

have

from risk management processes more

a broad spectrum of risk management

different maturity levels, when it comes

directly to business outcomes and

and finance disciplines. He outlines eight

to risk management.

tangible cost reductions.

business and technology trends that

conditions

and

that

Technology: There is a need to

internally

organisations are more actively seeking

culture: A number of organisations are

business

outputs

collaboration with the risk function

beginning to provide internal training

and insights required to outpace the

and distinct measurements of the risk

for staff on risk management, and

competition. This is not only true

roles in new projects and day-to-day

discussions are aimed at ensuring that

for the risk management aspect of

business. Through a sometimes “forced”

all employees understand their role in

an organisation, but every aspect of

collaboration, companies attempt to

managing risk within the organisation.

business, from product development to

ensure a clear and measureable risk

customer services.

process in which everyone is involved.

Risk processes that expect more complexities in the marketplace: Companies

need

risk

management

capabilities to support scenario planning

and

deliver

the

Better alignment between the

A

and

partnerships

in a way that will better serve the

Entrenchment of a good risk

externally:

risk-orientated

for

environment: Across the globe, there

increasing

changing

strategy

financial

officer: The

the

Many

roles of chief risk officer and chief

regulatory

and risk mitigation, and they need

has been a change in “regulatory

information based on more than just a

waves” as a result of the recent tough

finance or process perspective. They

economic conditions. The new trend

need to be able to look at different

is to implement an integrated risk

markets, customers and product lines in

management framework more suited

a more sophisticated manner.

to meeting strategic business needs,

A more global shift (non areaspecific processes): Risk management

| SHEQ management

better

integrate, align and harness technologies

shape risk management:

16

Fostering

while taking into account an everchanging regulatory environment.

best practice is no longer concentrated

Harmonisation and linking of

in the usual regional centres. With moves

operational processes to the bigger

into new and unchartered territories, the

role of risk: Process issues (that usually

risk discipline has to deal with factors

have a small degree of risk) have clear

around new cultures in the new markets

risk assessment criteria to ensure that,

and a workforce that is linked only

ultimately, they do not snowball and

through technology.

create risks at a later stage. | SHEQ

The changing face of

risk management

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| SHEQ management

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17

COVER STORY

I

t’s said that no good deed goes

the carbon footprint of its factory and

“There are two different application

unnoticed, and the Exporters Club

products and also introduced a unique

processes – one for uni-base colours (for

is proving this point. The club’s top

spraying system in its paint shop, which

example red, white and black) and a second

annual

has significantly reduced hazardous waste

for metallic colours (for example silver or

in the production process.”

shadow blue),” explains Nico Serfontein,

environmental

accolade,

which recognises companies for their efforts in implementing environmentally

head of the paint shop at VW’s Uitenhage

responsible manufacturing practices, has

The environmental magic behind

been presented to Volkswagen Group

the new painting process

South Africa (VWSA).

The new painting technique, called

in Base Coat Station 1, is used for all colours;

manufacturing plant.

“The first application process, employed

The company received this prize, along

the Bell Bell process, is 100-percent

uni-base and metallic and is referred to as

with the Original Equipment Manufacturer

electrostatic. VW’s manufacturing plant,

an Esta or Bell application.”

(OEM) of the Year award, at the annual

in Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape, is

He continues: “The second, more

banquet of the Exporters Club of South

the first paint shop in the VW Group

conventional application process is used

Africa: Eastern Cape – held at the Port

to introduce a water-borne derivative

in Base Coat Station 2, where only metallic

Elizabeth Boardwalk Convention Centre.

of this painting process (before this it

cars are painted with a second coat. This

According to the judges, VWSA is a

had been used only with solvent-borne

system works on the same principles as

worthy winner: “It continued to reduce

paint). The spraying system reduces

a manual spray gun, except that a double

hazardous waste, while improving the

gun configuration is mounted at the end of

painting efficiency levels.

a robot arm. It is referred to as a Spraymate System.”

Accolades

| SHEQ management

all round

18

Vehicle manufacturers the world over are embracing SHEQ standards to the full – and it isn’t going unnoticed. Volkswagen Group South Africa has won the SJM Flex Environmental Award for the third year in a row … but this isn’t all. The company is also attaining accolades for other aspects of the acronym

Reclaim and Sappi. The funds generated

presented this accolade to VWSA for the

from recycling are used to pay for the

2013 export volume of its Polo model

transfer efficiency of atomised paint. In

labour and equipment used in the yard.

(to over 30 different countries) and its

VWSA is also ensuring that everyone

the car and the rest is disposed of as

is kept in the environmentally friendly

waste.

loop with an internal “Think Blue. Factory”

parts and accessories turnover volume (the highest in VWSA’s history).

The judges point out that VWSA has

this

achieved first place in the passenger car

has a transfer efficiency of only 35 percent,

the company aims to communicate the

market for the fifth year in a row, was

with around 65 percent of the atomised

goals and key messages regarding the

awarded gold status for Audi and VW on

paint going to waste, but the Spraymate

“Think Blue. Factory” strategy to all VW

the IPSOS customer satisfaction index and

System improves the colour’s appearance

employees.

was placed first and second in the dealer

Base Coat Station 2, on the other hand,

on a painted surface.

awareness

campaign.

Through

As part of the awareness campaign, the

satisfaction index.

With the Esta system, however, the

“Think Blue. Pavilion” – specially designed

The company’s customer interaction

application is a lot softer – which means less

as an information point for the strategy –

centre was also voted the number one

over spraying and fewer chemicals in the

has been erected at the Uitenhage plant.

call centre in South Africa, at the Contact

washout area. This, in turn, has lowered the

Itself an environmental ambassador, the

Centre Management Group’s (CCMG’s)

volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

pavilion is built out of new and recycled

annual Contact Centre Awards, held

The Bell Bell painting process also uses

material (sourced from the waste yard) and

in Johannesburg. (CCMG is the official

less compressed air, resulting in increased

eco-friendly, water-based products have

professional

energy efficiency.

been used to paint the walls and varnish

for the development of businesses and

the floors.

individuals in the South African contact

David Powels, managing director at

association

responsible

centre industry.)

VWSA, says that the new painting system

The structure is divided into four

is in line with the VW Group’s “Think Blue.

quadrants; each dedicated to the “Think

VWSA scooped up two gold awards; one

Factory” strategy, which aims to reduce the

Blue.” focus areas of waste, water,

for Best Supervisor and another for Best

environmental impact of each car produced

energy as well as CO2 and volatile organic

by 25 percent.

compound (VOC) emissions. Surrounding the pavilion is a “Think Blue. Garden”

Think Blue. Factory – not just

that houses water-wise plants.

a strategy, but part of the

This area will remain a green space,

company’s culture

for VW employees to enjoy, once

This global, wide-ranging umbrella brand

the awareness campaign has been

defines the Group’s ambitious strategy of

completed and the pavilion removed.

transforming its vehicles, manufacturing

The SJM Flex Environmental

processes and business operations to

Award’s judges add that, over

environmentally conscious elements that

the last three years, through the

would make the hardiest of hippies proud.

environmental “Think Blue. Factory”

MD of VWSA, David Powels, with the company’s thrid consecutive SJM Flex Environmental Award.

