Introduction and background

My name is Nomzamo Xulu, a proudly Safety officer from KwaDukuza, KwaZulu Natal. I started my work as a Safety officer in year 2012. Being a safety officer over the years has helped me a lot in gaining experience about the industry I’m working in.

When I started, I had zero experience but with the passion and dedication I have for the (occupation/safety) that all pushed me to work hard to succeed.

How I got started

It all started while I was working for a ‘’small’’ cleaning company based in KwaDukuza. The environment I was working in motivated me to enroll in the Safety Management course. The demand is too high, based on that fact that every workplace has hazards and risks and there must be a person appointed to assist in controlling and mitigating those risks and hazards involved. The employer needs a person with experience who will oversee all safety related issues. That’s when I realized the importance of safety in workplace, that’s when my mind broadens. I took into consideration all that she told me and made it a point that I follow-up.

I began my search for the institution where I will enroll in. I made a booking with NOSA (which is based in Pinetown) and I started my Safety Management course. My courses included of 1. Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Act 2. Advanced Occupational Health and Safety Act 3. Applying SHE Principles and Procedures (ASHEPP). After completing my studies, I began searching for a job as a Safety Officer. Remind you I had no practical background experience regarding the job. All I had was my SAMTRAC Certificate I received.

I submitted CVs to various companies and honestly, I wasn’t convinced that I’d get the job since I had no experience. One day however, I received a call unexpectedly asking if I’m interested in the job as a Safety Officer for a construction company. And without any hesitation I said yes, and I was very excited. I remember that day vividly because it changed my life, it was a sunny day in August.

The following day, I went to the company offices in KwaDukuza to finalize everything about the job and that’s when my career as a Safety Officer began.

On the job

On my first day at work, I met up with co-workers and the challenging part was that the industry was male dominated. It was overwhelming for me, but they were very welcoming. The first few weeks were difficult because I had to adjust to the ‘’weather’’ and the environment. After a month on the job, I became more familiar with everything related to the job. I had to do my job applying theoretical knowledge I gained during my training and conducting on site experience. I had to be more on site.

My duties at work included but not limited to:

1. Ensuring compliance with Health and Safety Regulations

 2. Advice on Health and Safety topics

3. Enforce preventative measures to create a safe workplace

4. Safety inspection

5. Promote safety initiatives

6. Ensures that all health and safety are adhered to.

On site I met up with engineers, project managers and consultants and they were very instrumental in providing me with the right tools and necessary information to fulfil my role on the job. Their support was invaluable especially during those early days when everything was new and unfamiliar. One thing that significantly helped me was building good relationship with my colleagues who had more experience than me. I became familiar with the job, and I acquired more skills.

What I learnt

From the site I gained experience, and I was able to do the following:

Drafting safety report

Compiling work schedule

Implementing and compiling It and safety file

Identifying risk and hazard and develop risk assessment

Develop risk assessment

For those who wish to pursue their career in Health and Safety industry and don’t know where to start, feel free to contact me and I will do my absolute best to assist and guide you every step. And those who are business owners and some already working in the industry, I’m available to mentor and guide you.