Health and safety to the fore

With the World Day for Safety and Health at Work coming up on April 28, the International Labour Organisation and the United Nations say that 6 300 people die as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases daily – over 2,3 million deaths per year.

Deaths and injuries take a particularly heavy toll in developing countries, where a large part of the population is engaged in hazardous activities.

Occupational health and safety is an industry experiencing accelerated growth in South Africa due to increasing legislation and growing awareness. OSH EXPO Africa 2013 provides a unique opportunity for companies in South Africa to take a proactive approach to health and safety in a drive to meet international standards.

“It’s a key event for both visitors and exhibitors, providing a valuable guide to current health and safety legislation where stringent measures will be taken to enforce the OHS Act,” says Gary Corin, managing director, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, a member of UBM Montgomery, organiser of OSH EXPO Africa 2013.

Taking place between June 18 and 20, at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, and now in its third year, it’s fast becoming the leading Occupational Safety and Health Expo in Africa. The show is gaining tremendous momentum; the 2012 show welcomed 2 661 visitors, a 21 percent increase on the previous year.

It is the ideal platform for exhibitors to launch and showcase the latest occupational safety and health products and services to an audience of local and international senior decision-makers, eager to source the very latest that the industry has to offer.

“OSH EXPO Africa is more than a trade show,” says Corin. “There is also a strong emphasis on training providers, compliance and consistency within the industry. The show offers a full interactive and educational seminar programme with top industry speakers addressing trends, issues and challenges relevant to the current business landscape. There will also be a Working at Heights Theatre and Demonstration Zone, sponsored by NOSA.”

Leading exhibitors expected include: 3M, AJ Shenade, Honeywell, HSE, LexisNexis, NOSA and Spiderwebb.

“It is encouraging to see that there has been a shift towards putting people first and embracing best practice from the ground up,” concludes Corin.