It aims to reduce the environmental

strategy, the company has reduced

impact of all existing factories and new VW

its electricity usage by 20 percent,

locations by 25 percent by 2018. And the

waste disposal by 26 percent, water

Uitenhage plant is definitely making blue

usage by 40 percent, CO2 emissions

the new green …

by 14 percent and VOC emissions by 18

Workforce Planner. The centre also won

percent.

silver for Best Contact Centre Manager and

It recycles over 23 000 t of waste a year.

a bronze award for Best Contact Centre

Some of it does get disposed of normally,

“VWSA is a clear leader in the area of

but this 2 900 t pales in comparison to the

environmental awareness,” says Quintin

amount being recycled.

Levey, Exporters Club chairman and one

Sir John Vanbrugh, an English architect

The company has also been salvaging

of the judges. “It has dedicated a large

and dramatist who lived in the early

steel for more than 50 years – with paper,

amount of time and a large sum of money

18th century, said it best: “Virtue is its

cardboard and plastic recycling inaugurated

to assessing and monitoring the reduction

own reward. There’s a pleasure in doing

13 years ago.

of its carbon footprint.”

good which sufficiently pays itself.”

Service Professional.

However, there’s nothing wrong with due

All the paper, ink cartridges, cardboard and scrap steel that the plant generates is

Environmentally conscious and a

acknowledgement every now and then

sent to its self-sufficient waste yard where

“quality” ambassador

… especially if what you’re doing keeps

it is bailed and compacted. From here, the

As for the OEM of the Year award, the

customers happy and is better for the

waste bails are sent to companies such as

Eastern Cape branch of the Exporters Club

environment. | SHEQ

| SHEQ management

short, 70 percent of the paint goes onto

COVER STORY

The Esta system’s main advantage is that it uses electrostatics to improve the

19

SHEQ IN HEALTHCARE

Burn baby,

burn!

Healthcare waste is often incinerated and dioxins, furans and other toxic air pollutants may be produced as emissions. CLAIRE RENCKEN investigates

O

ver the last few years,

result in skin lesions and altered liver

there has been growing

function. Exposure of animals to dioxins

segregation,

controversy

has resulted in several types of cancer.

appropriate wastes are incinerated;

over

the

| SHEQ management

ensuring

that

only

incineration of healthcare

The International Agency for Research

• Situating incinerators away from areas

waste. In some instances – including

on Cancer (IARC) classifies dioxins as a

that are populated, or where food is

when wastes are incinerated at low

“known human carcinogen”. However,

temperatures, or when plastics that

most of the evidence documenting the

contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are

toxicity of dioxins and furans is based

that

incinerated – dioxins, furans and co-planar

on studies of populations that have

appropriate, for example, sufficient

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may

been exposed to high concentrations of

residence time and temperatures

be produced as emissions and/or in

dioxins, either occupationally or through

to minimise products of incomplete

ash. Exposure to these substances

industrial accidents. There is currently

can sometimes lead to adverse health

insufficient evidence to prove that

• Construction of disposal units that

effects.

chronic, low-level exposures to dioxins

follow detailed dimensional plans,

and furans cause cancer in humans.

thus avoiding flaws that can lead

Among the different dioxins and

20

• Effective waste reduction and waste

grown, thus minimising exposure; • A properly engineered design, ensuring combustion

conditions

are

combustion;

furans, not all have the same toxicity;

The safe disposal of healthcare

to incomplete destruction of waste,

some are even harmless. Dioxins, furans

waste generated at smaller rural clinics,

higher emissions and premature failure

and co-planar PCBs are persistent

or larger facilities where adequate,

substances that do not readily break

well-operated

exists,

• Proper operation of incinerators, which

down in the environment and that bio-

is feasible. However, the volume of

is critical to achieving the desired

accumulate in the food chain.

waste generated within large facilities

combustion conditions and reducing

infrastructure

Long-term, low-level exposure of

where resources are limited, or during

humans to dioxins and furans may lead

immunisation campaigns, may be difficult

to impairment of the immune system, as

to dispose of safely.

well as impairment of the development

To reduce exposure to toxic pollutants

of the nervous system, the endocrine

associated with the combustion process,

system and the reproductive functions.

best practices for incineration must be

Short-term, high-level exposure may

promoted and should include:

of the incinerator;

emissions; • Periodic maintenance to replace or repair defective components, including inspection, spare parts inventory and record keeping; • Enhanced training and management – possibly promoted by certification

SHEQ IN HEALTHCARE

Gloves in a bottle Working in an environment where you are constantly coming into contact with moisture-depleting irritants can result in dry, cracked, red, itchy or flaky skin.

Gloves in a bottle (GIAB) Shielding Lotion from Medloyd Healthcare, has been scientifically tested to be more effective than conventional moisturisers, most of which do not penetrate beneath the second major layer of skin. GIAB does not wash off through conventional washing.

A single application provides deep rooted skincare that lasts between four and 12 hours.

GIAB works by locking in the natural and inspection programmes for operators; and

sound management policies for healthcare waste;

• the availability of an operating

• Support global efforts to reduce

and maintenance manual and

the amount of noxious emissions

maintenance programmes.

released into the atmosphere,

The World Health Organisation (WHO) aims to promote effective non-burn technologies for the final disposal of medical wastes, to avoid both the disease burden from unsafe

to reduce disease and defer the onset of global climate change; • S upport

the

Stockholm

Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs);

healthcare waste management, and

• Support the Basel Convention

the potential risks from dioxins,

(1989) on hazardous wastes and

furans and co-planar PCBs. The WHO has committed to: • P revent

the

moisture and oils of the skin.

other wastes; • Reduce the exposure to toxic

health

risks

pollutants associated with the

associated with exposure to

combustion

healthcare

waste

for

process

through

both

the promotion of appropriate

health workers and the public,

practices for high temperature

by promoting environmentally

incineration. | SHEQ

| SHEQ management

Sanitech offers fully compliant sanitation and hygiene solutions to protect the environment, your staff and clients.

