The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has expanded its support for emerging and established enterprises by committing R100 000 towards a health and safety training course.

Forty-two of its service providers are now equipped to advise entrepreneurs on occupational health and safety.

“The two-day programme is designed to improve health and safety measures which are enshrined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993,” says ECDC business advisor Zoliswa Mbana.

According to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) 2004, four per cent of the GDP of any nation is lost in workplace accidents and ill health from hazardous working environments.

“Small and large businesses need to be aware of safety rules, have basic equipment such as first aid, exit routes and fire extinguishers, implement correct methods of waste disposal, have adequate storage facilities and maintain neatness at all times,” adds Makabongwe Tyiwani, ECDC service provider who completed the course.

Safetech, an accredited occupational hygiene, health, safety and environment (HSE) inspection company, conducted the training sessions in East London, Mthatha and Port Elizabeth.

The trainees received a NQF level 2 certificate which is approved by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA).

The course covers safety measures in chemical, electrical and fire hazards, environmental management, penalties for offences, and identifying people to manage health and safety in a business.

Nomgqibelo Nxoyi who also attended the course says; “The reality is that start-up entrepreneurs don’t look at health and safety standards. This course has equipped us to assist small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in assessing the business’ set-up and identifying problem areas,” Nxoyi ends.

The corporation pro-actively facilitates SMME development by, amongst others, having a structured pool of accredited specialist service providers which offer appropriate business support services. These services include skills development, consultancy and advisory services, information technology support, product and market development, business linkages, SMME policy support, as well as occupational health and safety compliance.