With only 5% of the matriculates having been accepted into university this year, the future for aspiring academics looks bleak. But completing short courses or a part-time degree in Health & Safety cannot just change the future of aspiring learners; it can also make a meaningful impact on the lives of many others.
Some shocking statistics were released at the start of the new production year the Department of Labour. Over 24% of the South African labour force is currently unemployed while, on the other hand, 160 000 incidents and accidents were reported in workplaces in South Africa last year. Both statistics gave many the cold shivers. 'It is shocking to know that so many people are sitting at home because their education no longer meets industries requirements, while the absence of sufficient Health & Safety Officers is the reason why so many accidents can still occur, ?� one analyst said. Christopher Guy of Makrosafe agrees with the observation, but says that everything is in place to have this changed. 'Makrosafe was recently informed that its Health & Safety Certificate course is now fully recognised by the Health and Welfare SETA, ?� he says while busy packing material for the next class. 'Ever since, we have received much interest in this course as it is divided into 6 different modules for which classes can be attended in the afternoons. And to accommodate learners even more, we bring the classes to the student's region, instead of expecting them to come to our facilities, ?� he adds.
No basic understanding required
Taking the classes into the provinces can be done relatively easy. 'The course has been put together with the objective to take a 'lay-man-off-the-street' and train him or her up to an entry level understanding of health and safety. This means that participation is open to virtually everybody, ?� he points out while entering the address of a high-school in Bloemfontein in his navigation. 'We update learners about things like legislation, health and safety principles, risk assessment, incident investigation, emergency preparedness and relevant software programmes. And in groups of 10 there is ample time to go through the material, or to have things discussed. ?�
Makrosafe is not the only company that is offering training. Other companies have jumped on the opportunity too. But they are certainly not alike. 'The major difference is that we are accredited by the Health and Welfare SETA. It is their mandate to enhance the quality of training in the industry. Learners who have completed our course are assured that their certificate is accepted by the industry. This is something that few training institutions can claim. Accreditation by HWSETA demands that systems have to be in place, quality standards have to be met and investment in learning material as well as assessors and moderators were made. ?�
As he climbs in his van, Christopher turns around. 'Did you know that those 160 000 incidents reported last year cost the economy close to R 1.2 billion in loss of productivity and payments for permanent disability and fatalities? Now that is something that gives me the cold shivers. I find that shocking. ?� There is no need to remind Christopher to put his seatbelt on. 'I do it automatically as we all know the consequences when you get involved in an accident. Call it common sense, ?� he says. So why are accidents in the workplace different? 'They are not. Many of these accidents could have been prevented. The problem is that the bad economy pushes employers to deliver. Employees are under pressure. They get slack or take shortcuts. That's why companies always need somebody to consider and implement solutions and procedures to prevent accidents from happening. ?�
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