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substance abuse

When under the

influence A problem that needs to be met head-on at all levels of an organisation, alcohol and drug abuse is widely acknowledged as one of the most prevalent and serious issues facing the South African workplace …

W

orse still, the prevalence

Michael Crossland, substance abuse

of drug abuse is on the

product manager at Precision Safety

increase, as availability

Appliances (PSA), says that, for a company,

If an employee is suspected of

of

many

of

these

the implications of substance abuse in the

being under the influence of alcohol or

workplace are far-reaching. Intoxicated

drugs, testing is the obvious next step.

decrease. Ironically though, drug testing

employees may cause an injury, while on

However, says Evans, to ensure that

in the workplace has traditionally not

duty, that can affect a company’s insurance

testing does not become a legal issue,

been as widely implemented as testing

rating. They may damage property, sleep

a multi-faceted approach is required;

for alcohol.

on the job, neglect their duties (resulting

including having relevant substance

in loss of productivity), steal, become

abuse policies in place, employee

violent, cost the company time and money

education and drug testing.

Evans,

director

of

ALCO-Safe,

as

improvements in available technologies

| SHEQ management

dishevelled appearance,” he advises.

substances increases and their prices

This needn’t be the case, says Rhys

22

no apparent reason; and an unusually

and bring its name into disrepute.

“The OHS Act: General Safety Regulation

have made drug testing easier and

“An employer must be on the lookout

2A states that every employer has a duty

more affordable than ever. In addition,

for: unruly, aggressive or despondent

to stop persons from entering, or remaining

implementing drug testing alongside alcohol

behaviour;

in

at, work if they appear to be under the

testing is essential for compliance to the

absenteeism and deterioration in health;

influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs,”

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.

a definite decrease in productivity for

he notes.

a

marked

increase

testing has gained popularity because it is

as an admission of guilt.”

less intrusive, but it can be expensive.

be followed when doing testing, outlined

Crossland notes that testing must be

Kits are also available that enable the

as a step-by-step process. Operators

done fairly, without discrimination and

testing of substances, such as powders

of drug testing equipment need not be

within the prescribed law. Each company

or tablets, for the presence of drugs.

medical professionals, but they do need

may adopt its own procedure, but the

Organisations need to consider both the

to undergo competency training, which

following steps are in line with best

nature of the testing and the cost involved,

should also be included in the formulation

practice:

as well as the specific circumstances of the

of policies.

• The frequency of tests can be either

business and industry.

“Once these policies have been put into place, the appropriate drug testing

random or full testing of all employees (this is recommended);

When confirming the presence of intoxicating substances, the company’s

equipment can be integrated into the

• A passive/screening test should be

policy must advise on what action to

organisation,” he adds, noting that it is

conducted on each employee entering

take. “Each company may grade certain

also advisable to involve any appropriate

the work premises.

offences differently, especially when they

unions in the formulation of drug testing

• If a positive result is found, then a

are involved in safety-sensitive working

policies, to ensure that there are no

confirmation test should be conducted.

misunderstandings and no misinformation

• All equipment used must be of a

“Some may deem it a level one offence

professional grade and calibrated on a

(a written warning), others a level three

regular basis to ensure accuracy.

(instant dismissal). This is also dependent

at a later stage.

Crossland adds that the substance abuse policy must be communicated to

substance abuse

to be tested by the employee will be seen

environments,” says Crossland.

on whether the company has an employee

all employees. “If the company has a

When selecting equipment, says Evans,

assistance programme in place, whereby

substance abuse policy in place and the

there are numerous options available.

employees with alcohol or substance

employees have been informed of this, and

Testing for drugs normally involves a saliva

dependencies will be given proper care and

have most likely signed a code of conduct

or urine sample. Urine testing is a cost-

counselling in order to help them with their

agreement upon employment, any refusal

effective option and highly portable. Saliva

addiction.” | SHEQ

| SHEQ management

“Substance abuse policies need to include full details of the procedures to

23

noshcon

REVIEW

Putting the colour

in SHEQ

Year after year Noshcon delivers the goods – and the 2014 event was no exception. SHEQ MANAGEMENT enjoyed the mix of information and entertainment

T

here are probably few other

final evening’s gala dinner and awards

people who can pull a crowd,

ceremony.

make people stand up, dance

The presentation of Nosa’s Noscar

Nosa business continues to grow in

and sing, and leave each one

awards to it clients, which have truly

South Africa and abroad. Our operations

feeling deeply South African, as can

lived the company’s values in their day-

in China have grown significantly and,

Johnny Clegg. This much was true on

to-day SHEQ-related activities, is always

to service our growing European client

the opening night of Noshcon 2014 –

a highlight of Noshcon. This was the first

base, we’ve recently opened an office

held at Champagne Sports Resort, from

year that the Noscar and international

in Belguim.”

September 9 to 12.

awards were integrated into one, and

Carlisle was also proud of the company’s

over 500 delegates and guests were in

recent investments into new products and

attendance.

markets; including the announcement

As the band began playing the first chords of each song, more and more delegates left whatever course of their

“Noshcon is a fantastic opportunity for

of a significant investment in the field

meal they were eating and began to smile,

Noscar winners to get the recognition they

of contractor management and supplier

dance, sing and cheer. It was a perfectly

deserve. Health and safety departments

vetting, along with the launch of Samtrac

apt way to kick-off the Nosa’s 53rd Annual

have to juggle a very limited budget to

E-learning for the mining and security

Occupational Risk Management Conference

ensure everyone goes home in the

sectors.

and Exhibition, themed “colour”.

evenings. The awards are a small gesture

“We have also recently established an

of appreciation to those who get it right,”

innovation hub, which is responsible for

says Nosa CEO Duncan Carlisle.

tracking global trends in occupational risk

The evening functions ensured the colourful and up-beat nature of Noshcon was continued, with local band Georgetown

Carlisle was keen to point out that

management to ensure we offer our clients

the

Noscar companies represent only eight

solutions in line with global best practice,”

second evening’s cocktail function. The

percent of all companies on the Nosa

he adds.

Barnyard’s energetic “Time Warp” routine

system. A full list of this year’s winners

kept delegates on their feet during the

is on page 27.

| SHEQ management

entertaining

24

In his address, Carlisle gave a rundown of the company’s current standing. “The

delegates

during

By offering delegates a platform to discuss pertinent topics, the Noshcon

noshcon

REVIEW

integrated

all

next month with a feature

aspects of the SHEQ industry.

on

A mix of local and international

management,

speakers kept delegates both

the conference by Jonathan

entertained

Leeming, CEO at VenomWorks.

and

informed;

venomous

animal presented

risk at

beginning with the dynamic

From creatures with sharp

opening address by global risk

teeth and venomous defences

consultant Andrew Sharman,

(yes, some of them were

who used his love of swimming

actually part of the exhibition);

with sharks (complete with a

dancing the night away and

recent bite on the bum!) to

days filled with information

talk about turning personal fear

and discussion; to Nosa and the

into a positive force.

