A constructive discussion to working safely
A constructive discussion to working safely
Ms Ndidorumannyi Nethavhani: Safety Coordinator, presenting to the students about safety in the workplace
On the 7 February, the Operational Health and Safety Department held a Health and Safety Induction Programme for the intake of new staff at the Center of Footwear Entrepreneurship (COFE) at the Vaal University of Technology Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park in Sebokeng.
(CoFE) is an initiative of the VUT Technology Station which provides a curriculum for an occupational certificate in footwear training such as Footwear Cutting/Clicking Machine Operator; Footwear Closing Production Machine Operator; Footwear Bottom stock Production Machine Operator as well as Footwear Lasting & Making Production Machine Operator. The Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO), accredited course work is currently offered at NQF level 2.
It is an annual programme meant towards skilling the local community and it has already started making waves for the year 2020. The new intake consists of twenty students, who aspire to open their own businesses someday, after obtaining the relevant skills and knowledge from this programme.
The Programme was directed by Mr Lionel Nkomazane: Human Resource Project Controller. He highlighted on Human Resource related matters such as employee behavior, operational time and procedures.
“Discipline in the workplace is very important. You need to know how to conduct yourself and relate to other employees. The idea behind this programme is to make the twenty of you entrepreneurs and your effort will pave a way for you in this regard”.
Mr Mamalema Manyaka: COFE Intern, shared the motivation behind the programme and the programme’s partnership with The Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA and Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), as well as opportunities available for the students after the programme. He mentioned that this is a twelve months programme that consists of practicals and theory. While motivating the students, he told them that, “Be attentive, listen, and do your best in your performance. This is a good opportunity for you, and I wish you all the best”.
Students were then taken through the safety procedures by the Safety team that consisted of Mrs Ndidorumannyi Nethavhani, Mr Mokgele Tsiu and Ms Mapule Mashitisho. Mrs Nethavhani made a presentation that focused on all safety measures the students need to take into consideration to keep themselves and others safe. Emergency Procedure, Assembly Point Areas, Injuries and illnesses, Designated Smoking Area, were among her focal points.
Her presentation was guided by Acts such as Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 0F 1993, OHS Act Section 8: General Duties of Employers, and OHS Act Section 14: General Duties of Employees.
“CoFE is a department that uses high level machinery and it is important for you to be fully aware of your workspace and how to safely conduct yourselves”, she said.
Mr Doubt Maware: CoFE Facilitator, added that, “The leather we use has chemicals and need to be disposed of through proper safe channels. So, you need to be extra careful when working in the factory”. He also stressed that the students should always ensure that they wear fitting clothes and nothing that is too loose, as well as wear proper footwear.
In closing, Mr Lionel Nkomazane said to the students, “While you are here, have a business plan and research on SETA’s that offer funding for new businesses. And while you are at it, please be patient with one another. If you all treat each other with respect, you will all achieve your best. Everything is important”.
