Intercontinental acclaim
February 11, 2010, marked the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s (Saiosh’s) inception by a group of local, enthusiastic occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals. *
At the Saiosh/IOSH 2015 Conference – which was held alongside the A-Osh expo, held in Midrand during May – Bill Pomfret, managing consultant of the Canadian company Safety Projects International, delivered a presentation on crisis management.
Pomfret has subsequently released a statement recognising four individuals who established Saiosh. “These people did not just dream about establishing Saiosh; they went into action, each working tirelessly and dedicating hundreds of unpaid hours, so that we can all benefit,” says Pomfret.
The four people he is referring to are: Robin Jones – president, Neels Nortje – registrar, Wally Robins – secretary, and Gillian Nortje – membership manager.
Pomfret notes that, with more than 4 000 members, Saiosh is a leading source of information and international networking opportunities within the global occupational health and safety (OHS) profession. “More importantly, South Africa now has the professionalism and support to improve the health and safety of its people,” he points out.
The non-profit organisation represents individuals and organisations committed to the enhancement of the OHS profession through research, promotion, education, upliftment, training, guidance and strong relationships with other OHS stakeholders.
Pomfret has over 30 years’ experience in safety management and is the author of several bestselling books including: The Road to Compliance, The Construction Health and Safety Manual, and Q & A on Loss Control.
* Saiosh is the registration board for the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health South Africa (IOSH SA). It is recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as a professional body.