Monday 15 April was a momentous day for the occupational hygiene fraternity of South Africa when the Department of Labour (DoL) and the Association for Occupational Hygiene Approved Inspection Authorities NPC (OH AIA Association) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Department’s head office in Pretoria.


OH AIA Association representative Jaco van Rensburg signing the MOU on behalf of the Association


Present at the signing ceremony were (L to R): Johann Beukes (former OH AIA A Director), Jabu Mhlophe (DoL, Specialist: OHH), Philip van Dyk (OH AIA A Board Chairman), Bulelwa Huna (DoL, Senior Specialist: OHH), Jaco van Rensburg (OH AIA A Director), Elize Louwrens (DoL, Specialist: OHH), Warren Mallon (DoL, Specialist: OHH)

This MoU ratifies a formal working relationship between the DoL and the OH AIA Association in areas of common or mutual interest, aiming to ensure the prevention of ill health and improvement of safety and productivity in the work environment.

In the MOU, the parties agree to promote and advance each other’s roles and functions for the benefit of health and wellbeing in industry, through frequent and open communication and collaboration.

The objectives of the Association are, amongst others, to promote, represent and protect the interests of OH AIAs, by promoting mutual support, sharing knowledge and experience, ensuring ethical conduct, and improving the quality and standard of professional occupational hygiene practice in South Africa.

As the officially recognised representative of OH AIAs, the OH AIA Association will be the formal conduit of information between the DoL and OH AIAs. As such, it would be beneficial for all OH AIAs to join the Association. More information can be obtained on the Association’s website www.ohaia.org; enquiries can be sent to admin@ohaia.org.

Report by:
Jaco van Rensburg
On behalf of the Association for Occupational Hygiene AIAs
e-mail: Jaco.VanRensburg@gijima.com