06 May 10 Questions With … Safety Officer Itumeleng Matla
Itumeleng Matla is a safety officer working for New Age Engineering Solutions in Sasolburg. Since joining the company, Itumeleng has shown commitment to ensuring the safety of all personnel and operations within New Age. His journey in safety began with his first opportunity at New Age, where he enthusiastically and diligently embraced the responsibility.
Itumeleng’s dedication to safety allows him to fulfil his role as a safety officer; it’s a personal mission for him. He consistently educates and trains his colleagues on safety procedures, encouraging a culture of safety within the company. His efforts have contributed to reducing workplace incidents and creating a safer work environment for everyone at New Age.
Itumeleng Matla is a dedicated safety officer working for New Age Engineering Solutions in Sasolburg.
When did you start working for New Age, and how did you come to work here?
I started working for New Age on 21 February 2021. As for how I came to work for New Age, it was similar to many others: I saw a Facebook job ad post while I was still working for a different company at the time; I applied. I felt blessed enough to receive a call from New Age stating they would like to invite me for an interview. After a few days, I received a call from New Age telling me that I had gotten the job. It was one of the happiest moments in my life.
How did you enter into the trade of work you are currently in?
I entered into the current trade of work as a safety officer. In 2013, I was given an opportunity to be part of the safety department, which I had started from the bottom as a SHE-Rep and elevated myself gradually as I became more passionate about safety.
WHAT TASKS AND OBLIGATIONS DO YOU PERFORM WITHIN YOUR RESPECTIVE DEPARTMENT, AND WHY ARE THEY CONSIDERED IMPORTANT FOR THE COMPANY?
– I perform daily inspections to monitor the project’s SHE performance and report any control measure on any identified deviation.
– I provide assistance and act as an advisor to the construction management and the team.
– I ensure that all required appointments of persons are documented and kept on file for inspection purposes and to ensure that the appointed person understands their duties.
– I encourage and motivate employees.
– I participate in and advise during incidents/accidents and any other investigations. I ensure that all reports and other relevant documentation are completed and records are properly filed.
– I ensure the completion of monthly SHE statistics and monthly reports.
– These are some of the obligations I am responsible for as a safety officer.
The Sasolburg Team
What achievements and rewards have you received from New Age, and precisely what did you do to receive these rewards?
In August 2023, I was chosen as Employee of the Month and received a trophy. It is on my desk now, and every time I look at it, I say to myself, “I want to do more in the company.” In November 2023, I received an award for safety officer of the year 2023. In November 2023, I received a certificate for Employee of the Year along with a cash prize. Honestly speaking, I am just doing my job to the fullest of my capabilities. I was not even aware that management noticed the effort and impact I brought to the employees and the company.
How did you feel about being recognised for your performance as a Valued Employee for New Age?
My honest reaction was “WOW”; I didn’t think words were sufficient to express how it felt after being recognised and how everyone agreed and told me how I deserved it. At that moment, I just looked up and said, “It’s all about you, God!” and that impacted me positively so much to do even more even till today I smile when I think of what I have achieved ever since I arrived at New Age, and I can confidently say I could see that more is coming.
What have you learned while working for New Age?
Being a team player: There’s a saying that goes, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it”. So, I have learned a lot about interacting with employees and interacting and speaking with them.
Documentation: I finally understand a lot when it comes to documentation and knowing how to keep records because it is very important to keep records in case something happens.
Self-confidence: My confidence has elevated in the most positive way, and having people like Bianca Behrens [safety lead], who trust me so much when it comes to safety, has made my profession more fun and productive.
In your opinion, why is it important to develop a safety culture in the company?
– It promotes the wellness of employees and employers alike.
– It maintains employees’ physical health while on the job sites.
– It instils a sense of personal safety responsibility in each employee.
– It fosters inclusivity, creates buy-in and aligns culture with company values, which can effectively reduce risks and create a safe work environment.
What key points about safety are important for people to remember and practice continuously in the company?
– Safety measures are designed to prevent accidents and protect human life in the work environment, whether in the workplace, at home, or even in public spaces.
– Safety measures reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities.
– Safety improves overall health and well-being and creates a healthier environment.
– Safety practices help to prevent damage to people, property, equipment and the environment.
– From a moral point of view, no one wants to get hurt, and no one will be happy that someone else got hurt. After all, since safety is a law, non-compliance will result in penalties in terms of fines, imprisonment, or company shutdown by regulatory bodies.
What are some of your career goals?
My ultimate goal as a safety officer is to achieve zero harm within the work environment every day, ensuring that every employee who works for New Age returns home at the end of the day safe and well with no incidents or injuries. However, my long-term objective within New Age is to obtain a senior position within the safety department of New Age Engineering Solutions.
What message would you like to share with fellow safety officers?
I believe if you are committed and dedicated to your work and doing extra or go the extra mile to achieve what you want, which is to make sure employees at the end of the day are ALWAYS SAFE, it is my ultimate goal, as we say, “ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL and ZERO HARM”.
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