Noshcon delegates showing

In all, 26 individual sessions

their true colours by raising

were on offer – including the

over R30 000 for the Bongani

thought-provoking

interactive

Masuku family trust (one of

debate, and the entertaining

Johnny Clegg’s band members

industrial theatre by Losika

tragically

Change, entitled Health, Safety

months ago – the trust ensures

and Silliness.

that the education and medical

murdered

a

few

You can look forward to

needs of his four children are

reading about some of these

met), Noshcon 2014 certainly

in future editions of SHEQ

was one of the most colourful

MANAGEMENT,

yet. | SHEQ

beginning

How we got there Hyundai Automotive South Africa was kind enough to give SHEQ MANAGEMENT the use of a new ix35 sports utility vehicle (SUV) for our trip to Champagne Sports Resort.

Upgraded earlier this year, the ix35 (we drove the middleof-the-range Executive model) presents an ideal mix of safety and economy for a trip to a SHEQ event such as Noshcon 2014.

The R359 900 ix35 Executive instils a sense of safety, beginning with its stiffer and lighter body shell made from ultra-high tensile strength steel.

It also features a full suite of standard safety features; including six airbags, ABS anti-lock braking, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Stability Program, Vehicle Stability Management, Active Yaw Control, Downhill Brake Control and Hill-start Assist Control. The upgraded styling of the ix35 also incorporates daytime running lights to improve the vehicle’s visibility to other motorists.

With this ingrained focus on safety, we were able to enjoy the ix35’s comfortable, near-silent drive. The vehicle’s new 2,0-litre engine is also exceptionally kind to the environment, emitting a mere 207 g/km of CO2 while consuming just 8,5 litres of fuel per 100 km (incidentally, a figure we bettered during our time with the vehicle).

It’s little wonder that Hyundai is currently the fourthlargest vehicle manufacturer in the world, and has been the world’s fastest-growing car brand since 2011 – a scenario born out of the company’s serious focus on quality.

| SHEQ management

programme

25

noshcon

AWARDS

Enhancing Business through SHEQ management solutions

| SHEQ management

NOSA is a leading global supplier of occupational risk management services and solutions. We enhance our clients’ business performance while simultaneously creating a safe environment for the employed workforce.

Innovative solutions since 1951

26

0861 11 NOSA (6672) www.nosa.co.za

noshcon

AWARDS

Noscar winners OTB Construction (Pty) Ltd Sasol Secunda Prommac (Pty) Ltd SGB-Cape Richards Bay Minerals, a division of Waco Africa (Pty) Ltd Wilec, a division of Actom (Pty) Ltd Olifantsfontein Ertan Hydroelectric Power Plant of Yalong River Hydropower Development Company, Ltd. Eskom Peaking Operating Unit Gourikwa Power Station Eskom Peaking Operating Unit Portfolio Ankerlig Power Station Illovo Sugar (South Africa) Ltd Syrup Plant Jones & Wagener (Pty) Ltd Proconics (Pty) Ltd Secunda SGB-Cape FT Wax Expansion Project, a division of Waco Africa (Pty) Ltd Timber Logistics Services Amalgamated Beverage Industries, a division of The South African Breweries Limited, Kwazulu-Natal Supply Chain Idwala Witpoort Ottosdal Illovo Sugar South Africa Limited Beaumont Farm Reid & Mitchell, a division of Actom (Pty) Ltd SGB-Cape Matla Power Station, a division of Waco Africa (Pty) Ltd Shajiao c Power Station of Guangdong Yudean Group Co., LTD The South African Breweries Limited Chamdor Brewery Afrisam SA (Pty) Ltd Swaziland Air Product South Africa (Pty) Ltd Impala Platinum Springs B&W Instrumentation & Electrical Limited Alberton CLP India (Pvt) Ltd Paguthan Combined Cycle Power Plant Eskom Peaking Operating Unit Port Rex Power Station Jet Demolition (Pty) Ltd LH Marthinusen Denver, a division of Actom (Pty) Ltd Pioneer Foods (Pty) Ltd t/a Bokomo Foods Weetbix Senmin International Sasolburg SGB-Cape Kendal Logistics, a division of Waco Africa (Pty) Ltd Tongaat Hulett Sugar Voermol Feeds Transnet Port Terminals Car Terminal, Port Elizabeth Foster Wheeler Head Office Midrand SA (Pty) Ltd Eskom Peaking Operating Unit Gariep Power Station FPT Group (Pty) Ltd Port Elizabeth Terminal Karbochem (Pty) Ltd Newcastle SGB-Cape Richards Bay, a division of Waco Africa (Pty) Ltd African Amines (Pty) Ltd Newcastle Eskom Holdings Limited Kendal Power Station Eskom Peaking Operating Unit Acacia Power Station Air Products South Africa (Pty) Ltd Head Office Eskom Peaking Operating Unit Vanderkloof Power Station Idwala Sales and Distribution Manganese Metal Company (Pty) Ltd Quality Products (Pty) Ltd Transnet Port Terminals Car Terminal, East London Tronox Namakwa Sands Masonite (Africa) Limited Forestry Division Auma Springs (Pty) Ltd South Africa IPSCO (Pty) Ltd Eskom Holdings Limited Duvha Power Station The South African Breweries Limited Polokwane Breweries The South African Breweries Limited Prospecton Breweries

Noscar number 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Company awarded The South African Breweries Limited Ibhayi Breweries Eskom Peaking Operating Unit Drakensberg Power Station Eskom Peaking Operating Unit Palmiet Pump StorageScheme The South African Breweries Limited Alrode Brewery The South African Breweries Limited Cyril Ramaphosa World of Learning Eskom Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Nuclear Division Transnet Rail Engineering Wagon Maintenance Vandyksdrif Karbochem (Pty) Ltd Sasolburg Afrisam SA (Pty) Ltd Roodepoort

Noscar number 12 14 14 15 15 16 17 30 32

2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4

CATEGORY A (CMB 150N) A (CMB 253) A (CMB 283) B (CMB 150N) B (CMB253) C1 (CMB 150N) C1 (CMB 253) C3 (CMB 150N) C3 (CMB 253)

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 11 11 12 12 12

D1 (CMB 253) D2 (CMB 150N) D2 (CMB 253) D3 (CMB 253) D4 (CMB 150 N) D4 (CMB 253) D5 (CMB 253) D6 (CMB 253) E (CMB 150 N) E (CMB 253) F (CMB 150 N) F (CMB 253) I (CMB 150 N) I (CMB 253) I (CMB 255) H (CMB 253) J (CMB 150 N) J (CMB 253) Top Commercial Top Manufacturing Top Mining

