Umnothowethu Trading Enterprise

Personal protective equipment

Occupational health and safety has become a critical aspect of every business. Governments all over the world agree that whilst businesses chase profit, this should not be done at the expense of their employees. We at umnothowethu provide Personal Potective equipment that comply with the highest sfety standards as certified by various international safety bodies.

Hi viz jacket

We import a rasnge of Hi-Vizibility reflectiove jackets and raincoats. we also source for locally made products that are SABS approved.

We also provide custom made protection suits with colours that resemble your corporate image. as part of branding, we will add embroidery of your corporate logo.

Personal Protective equipment to suit any industry from mining to construction to civil works The level of experience and dedication of our staff will ensure that you get the best advice and get PPE's that are best suited to your environment.
	≥ Steel-toe safety boots. ≥ best brands like Walklander & CAT. ≥ Thick padded socks and knee - highs.
≥ Construction gear. ≥ Saftey harness. ≥ Equipment for working at heights.
	≥ Fireman's bunker suits. ≥ Fire Protection Equipment. ≥ Breathing Apparatus.

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How to Develop a Safety Program

Ownership of Safety

Someone should be given the responsibility to oversee the safety program. Safety responsibilities should be written in the employee’s job description and incorporated into the performance management process of the organization.

Safety Inspection

A workplace safety survey should be done to identify areas that need correcting. This includes identifying fire emergency exits, things that could cause a slip or fall, inspecting exits for clear routes, how ergonomics are used properly, lighting, protective clothing (where applicable) and maintenance equipment safety issues. This should also include a review of new facilities, materials, equipment and all processes.

Incident Investigation

It is important to conduct the investigation as soon as the incident is reported and ideally within 24 hours. When investigating an incident, try to answer the who, what, where, when, how and why of the incident. Going through these questions allow you to drill down on the issue and make recommendations for an improvement plan. An incident report should be completed on every accident, injury or illness that happens in the work place. Safety improvement should be documented and maintained in the safety person’s office. OSHA has some reporting requirements that can be found at www.ohsa.gov.

Safety Committee

Establish a safety committee to oversee the entire process. The safety committee should be made up of front line employees, facility/maintenance representatives as well as other leaders in the organization. Front-line employees can help identify and resolve health and safety problems because of their unique perspective.

Committee Responsibilities:

Identify workplace hazards
This should include inspections of all buildings and talking to workers about unsafe work practices and conditions that are potentially hazardous. The safety committee is also responsible for writing policies and procedures for inspections.

Assess Safety Issues
This is done by reviewing accident records and looking for trends that might contribute to hazards. There should be an accident investigation, and review of incident reports and accidents should be done before every inspection. An annual review of the safety program should also be done. This is just a time to review the safety policies and conducting a walkthrough of the organization.

Problem Resolution
Management of safety involves following up on all issues and ensuring resolution has been done to correct issues as well as general oversight of the safety management of the organization.

Safety Records

The safety committee should keep records of all incidents and meetings and any recommendations that are made.

Safety Training

It is important for all employees to go through safety training so there is an understanding of safety policies and procedures and their responsibility in helping maintain a safe work environment. Employees should be trained on any unsafe conditions, reporting of illness or injury and use of personal protective equipment. Employees who work with hazardous materials should be trained on proper handling, storage and use of chemicals. Training should also include new processes or procedures as they are introduced or new equipment that may pose a hazardous situation. It is important that employees have a reporting process to alert management of potential hazards. Training should be documented and incorporated in the new employee orientation process.

Top Down Driven

Safety must be driven from top management throughout the organization. Employees will only be as committed to workplace safety as senior leadership demonstrates, so the more visible leadership is in supporting workplace safety, the more likely success will be.

According to the OSHA website, effective management of worker safety and health programs:

Reduces the extent and severity of work related injuries and illnesses.
Improves employee morale and productivity.
Reduces workers’ compensation costs.

Providing and effectively managing a safe workplace is the right thing to do for employees as well as the organization.