From great speakers to wonderful rewards
The South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh) once again hosted a conference at the African Occupational Safety and Health (A-OSH) Expo, held from May 12 to 14 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg
Saiosh – in partnership with the United Kingdom-based Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) – hosted the fifth annual Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Conference at the A-OSH Expo. Held over one-and-a-half days, the conference featured international speakers, who covered a wide range of topics. These included: updates in legislation, a new philosophy in accident prevention, business continuity planning and third-party liability.
Saiosh continued to raise the bar for support to both the profession and professionals. With more than 4 000 individual and 300 corporate members, Saiosh is also the administrative arm for IOSH SA, the professional body for occupational safety and health professionals in South Africa, as recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
A highlight at the post-conference cocktail function, on day one, was the announcement and presentation of a trophy and monetary award to the Saiosh Student of the Year. This bursary is awarded to the top achieving second-year student studying towards a National Diploma in Safety Management (NADSAM).
The Student of the Year is Bonisiwe Sibiya studying at the Vaal University of Technology. The purpose of this bursary is to encourage students to enter the field of occupational health and safety.
Saiosh also presented the Saiosh Person of the Year award at this function. The trophy and monetary award was handed to Dallas Pakkiri from Stefanutti Stocks Building.
Hundreds of visitors attended the Saiosh stand at the A-OSH Expo and enquired about the SAQA professional OHS designations that Saiosh offers via IOSH SA.
Visitors were particularly impressed by the new membership benefits offered by Saiosh, which include the free e-learning programme and a free legal update service of more than 250 Acts.
It’s clear that Saiosh remains South Africa’s leading professional body for the occupational health and safety community.