The rise of Saiosh

The year 2020 is special for Saiosh, an organisation established by dedicated industry professionals in 2010. A decade later, with more than 15 000 members, Saiosh is the only South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) certified body and the largest entity of OHS professionals in Africa

To celebrate this achievement, we will hold our 10th Annual Conference at the Gallagher Convention Centre from August 18 to 19. The A-OSH Expo will commence at the same venue on the same date but end on August 20. Members who cannot attend the whole conference will have the opportunity to participate in the free three-day A-OSH Expo seminar theatre programme, proudly sponsored by Saiosh.

The first 200 registrants for the Saiosh Conference will have free access to the gala dinner and awards function on the evening of the first day of the conference. The following accolades will be awarded:

• Saiosh Person of the Year

• Saiosh Student of the Year

• Saiosh Wall of Fame

Saiosh is in the process of developing a Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). It will include international recognition of our membership grades. Chartered members who qualify for fellowship and eligible applicants should send their applications to the Saiosh Council.

Last year, the Saiosh Council approved the implementation of the ISO 17024 certification. The CEO, Neels Nortje, held in-house working sessions with a specialist, and all draft policies, procedures and related documents have been compiled for implementation in the 3rd quarter of 2020.

The principles of the ISO 17024 standard are as follows:

The overall purpose of ISO 17024 certification of persons is to recognise an individual’s competency to perform a task or job.

The ISO 17024 certification body has the responsibility to ensure that only those persons who demonstrate competency are awarded certification.

Certification of persons provides value through public confidence and trust. The former relies on a valid assessment of capability by a third party and is reconfirmed at defined and regular intervals.

The certification body should act in a responsible manner in order to instil confidence in interested parties with regards to its aptitude, impartiality and integrity.

Expected benefits to certified persons include:

• Enhanced acceptability of certificates in the global job market;

• Continuous professional development;

• Increased recognition in the employment market; and

• Better salary or package.

Expected benefits to the industry include:

• Ease in hiring skilled manpower – reduced investment in training;

• Guaranteed quality of services;

• Enhanced employee confidence on the stated competencies;

• Improved quality of operations;

• Savings in terms of time and money; and

• Hiring criteria based on “competence” rather than on “qualification”.

Further updates of this comprehensive certification process will be communicated to members in the coming months.