Overflowing trophy case for SGB-Cape

SGB-Cape, a leading South African access, marine and event scaffolding supplier, was honoured at the Noscar Awards, hosted by the National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA).

The 2018 Noscar Awards were held on Friday, October 19, at The Venue Green Park in Sandton, Johannesburg. The annual event aims to recognise and congratulate Nosa clients who have achieved excellence. In total, SGB-Cape walked away with 12 awards this year, including two individual awards.

“We have won 46 awards in the past across all our site branches, and have now collected a whopping 56 awards,” says Thabo Modumaela, national health, safety and environment (HSE) manager at SGB-Cape. He adds that the organisation’s success comes from prioritising safety.

“SGB-Cape is committed to ensuring that our employees are provided with a safe working environment. The commitment of both management and employees cannot be overemphasised. Without it, we would not be able to achieve our remarkable HSE record. We always look forward to pushing boundaries and do not accept the status quo and the past norms,” Modumaela states.

Safety at SGB-Cape is a culture and not an afterthought. Ensuring that no harm is done to anyone and that the environment is not affected negatively remains a priority for all in the group.

The awards received from Nosa provide recognition to the company, but they also set it apart. Modumaela explains: “It means that we are in the league of our own; that we walk the talk when it comes to health and safety; and that we are not about ticking boxes, but are immersed and truly committed to transforming the HSE landscape in South Africa.”

SGB-Cape has a unique way of implementing its health and safety strategy. Everyone in the organisation has ownership of it, not only the health and safety department.

Regarding the company’s health and safety culture, Modumaela says: “We are caring and always refer to each other as family. There is mutual respect for everyone and we embrace diversity.”

SGB-Cape is doing something right. In July 2018, the company achieved an all-time low in lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) at 0,05, with an average of 5 200 employees over 13-million man-hours in 12 months.

SGB-Cape’s message to other organisations is simple. “Always strive to make the workplace as HSE friendly as possible. Safety is not a separate function, but an inherent part of our everyday work ethic. Stats and milestones are important indicators along the way, but ensuring that employees return home every day – unharmed – is what it is all about!”  Modumaela concludes.

SGB-Cape was awarded the following at the
2018 Noscars:

1. Matla: 7th Noscar

2. Kriel: 5th Noscar

3. Vaal Branch: 4th Noscar

4. Lethabo: 4th Noscar

5. Durban: 4th Noscar

6. Tedoc – SGB-Cape: 3rd Noscar

7. Namibia Walvis Bay: 3rd Noscar

8. Grootvlei: 3rd Noscar

9. Sappi Saiccor: 2nd Noscar

10. Kelvin Power Station: 2nd Noscar

Individual winners:

1. Nicolas Mwamba: 2017 HSE Coordinator of the Year.

2. Alie Ledwaba: 2017 SHE Representative of the Year.