SIC WINNERs FTH Trust/Ntaba Forestry/Khuthele Forestry A C Higgs Timber Harvesting CC Tongaat HuletT Zimbabwe Mwenezana Estate BT Communication Secunda & Sasolburg Sasolburg Scrap Metal (PTY) Ltd Vanderbijlpark Thaba Chueu Mining (PTY) Ltd Delams Paladin (Africa) Limited Kayelekera Mine Electro Hydro World CC Sinosteel Zimasco Mutorashanga Amalgamated Beverage Industries The Soft Drink Division of South African Breweries Limited Midrand Dynamic Fibre Products (PTY) Ltd t/a Dynamic Fibre Moulding Masonite (Africa) Limited - Estcourt Mill Afrisam SA (PTY) Ltd - Brakpan Seal Tight (PTY) Ltd Vereeniging NPC Cimpor (RF) (PTY) Ltd - Simuma Port Shepstone Illovo Sugar (South Africa) Limited Eston Sugar Mill KK Animal Nutrition (PTY) Ltd Eskom Holdings Limited Majuba Power Station Air Products South Africa (PTY) Ltd Pinetown Raysonics (PTY) Ltd Secunda SGB-Cape - A Division of Waco Africa (PTY) Ltd Durban S.T.O.N.E.S Plant Hire CC Barloworld Logistics (PTY) Ltd Germiston Transnet Freight Rail Terminal Vaalcon Containers & Automotive Vereeniging Leopard Creek Share Block Ltd Bidfreight Port Operations (PTY) Ltd Durban Stevedores South African Container Stevedores Durban, a division of Bidfreight Port Operations Jet Demolition (PTY) Ltd The South African Breweries Limited Chamdor Brewery Idwala Witpoort Ottosdal

| SHEQ management

Company awarded

27

Saiosh at NOSHCON 2014

Saiosh – South Africa’s leading Professional Health and Safety Body More than 350 delegates visited the Saiosh exhibition stand during NOSHCON 2014 and took part in Saiosh’s unique “Wear a Hard Hat and Win an LED TV” competition. Delegates also took the opportunity to find out more about the SAQA Professional OHS Registration and the Professional OHS Designations offered by Saiosh. Members of Saiosh visited the stand to check their membership status and were shown how to update their profiles and upload continuing professional development (CPD) points.

Saiosh is the registration board for the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health South Africa (IOSH SA), which is recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as a professional body to register Occupational Health and Safety Professionals in South Africa. Saiosh is the leading source for information and networking opportunities within the Occupational Health and Safety profession with members from a wide range of industries from the private and

public sector. Our non-profit organisation represents individuals and organisations committed to the enhancement of the Occupational Health and Safety discipline. Saiosh is the choice for OHS professionals and practitioners in Southern Africa, dedicated to the advancement of the OHS profession, through research, promotion, education, upliftment, training, guidance and strong relationships with other OHS stakeholders.

www.saiosh.co.za

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

Saiosh – “Keeping You Informed”

noshcon

PROFILES

Expanding St John South Africa St John South Africa is evolving – and it’s going to take local communities to new heights as it does so. Noshcon 2014 provided the ideal platform for the non-profit organisation to benchmark its new direction

“Y

ou can’t just equip people with skills in the event that something goes wrong,” says Craig

Hartley, director of St John in Cape Town, “You must equip them with knowledge and skills to prevent those accidents from what the organisation is aiming to achieve

and accredited through the Health and

at home as well as in the workplace. For

with its forthcoming programmes, currently

Welfare Seta during October. “Across the

this reason we have adopted the slogan

in the pilot stage.

country we are, however, still known for

“Saving lives at work, home and play”. If we

“Because we’re a non-profit organisation,

first aid training at NQF level 1 and 2 and

can all think safety, we will have brilliant,

training in first aid and community health is

we are known for first aid training in terms

proactive communities and workplaces. We

our core business to generate an income to

of the Department of Labour Document C

also want to push for safety to be taught in

subsidise our community efforts,” Hartley

Level 1, 2 and 3.

schools,” Hartley adds.

explains. The Cape Town office is currently

“As a medium-term goal we are also

This year being the organisation’s

in partnership with the Department of

considering expanding into occupational

fourth appearance at Noshcon, Hartley

Health to provide home-based care to

health and safety (OHS) for companies and

was interested to see the response to

marginalised communities. The aim of this

communities, as companies are situated in

St John’s new direction. “We wanted to

programme is to empower communities

geographic communities. We hope to launch

use the conference to promote future

to take charge of their own health. “In

by the end of 2015,” Hartley says, adding

expansion and find out who is interested

line with the government’s initiative to

that the organisation is now accredited

in community involvement. Looking at the

bring healthcare closer to the communities,

with the American Heart Association and

volume we saw, this year has been very

our programme assists this vision of the

the Resuscitation Council of Southern

positive; the delegates were excited to see

Department of Health. Healthcare should

Africa for presenting the Basic Life Support

our expansion.

not just be curative, but it should be ‘hazard

for Healthcare Providers and Heart Saver

“You can’t just develop products.

identification and risk assessment (HIRA)

First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Development has to be undertaken in

orientated’ and preventative as well.

(CPR) and automated external defibrillator

line with what customers need. St John

Communities should be empowered to do

(AED).

has to diversify and utilise what we

HIRA in all their activities. This brings the cost of healthcare down.”

Regarding the community healthcare

can get in industry and work it into the

programme, Hartley describes it as a “hand-

community. What differentiates us from

Working in the west coast communities

in-glove” situation. “Those households are

other first aid training providers is that

Malmsbury and Vredenburg and the

part of workplaces – we want to engage

we have to balance our income with our

metropolitan areas of Nyanga, Langa,

companies to let them know what we’re

expenses. It is therefore important that

Dunoon, Kensington, Woodstock and Cape

doing, find out how it would help them

our arm that ploughs back our income

Town (among others), a new qualification

and marry the two. It’s a matter of making

(into communities), and the arm that

in community health work, at NQF level 2, is

safety a day-to-day practice,” he enthuses.

contributes to business are balanced like

currently being piloted and will be verified

“We want to train people to think safety

of

a scale,” he concludes. | SHEQ

| SHEQ management

happening and mitigate the impact.” This is

29

noshcon

PROFILES

Specialised PPE to the fore Noshcon 2014 allowed Afrox the

At the launch, Afrox also showed

opportunity to emphasise its welding

off its new range of leather, general

and cutting applications, including gas

handling, welding and synthetic gloves.

equipment, as well as its new range

“There has been a positive response

of personal protective equipment

with some interest in our new range

(PPE). On show was gas equipment

of gloves,” Pretorius reports.

such as flash-back arrestors, torches,

Being big on safety, health,

“We want our customers to

SABS-approved gas hoses and PPE for

environment and quality (SHEQ) policy,

remember that, while quality comes at

welding – such as the company’s new

Afrox also wanted to support Noshcon

a price, it is a price they must be willing

auto-darkening helmet.

by promoting safe behaviour; such as

to pay. The longevity of the Afrox PPE

product

using the correct safety procedures.

is superior compared to other cheaper

manager for safety equipment and

The company also does a lot of gas-

imitations that won’t last as long or

welding accessories at Afrox South

installation safety audits on customer

offer the same level of protection,” he

Africa, is exceptionally excited

sites, recommending safe practices

advises.

about the company’s PPE. “In order

and products they can use. “The

In support of this, the company

to support our gas equipment we’re

networking aspect is important; we

backs up its products with a return

now

Ferdie

selling

Pretorius,

equipment

want to share information, pick up

policy in the event of factory faults.

and PPE. This is important to our

safety

ideas and take the lead in the safety

“We like to offer our customers the

customer base.”

environment sector.

best solutions,” smiles Pretorius.

