10 Reasons to Renew

Renewing your Saiosh membership is the right choice: you will be part of South Africa’s largest regulatory occupational health and safety (OHS) professional body.

Recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), Saiosh provides information on the latest OHS developments, and I’m pleased to announce that this year there will be no increase in membership fees. But these aren’t the only reasons to renew your membership … here are 10 benefits our members enjoy:

1. Professional registration

Saiosh has three professional health and safety designations registered with SAQA in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act, and can register members on one of the three registered designations. 

2. Free OHS continuing professional development (CPD)

Saiosh hosts annual CPD OHS workshops and webinars (free for members). Stellar speakers facilitate the workshops/webinars and topics are carefully selected to ensure members are kept up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of OHS. 

3. Annual H&S conference and A-OSH Expo

Saiosh annually hosts an international health and safety conference at the Gallagher Convention Centre alongside the A-OSH Expo – both the largest of their kind in Africa. We also host a free-to-attend three day seminar theatre at A-OSH. 

4. Free SHEQ MANAGEMENT Magazine and Handbook

SHEQ MANAGEMENT is the official journal for Saiosh and South Africa’s leading SHEQ magazine. Members get a free subscription to the hard copy of the magazine and the annual Handbook.

5. Free CPD e-learning programme

Saiosh has a 20 module e-learning programme for construction health and safety. Members have free access to the programme and earn CPD points for completing the modules.

6. Free OHS legal updates

Members have free access to the updates of all OHS-related Acts and receive the update notice and the actual text included in the law title. It shows the old text before the change and the newly edited text as the new law.

7. Free OHS legal advice

Members have free access to the Saiosh OHS Legal Advice Forum. This is a platform for members to post OHS legal queries to receive a professional opinion from a seasoned OHS advocate. In addition, Saiosh has the following forums: Technical Forum, Working at Height Forum, and the Covid-19 Workplace Preparedness Forum.

8. Bursaries for OHS studies

We have identified the scarcity of skills in the OHS field and have noted the challenges that some prospective candidates have in accessing the funds to pay for their skills development. Saiosh makes bursaries available annually to qualifying members.

9. Health and safety awards

Saiosh awards several accolades annually, including awards for the person and student of the year – with financial rewards. 

10. Lobbying on behalf of members

Saiosh acts as a lobby group for occupational health and safety legislation and standards. We liaise with the Department of Employment and Labour and other government bodies on behalf of our members.

It’s clear that Saiosh is the leading source of information and networking opportunities within the OHS profession in South Africa. Renew your membership: it’s the right thing to do!