Trailblazers in Safety: Women Leading the Charge in Workplace Health and Safety in South Africa

In the realm of workplace health and safety, women in South Africa are stepping into the spotlight as trailblazers, driving significant advancements and fostering safer environments. These leaders are not just influencing policies but also setting new standards for safety practices across various industries.

The landscape of occupational health and safety in South Africa has long been dominated by male voices, particularly in high-risk sectors such as mining, construction, and manufacturing. However, recent years have witnessed a remarkable shift, with women emerging as powerful advocates for workplace safety and well-being.

These pioneering women bring fresh perspectives to longstanding challenges, leveraging their unique experiences and insights to develop innovative solutions. Their approach often combines technical expertise with a keen understanding of human factors, resulting in more comprehensive and effective safety strategies.

From boardrooms to factory floors, women are making their mark in diverse roles – as safety officers, occupational health specialists, ergonomics experts, and senior executives. Their contributions are reshaping organisational cultures, promoting inclusivity, and emphasising the importance of a holistic approach to employee well-being.

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Examples of the achievements of women in Health and Safety in South Africa

Natalie van Blerk is a forward-thinking Corporate Wellness Coach who assists companies in creating a corporate culture that supports employee wellness. She emphasises the importance of wellness, stating that it enables an "ongoing journey to greatness" for organisations.

Dr. Natalie Skeepers is a seasoned professional with a background in Governance, Risk, Safety and Compliance. She holds a PhD in Engineering Management and is passionate about health and safety, offering various training courses to improve workplace safety. She defines employee well-being as optimising the health of all employees, both physically and psychologically.

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, and has published a book titled "Yes, I Am a Pilot!" about her journey to becoming a pilot.

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Carina Kleinhans, the Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Manager at DEKRA Industrial SA, has played a key role in the company's achievement of 5.7 million serious injury-free man hours. She has contributed to the company winning 9 NOSCAR awards, which recognise excellence in occupational health and safety. Kleinhans attributes this success to her strong relationships with staff and her commitment to leading by example.

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Shaping Health and Safety Policies and Protocols

Women in health and safety roles in South Africa are instrumental in shaping policies and protocols that prioritise employee well-being. Their unique perspectives and collaborative approaches have led to the development of comprehensive safety guidelines that address diverse workplace challenges.

One such example is Dr. Natalie Skeepers, a seasoned professional with a background in Governance, Risk, Safety and Compliance. Holding a PhD in Engineering Management, Dr. Skeepers is passionate about Health and Safety and has developed different training courses with the goal of improving workplace safety. She defines employee well-being as a course to optimise the health of all employees, not only physically, but also involving psychological safety where employees can engage within their teams without reservations.

Breaking Stereotypes

By occupying roles traditionally dominated by men, women in South Africa are breaking stereotypes and proving that gender is no barrier to expertise in health and safety. One inspiring example is Major Mandisa Mfeka, the first black South African female pilot to work with the South African Air Force. Major Mfeka participated in President Cyril Ramaphosa's inauguration in 2019 by doing a flyby in a fighter jet, showcasing her skills and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

Pioneering Research and Innovation

Women in South Africa are at the forefront of pioneering research and innovation in health and safety. Their contributions range from developing new safety technologies to implementing data-driven strategies that anticipate and mitigate workplace risks.

Natalie van Blerk, a forward-thinking Corporate Wellness Coach, is assisting companies in South Africa to create a corporate culture that truly supports wellness. She believes that well-being enables an ongoing journey to greatness and emphasises the importance of wellness, describing it as "A tyre on a wheel". Van Blerk's work helps companies ensure that employees are healthy and happy, contributing to a safer and more productive workplace.

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Key challenges women face in health and safety roles in South Africa

Access to public services: Many women, especially those in rural areas, face barriers in accessing public healthcare services due to factors like long distances, lack of transportation, and high costs. This can make it difficult for women to receive the healthcare and safety support they need.

Workplace safety and discrimination: Women employed in traditionally male-dominated fields like mining often face safety challenges and discrimination. Issues include lack of properly fitted personal protective equipment, physical demands that may exceed women's capabilities, and mistreatment by male colleagues.

Maternal health risks: Pregnant women and new mothers in South Africa face elevated health risks, including high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. Delays in seeking and receiving appropriate care can exacerbate these issues.

Gender-based violence: South Africa has extremely high rates of violence against women, including rape and domestic abuse. This creates significant health and safety risks for women.

Financial barriers: Women in South Africa often have less access to financial resources and services compared to men, which can limit their ability to afford healthcare and safety measures.

Lack of policy implementation: While South Africa has progressive policies aimed at promoting gender equality, the actual implementation and enforcement of these policies in workplaces and public services remains a challenge.

 

Mentorship and Sponsorship: Nurturing Future Health and Safety Leaders

Mentorship and sponsorship programmes are essential for empowering women in workplace health and safety. By providing guidance, support, and opportunities for career advancement, these programmes help women develop their skills and reach their full potential.

Several organisations in South Africa are actively involved in mentoring and sponsoring women in the health and safety field. These initiatives not only benefit individual women but also contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

 

The Future of Women in Workplace Health and Safety

The future of women in workplace health and safety in South Africa is bright. As awareness of the importance of gender diversity in leadership grows, more organisations are recognising the value of women's contributions to safety management.

As South Africa continues to strive for safer workplaces, the role of women in health and safety cannot be overstated. Their leadership, innovation, and dedication are proving invaluable in creating work environments where all employees can thrive safely.

Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and wearable devices, are also creating new opportunities for women to innovate and drive safety improvements. By embracing these advancements, women can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of workplace health and safety in South Africa.

The challenge now lies in further encouraging and supporting women to enter and excel in this field. By promoting gender diversity in health and safety roles, South Africa can harness a wider range of perspectives and skills, ultimately leading to more comprehensive and effective safety measures across all industries.

The rise of women as trailblazers in workplace health and safety is not just a win for gender equality—it's a significant step forward for the safety and well-being of all South African workers. As we look to the future, it's clear that women will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping a safer, more inclusive work environment for all.

 

Women in South Africa are making remarkable strides in workplace health and safety. Their leadership, expertise, and dedication are transforming the industry and creating safer environments for all workers. By overcoming challenges, breaking stereotypes, and pioneering new approaches, these women are inspiring the next generation of safety professionals.

As the role of women in health and safety continues to expand, it is essential to provide ongoing support, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement. By investing in the development of women leaders, South Africa can build a stronger, safer, and more equitable workplace for all.

 

By leveraging the expertise of MAKROSAFE, the comprehensive support of SafetyWallet, and the 24/7 assistance of Walli, organisations can effectively manage risks and create a safer, healthier workplace. For more information on these services, visit My Safety Shop or for detailed guidance, please consult with SafetyWallet's support team and your Safety Professional.

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Posted date: 15th Aug 2024
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