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| SHEQ management

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30

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noshcon

PROFILES

Scaffolding to greater heights

Part of the Waco Group, SGB-Cape has become one of the most occupational health and safety-focused suppliers of access scaffolding in the country – the proof is in its Noscar track record insulation and sheet metal to four major

Noshcon 2014 can only be

power stations, petrochemical plants and

described as sensational. The

other clients. It also has a division that

company’s eye-catching, very

specialises in corrosion protection.

orange stand won the Best Stand award,

“The Waco Group is one of the most

and then there was the slew of Noscar

diversified groups within construction

awards …

services. SGB-Cape is the largest by

SGB-Cape Richards Bay received its seventh award this year, Kendall its third,

tonnage and work turnover in terms of access scaffolding,” he says proudly.

Durban its first, RBM-Richards Bay its first

“What makes us different from the rest

and the FT Wax project in Vanderbijlpark,

of the players in the field, is commitment,

its second. That brings the company’s tally

structure and an awareness drive to show

to over 15 awards so far.

that we want to be the best service

Reinhardt Coetzee, national SHEQ

provider in Africa,” Coetzee says proudly.

manager SGB-Cape, explains that the

The company uses its stand at Noshcon

company began introducing Nosa audits to

every year in support of this goal, and

all its branches in 2003, winning the first

Coetzee’s sports metaphor was certainly

Noscar in 2008 (the first time it attended

apt this time around – the company playing

Noschon).

on the theme of this year’s Soccer World

“Since we introduced the Nosa grading

Cup in Brazil. The company erected a

and safety management systems, our lost-

section of seating stands in the middle

time injury and frequency rates have gone

of the exhibition hall and hooked-up

down to be on par with, or better than,

a PlayStation 4 to run a virtual soccer

those of our clients. We have an edge in that

tournament.

we’re proactively involved with occupational health and safety (OHS),” he says.

“The idea is to educate people about access scaffolding, because there is a

Coetzee explains that SGB-Cape

perception that scaffolding is totally

provides a “one-stop shop” for its clients,

unsafe … If it’s constructed by competent

but with that comes safety-related issues

people, it’s a very safe platform from which

that expose the company to risk. For

to work and it’s not difficult to manage, but

example, he explains, part of the service

basic, simple rules need to be followed,”

the company provides is to conduct

Coetzee notes.

weekly inspections on the scaffolding

It’s attitudes such as this that have

on behalf of its clients. “In terms of the

made the company a successful Noscar

law, our clients are responsible for the

winner. “Nosa has been a help to us

inspection of the scaffolding on a weekly

over the last ten years, having brought

basis, once we hand it over to them, but

certain safety standards throughout its

that is part of the service we provide,”

processes and management systems.

he says.

We are proud to be associated with

The company also advises on how to

Nosa and I’ll make sure our relationship

access difficult places. It is a registered

is maintained as far into the future as

asbestos removal company and supplies

possible,” he concludes. | SHEQ

ABOVE: SGB-Cape walked away from Noshcon 2014 with a slew of awards, including the Best Stand award and five Noscars.

| SHEQ management

S

GB-Cape’s performance at

31

noshcon

PROFILES

Air Products goes

platinum

The Noscar awards, dubbed the “Oscars of occupational health and safety”, have seen Air Products in a starring role once again this year. Employees from around the country were honoured for their consistent commitment to safety at the company’s nationwide facilities

R

un

by

the

Occupational Association

National

“Nosa’s ‘Five Star’ system enables

of such systems relies on the continuous

Safety

us to benchmark ourselves against

dedication and participation of each

environmental,

safety

and every employee at all levels of the

Noscar awards take place at

(Nosa),

the

legislation and best practices,” says Janse

organisation. At Air Products South Africa,

the annual Noshcon Conference. Both

van Vuuren. “It also gives our existing

safety and quality have become a way of

events are a highlight on the calendar

and potential customers a measure of our

life. We have long believed that safety is

for companies such as Air Products South

commitment and performance in this field.”

an individual responsibility.”

Africa – which takes its performance and

Air Products South Africa received a

She adds, however, that the company

commitment in all aspects of health and

total of 26 accolades at the various regional

does run incentive programmes, to

safety extremely seriously.

events during 2013/14, with most of its

encourage participation in the various

This year, Air Products South Africa’s

facilities receiving awards. Its head office

campaigns and initiatives, which are

also received the Nosa Northern Region

designed to consolidate a SHEQ culture

received its eighth platinum Noscar, while

Top Companies Award, in the commercial

across the organisation.

the Springs facility, on Gauteng’s East

sector, for its achievements as a safety,

Rand, received its fourth. In addition, the

health and environment company in 2013.

first platinum Noscar.

Janse van Vuuren ascribes the company’s success to the implementation of its

Debbie Crawley from head office,

integrated safety, health, environment and

Dumisa Gina from Springs and Elsa Vorster

quality (SHEQ) management system, which

from Pinetown were in attendance to

is centrally run by the risk department.

receive the awards on behalf of their facilities.

| SHEQ management

and

head office in Kempton Park, Gauteng,

company’s Pinetown facility received its

32

health

Receiving their platinum Noscar awards from Nosa’s Justin Hobday and Duncan Carlisle are, from left: Debbie Crawley, from Air Products South Africa’s head office; Dumisa Gina, representing the Springs branch; and Elsa Vorster, from the Pinetown branch.

