Celebrating the Impact of Women in the Safety Industry, Empowering Africa’s Future Through Education.

Women are multi-faceted and are natural innovators. As we celebrate women’s month, we turn our focus to the sphere of workplace safety, where their influence is shaping a safer and a more empowered workforce. In recognition of the remarkable work that women keep doing, we centre our attention to the importance of safety education in the workplace.

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Being part of the safety industry myself, I work along strongly ambitious women who are determined to educate and share their knowledge to create safer workplaces for everyone.

Natalie van Blerk is one name to really focus on as she’s on the forefront of embedding wellness in the workplace.

A forward-thinking Corporate Wellness Coach assisting companies to create a corporate culture that truly supports wellness. She believes that well-being enables an ongoing journey to greatness.

Emphasising on the importance of wellness, Dr Natalie painted a powerful picture, calling it “A tyre on a wheel”. She further explained that if an organisation drives cultural wellness, its employees will move through life smoothly, waking up with eagerness for work and successfully meeting deadlines.

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Joining in with the same tone we have Dr. Natalie Skeepers, a seasoned professional with a background of Governance, Risk, Safety and Compliance. She holds a PhD in Engineering Management.

Dr. Natalie Skeepers is passionate about Health and Safety, with different training courses under her name, with the goal to improve workplace safety.

She defines employee well-being as a course to optimize the health of all employees, not only physically, but involving other components of well-being such as psychological safety where employees are able to engage within their teams with no reservations. Some employees may be reluctant to voice their opinions if the workplace culture does not promote mental well-being, and eventually leading to it showing physically.

Dr. Natalie Skeepers believes that wellness is more important than ever as businesses don’t run themselves, but people do. People in the workplace should be treated well from the inside-out.

These two amazing women do not only share a name, but they also share a common goal, although they tackle things differently. Natalie van Blerk immensely help companies ensure that employees are healthy and happy, and Dr. Natalie Skeepers adds her own important knowledge from a Health and Safety perspective. They both strive to make the workplace safe and easy for employees to grow.

Major Mandisa Mfeka is a force to be reckoned with!

Major Mandisa Mfeka is the first black South African female pilot to work with the South African Air Force.

She participated in President Cyril Ramaphosa's inauguration in 2019 by doing a flyby in a fighter jet.

She released a book called, Yes, I Am a Pilot! Which is a story of the realisation of a her long-cherished dream of becoming a pilot.

Her love for aviation started at the tender age of 5 when her mother and grandmother would take her to watch airshows and displays at a nearby airport in Virginia, KwaZulu-Natal.

Years later, it would be Major Mfeka participating in aerial displays as a fighter pilot.

One quote that Mandisa lives by is, “The sky is the baseline.” Which means, the excellence bar that you pushed yesterday should be your starting point, tomorrow!

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The growing involvement of women in shaping the discourse around workplace safety and wellness is undeniably contributing to a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of these crucial aspects. As women continue to play prominent roles in various industries, their unique perspectives, insights, and experiences are enriching the conversation and driving positive changes in organisational practices.

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In today's workplaces, keeping safe is highly important. It's not just about rules; it's about taking care of each other. Safety training helps us do our jobs without getting hurt.

Paving the way forward, different elements come into play when workplace safety and wellness is prioritised:

1.???? Encouraging Communication

Effective communication forms the foundation of a safe and healthy workplace. Clear communication channels between employees, supervisors, and management enable the seamless exchange of information regarding potential hazards, safety protocols, and wellness initiatives. Regular updates and reminders about safety measures, health practices, and emergency procedures keep everyone informed and prepared. Open lines of communication also encourage employees to report unsafe conditions or near-miss incidents, fostering a proactive safety culture where concerns are addressed promptly.

2.???? Showing Empathy

Prioritizing workplace safety and wellness involves recognizing and understanding the well-being of employees on a human level. Displaying empathy creates a supportive environment where employees feel valued and cared for. When employers and supervisors take the time to listen to employees' concerns, acknowledge their needs, and provide appropriate support, it enhances trust and morale. This approach extends to considering the emotional well-being of employees, as stress and personal challenges can impact job performance. By offering understanding and flexibility, employers contribute to a more balanced and mentally healthy workforce.

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3.???? Training and Re-Training

Continuous training is an important aspect of maintaining workplace safety and wellness. Providing initial training sessions equips employees with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate potential hazards, use equipment safely, and adhere to established protocols. However, training doesn't end there. Regular re-training sessions, especially when there are updates or changes in procedures, ensure that employees remain up to date with the latest safety measures. Re-training reinforces good practices and helps prevent complacency, which is crucial in preventing accidents and promoting a culture of vigilance.

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Staying safe at work is important and should be a shared responsibility throughout departments and different managerial lines. Safety training is like a friend that helps us avoid accidents, follow the rules, work well, and care for each other. Let’s remember that safety and wellness make a happy workplace!