AFROTEQ Academy, an expert training provider for the built environment, has announced a line-up of new and extended Health and Safety training courses that will be offered this year.
Academy Manager Natasja Ware said the outbreak of COVID-19 two years ago had highlighted the important role of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) officers in the workplace.
“The appointment of OHS representatives is a legal requirement,” Ware said. “To enable OHS representatives to function optimally, they must undergo training that will not only help them create a safe working environment, but also empower them to identify any risks or hazards that might endanger their fellow employees.
“We believe our courses address a major need for training that is endorsed, easily accessible, outcomes-based aligned and covers all the most important and necessary elements.”
She said the Afroteq Academy was established in 2002 and one of the first FM training providers to be endorsed by the South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA) and achieve accreditation for two of its short training programmes by the Services SETA.
Today it offers a range of accredited FM qualifications and training programmes that are aligned to the Facilities Management ISO 41001:2018 standard. “All courses are presented online and facilitated in-person by practising practitioners and subject matter experts who are enthusiastic about skills development and bridging the FM industry’s skills gap.”
Courses offered include Occupational Health & Safety Application, Occupational Health & Safety Legislation, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, OHS Incident Investigation, Occupational Health & Safety Representative, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), and Handyman Training: hand and power tool safety.
“The Occupational Health and Safety Act is vital to ensure a healthy and safe workplace. The onus rests on employers to prove that they have put the necessary measures in place to prevent accidents and preserve the health of their workforce,” Ware said.
“Ensuring that employees are kept safe, and that the workplace is well maintained and fully functioning is what drives our passion for training. Whilst most people act instantly and instinctively when facing a dangerous situation, we believe it is always better to approach such an incident with a reasoned plan that is based on sound training and situational awareness.”