She adds that the system consists of a

“Statistics show that up to 90 percent

number of elements that the department

of incidents are caused by unsafe acts or

For Sue Janse van Vuuren, Air

has integrated. “These include global

behaviours, so Air Products will be focusing

Products South Africa’s corporate risk

Air Products standards, local legislation,

on behavioural safety in the coming year,”

manager, the Noscar awards, as well

certification system requirements and best

Janse van Vuuren points out.

as the regional Nosa awards, represent

practices, which are set out in a SHEQ

In the meantime, the company is

an invaluable opportunity for the

manual. Compliance is then monitored

happy to look back over the past year and

company to measure itself against the

through various auditing and reporting

celebrate its achievement in the regional

highest industry standards nationally.

processes,” she explains.

and national Nosa awards. Says Janse van

It is also a chance for individuals and

Janse van Vuuren is quick to point

Vuuren: “Without resting on our laurels,

the company to enjoy well-deserved

out, however, that an effective SHEQ

Air Products South Africa’s facilities and

recognition for another year of hard

management system is only as good as

individual employees take great pride in

work and focus.

the people who implement it. “The success

their safety achievements.” | SHEQ

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

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33

SKILLS AND TRAINING

Proactively addressing

skills shortages Skills shortages are plaguing various South African industries, yet unemployment numbers remain sky-high!

SHEQ MANAGEMENT takes a look at how training can be the “one stone” that tackles these “two birds”

A

ccording to Cargo Carriers, a

deficit is a problem from a technical as well

Jansen van Vuuren. “Two of them have

specialised transport, supply

as a managerial perspective. “The shortage

successfully passed their exams and are

chain and logistics service

of technical skills affects general operational

now qualified diesel mechanics.”

provider, the shortage of skills

efficiency. Our aim is to train technicians

He explains that, in general, finding

is a major handbrake on business growth

to a level that increases productivity and

good technical personnel is a major issue

countrywide. Companies are, however,

safety, health, environmental and quality

for the company. “There is most certainly a

realising that the best way forward is to

(SHEQ) standards.”

shortage of qualified diesel mechanics and,

take responsibility for training and skills

| SHEQ management

development.

34

He continues: “In the management

when you do find them, they come at a

area, it’s a business-sustainability issue. It’s

very high cost. So the apprenticeships that

“After rising fuel costs, the shortage

about managing a growing business, while

we are funding can only prove fruitful for

of skills is the major challenge faced by

bringing people up from base level so that

us in the future.”

road-freight service providers,” says Andre

they really understand the culture of the

The company applies the same principle

Jansen van Vuuren, divisional marketing

company. It’s about producing managers

to management training, as Jansen van

director of Cargo Carriers. “That’s why

with the company’s culture in their blood.”

Vuuren explains. “We currently employ

Cargo Carriers is enforcing training and

The company’s hands-on approach is

eight trainee managers. They all have a

skills development. The company has been

already bearing fruit. In 2012, the first

tertiary education, whether it’s a transport

proactively engaged with the problem

management trainee (enrolled in 2010)

diploma or a degree in logistics or supply

for several years. With the demise of the

completed her training and was placed

chain management.”

apprenticeship system, we have had little

within the group. “We’ve also had our first

These trainee managers undergo

choice.”

group of five apprentices come through the

training in every aspect of the business

diesel mechanic training programme,” says

– which includes the marketing and sales,

Jansen van Vuuren adds that the skills

SKILLS AND TRAINING

whether the course has Seta-registered assessors or a facilitator who is a subjectmatter expert, and whether it provides learner-centred training (including on-thejob coaching).

Singh points out that certain TSPs will need further accreditations if they’re regulated

by

national

government

departments. “For example, OHST is further approved by the Department of Labour to provide training for First Aid Level 1, 2 and 3 – as stipulated in the Occupational Health & Safety Act, no. 85 of 1993.”

He continues: “Another example is that even though the unit standard is verified by the Seta, the Department of Transport also has gazetted and approved training service providers (one of them being OHST) on the conveying of dangerous goods by road.”

TPSs don’t have to break your bank, however. “Organisations that pay skillsdevelopment levies can claim up to 70 percent back on the money they spend on educating and developing their staff.”

This, according to the Services Seta webpage, includes any company that has an annual payroll exceeding R500 000 and staff who are registered for Employees’ Tax – commonly referred to as Pay As You Earn (or PAYE).

The company must register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and to a number of training providers, but there

monthly payroll. “If the company doesn’t

divisions. Jansen van Vuuren adds that

are a few things to be mindful of, as

fall within these criteria, it doesn’t have to

the next step includes a 24-month audit

Gary Singh – business manager at Sector

pay levies or register with SARS.”

learnership programme in conjunction with

Education and Training Authority (Seta)-

So, many companies don’t have an

the Institute of Internal Auditors, to offer

accredited Occupational Health & Safety

excuse not to join the training revolution.

employees the relevant training within the

Training (OHST) – explains: “Training courses

“Employers must note, however, that

internal audit and risk function.

must be designed, facilitated and assessed

training does not end in the classroom,”

with specific outcomes in mind.”

says Singh. “They must provide effective

As Cargo Carriers is proving, it is futile for companies to sit back and wait for the

He adds that it is advisable for

supervision and coaching on the relevant

education system to produce the required

organisations to train with Seta-approved

outcomes once the learners exit the

skills on its own – the backlog is simply

institutions that offer courses aligned

classroom.” He adds that this is really

too great. A proactive approach to skills

to approved unit standards. This will

important, or the training could be perceived

development, in every area of company

ensure that there are specific outcomes.

as being ineffective.

activity, is required.

“Additionally, there are four important

The most important thing to remember

Jansen van Vuuren says it best: “The

aspects that an organisation must look at

is that people are the focal point of

reality is that if you want to attract and

before choosing a training service provider

training, as they are an organisation’s

retain skilled personnel, you have to ensure

(TSP),” Singh tells SHEQ MANAGEMENT.

greatest asset … “So, it makes perfect

These include whether the TSP’s

sense to ensure that your employees

You are, in effect, responsible for training

courses are approved by the South African

have the most effective training and

your own skills.”

Qualifications Authority (SAQA) – or aligned

education. This will maximise output and

to its unit standards. One should also check

performance,” Singh concludes. | SHEQ

that the correct programmes are in place.

Companies can outsource this function

| SHEQ management

pay a skills levy of one percent of the operations, technical, admin and finance

35

PPE

Certified to Prevent

Painful Encounters

Personal protective equipment (PPE) saves lives – full stop. Have you ever thought about what happens before you strap on your live-saving gear? JACO DE KLERK takes a look at the origins of PPE as well as the manufacturing and testing processes behind some of today’s equipment

H

umans, like most every

didn’t exist until clothing came about in

Clothes are thus our original PPE that

other

the

humans,” Reed explains. So, his five-year

protected us against the elements and

planet, are obsessed with

creature

on

study used DNA sequencing to calculate

broadened our horizons. Things have

self-preservation. It’s no

when clothing lice first began to diverge

become a lot more high-tech, however; the

genetically from human head lice.

personal protective clothing manufacture

wonder that PPE – while perhaps not exactly as we know it today – has been

| SHEQ management

around for thousands of years …

36

The data shows that modern humans started wearing clothes about 70 000

Charnaud’s Metal-Safe gear being an example.

