MAKROSAFE is changing the face of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in South Africa with groundbreaking technology and innovative programmes that reward clients for excellence.
Operating in the security industry is demanding and stressful and MAKROSAFE recognises that this sector is one of the most dangerous in the country. With workers under constant threat of bodily harm, the importance of implementing tried-and-tested OHS strategies becomes crystal clear.
South Africa’s security industry places employees in extremely volatile situations. The must deal with extreme acts of violence, terrorism and hostage takeovers. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is therefore commonplace among security workers.
Stepping into this breach, MAKROSAFE has developed a programme that not only takes care of the psychological needs of the security sector. It also rewards them with substantial financial gains for achieving and maintaining OHS Act standards and regulations.
SafetyWallet Rewards Programme
The security industry now stands to gain huge rewards for implementing MAKROSAFE’s SafetyWallet Rewards Programme, an Android-compatible app powered by OHS Online. The app ensures blanket coverage of the many rules and regulations demanded for compliance by the OHS Act. The cherry on the top is that it also offers clients substantial financial returns on their health and safety investment.
As a leading OHS consultancy, with more than 20 years of professional service to the industry, MAKROSAFE is making a valuable contribution to reducing work-related fatality and injury statistics. As South Africa’s crime wave reaches ever-increasing new heights, at least 40 security workers become daily statistics.
Security Spotlight
South Africa has one of the biggest private security industries worldwide. With more than 500,000 security officers, this sector’s manpower is more than double that of the SA Police Service. Illustrating the might of this industry player is the fact that there are a further 1.5 million inactive qualified security guards. The more than 9,000 registered security companies in the country adds credence to the undisputed fact that both private and public sectors are relying more heavily on the services of these companies to beef up their safety net.
State-of-the-art technology is commonplace in the security industry. Among their security armoury are gadgets such as vehicles fitted with facial and license plate recognition technology. These new technological breakthroughs have allowed private security companies to expand their coverage to the protection of commercial and residential developments.
Identifying Hazards
MAKROSAFE says security personnel must be trained to understand and recognise hazards, both at work and outside. The correct health and safety training and understanding to handle emergency situations include:
- Stress and fatigue recognition
- First aid
- Overall health and safety training
- Regular risk assessments
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including
- Bullet-proof vests
- Goggles
- Steel-toed boots