After studying lice in modern humans,

years before migrating into colder climates

Thanks to a blend of high-strength

David Reed, associate curator of mammals

and higher latitudes, which began about

fibres, the Metal-Safe range provides

at the Florida Museum of Natural History,

100 000 years ago. “It’s interesting to

protection to workers undertaking welding,

at the University of Florida in the United

think that humans were able to survive

electrical and metal foundry tasks. It offers

States, found that humanity started

in Africa without clothing and without

protection against life-threatening hazards

wearing clothes 170 000 years ago.

body hair, and that it wasn’t until they

such as fire, static, electric arc flash and

Why lice? “It’s because they are so

had clothing that modern humans began

severe molten red metal splash. (And,

well adapted to clothing. We know that

moving out of Africa into other parts of

believe it or not, it can be washed in water

body lice or clothing lice almost certainly

the world,” adds Reed.

at residential or industrial laundries.)

PPE

First up is an impact-resistance test.

“For this test we use a mock-up head onto which the product is installed,” Oliver points out, adding that a 1 kg weight is then dropped onto it from a height of one metre.

The impact on the neck’s vertebra is then measured to determine if it is in accordance with the standard. “If it is below a certain measurement, then the product complies with this part of the standard.”

Next up is the penetration resistance test. “In this case there is another weight, of slightly less than 1 kg. It has a sharp point and has to be dropped from a height of one metre onto the hard hat,” Oliver elaborates. He says that the weight is allowed to penetrate the outer shell of the hard hat, but isn’t allowed to touch the liner that touches the head.

“The specifications also require that the tests are done under three different temperature conditions; room temperature, 50°C and -5°C,” states Oliver. “We do those tests on every batch of hard hats that we manufacture, and we get audited by the South African Bureau of Standards on an annual basis. If our products pass all the tests, we get to continue to apply the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) mark to the product.”

However,

the

company

doesn’t

only take regulatory specifications into account. “Typically, as part of our research and development process, we expose out prototypes to various customers on a global basis before we make the last refinements to the products and then start manufacturing the final version.”

One example is the Gallet F1XF Fire Charnaud,

founder

and

right from the word go,” adds Colin Oliver,

Helmet launched at the end of last year.”

managing director of MSA Africa.

The research and development on this

its materials are sourced locally; “thereby

This is why research and development

product started three years ago,” Oliver

reducing overhead costs and turnaround

is non-negotiable. “Our products go

points out. MSA showed the prototype

times.”

through very rigorous testing processes

to various customers worldwide and

Charnaud has been at it for quite a

at these facilities,” Oliver emphasises. He

incorporated their feedback into the

number of years. Established as a husband-

adds that they have to comply with a vast

design of the product.

and-wife team in 1975, the Ladysmith-

range of standards and specifications.

It is evident that PPE walks a long

based company now has a large number

To drive his point home, Oliver explains

and very tested road before it makes

of employees and a geographical footprint

the testing process behind MSA’s locally

its way to the workplace … and with

that spans over 30 countries on five

manufactured hard hats – which comply

companies, like MSA, investing massive

continents.

with both European (EN) and South African

amounts of money into research and

It’s clear that PPE has come a long

National Standards (SANS). “The product

development, in order to stay abreast of

way since its prehistoric, cold-combating

has to go through two specific tests that

the latest lifesaving developments, PPE

origins to where it’s protecting people’s

we conduct on every batch manufactured

will continue to protect people for many

lives … “So it’s super important to get it

at our facility in Johannesburg.”

years to come. | SHEQ

| SHEQ management

Andrew

chairman of the company, adds that all

37

HINTS & TIPS

Safe trip Chemicals are used for various functions in a wide range of industries. If transported irresponsibly, they may pose risks to both humans and the environment. Cargo Carriers, a top-notch logistics service provider, shares some tips on what it takes to safely transport hazardous chemicals

M

anufacturers focus on

differentiate one transport operator

the safe production and

from another.

storage of hazardous chemicals.

but it’s also a foundation for inherent

Production

“cream of the crop” from the “dime a

safety on the road over the long term.

dozen” are the state of the vehicles

Accidents can happen; that is the risk

– as far as possible – minimise the risk of

used, irrespective of the high costs of

of traffic on the road. Yet, even in such

injury and the possibility of pollution.

keeping them pristine, and the level of

an unfortunate event, the inherent

On the flipside of the supply chain,

training that is provided to all personnel

safety-driven vehicle operation will, to

the end user focuses on the effect of

(operators have to go beyond mere

a large extent, minimise the effects and

the product when it is used. Have you

statutory compliance).

severity of an accident.

Safety practices also need to include conservative

driver

design, realistic driver training and

are transported from the manufacturer’s

selection. Intensive training and the

coaching, and the overall response to an

plant to the end user?

and

practical

continuous focus on safety embeds

accident, make a massive difference to

In logistics, and particularly when

a mindset and positive attitude that

the severity and cost of any such event.

it comes to the transport of hazardous

is vital to the safe transportation of

Any minimisation of risk factors is

chemicals, the highest possible levels

dangerous goods over the long term.

also a plus for overall safety, and an

of safety, health, environmental and

The inculcation of these vital values

emphasis on continuous safe behaviour

quality (SHEQ) standards have become

really makes a difference.

provides results that can be measured

industry fraught with dangers …

At Cargo Carriers, drivers are screened

and audited.

and selected according to the operational

The mantra “no short cuts in

As every road user will know, this

factors of high driving competency and the

transporting and handling dangerous

transport mode operates in a high-

seldom found, but much valued, attribute

goods” has to rule; anything less

risk environment! It is, however, the

of “vehicle sympathy”; whereby drivers

invites

management

will unconsciously look after their vehicles

consequences. | SHEQ

of

these

risks

that

We don’t talk logistics solutions, we walk it | SHEQ management

Furthermore, the selected vehicle’s

point A and B, when these chemicals

non-negotiable. This is, however, an

T03005

Not only does this attitude save costs,

Other factors that distinguish the

plants utilise controlled environments to

ever wondered what happens between

38

and treat them as if they were their own.

serious

problems

and

Being able to deliver high-quality logistic and supply chain solutions requires having more than just a one-size-fits-all approach. At Cargo Carriers we pride ourselves on being customer centric and while vertical specific we are always looking for challenges and opportunities in new industries and regions. We strive for the highest levels of reliability in all that we move. With each customer comes an individual set of safety, health, environmental and quality requirements, and our innovative and service orientated offering means that we are consistently able to provide for your specific needs.

Call us. We go the extra mile

Innovative supply chain solutions

39

| SHEQ management

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| SHEQ management

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