Mmatlou SALPHINA Dihangwane
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
Pretoria East
Summary
Occupational health and safety professional with strong track record in identifying and mitigating workplace risks. Skilled in regulatory compliance, hazard assessment, and emergency preparedness. Reliable team collaborator with focus on achieving results and adapting to changing needs. Known for effective communication and problem-solving abilities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
13
13
Certifications
Work History
Bloemfontein Abattoir
08.2018 - 08.2018
- Duties: Primary Red Meat Inspector at a high throughput put abattoir. Inspection of Beef, mutton and Pork to ensure compliance with Meat Safety Act and Red Meat Regulations.
Capricorn District Municipality
06.2016 - 08.2018
- Duties: Work Integrated learning, performing duties of Environmental Health Practitioner (functions of Municipal Health Services) under the supervision of Independent Environmental Health Practitioner. Functions include Water Quality Monitoring, Food Hygiene, Health surveillance of premises, Chemical Safety, waste management, Environmental pollution control, disposal of the dead, monitoring and surveillance of communicable diseases excluding immunization.
Occupational Health and Safety Officer (SHERQ Officer)
Department of Higher Education and Training, Capricorn TVET College
POLOKWANE, LIMPOPO
03.2023 - Current
- Duties: Ensuring that the college/ Campus complies with the relevant occupational health and safety regulations. Investigate and finalise Incidents and complaints reported pertaining Occupational Health and Safety.
- Review, implement and ensure compliance with relevant Policies and procedures. Coordinate Occupational Health and safety (OHS) committee meetings and emergency evacuation drills.
- Facilitate and conduct OHSA and COIDA related trainings and workshops to ensure compliance.
- Conducts Audits and inspections to identify any noncompliance and make recommendations to the employer. Responsible for conducting Campus Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
- Provide OHS Reports and advice to internal structures.
- Performed regular audits of contractor safety records, ensuring adherence to established standards throughout the supply chain.
- Conducted thorough incident investigations, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Maintained compliance with OSHA regulations by ensuring proper documentation, reporting, and recordkeeping.
- Collaborated with management to develop and implement safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement in safety performance through ongoing communication and feedback mechanisms.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge and skills through participation in industry conferences, seminars, and educational workshops.
- Provided expert guidance on occupational health matters such as industrial hygiene monitoring, medical surveillance programs, and exposure control strategies.
- Increased employee awareness of safety practices by delivering engaging training sessions and workshops.
- Enhanced workplace safety by conducting regular inspections and implementing effective hazard control measures.
- Implemented ergonomics assessments to optimize workstation design for improved employee comfort and reduced injury risks.
- Managed workers'' compensation claims, facilitating timely return-to-work initiatives for injured employees.
- Developed emergency response plans to ensure organizational preparedness for various types of incidents.
- Developed and implemented safety policies and procedures to promote workplace safety.
- Educated employees on hazardous waste management, emergency response and safe work practices.
- Investigated incidents, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
Community Service Environmental Health Practitioner, Seshego Hospital
Limpopo Department of Health
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Duties: Conduct Environmental Health inspections in the hospital and report noncompliance to the employer (Hospital Management).
- Ensure proper Waste management (Proper Segregation, storage and collection of General and Health care risk waste)
- Food Hygiene (Ensure proper handling, storage and preparation of food, milk and meat).
- Water Quality monitoring (Collects water samples on monthly basis) to ensure Compliance with SANS 241.
- Management and monitoring of COVID-19 human remains, COVID-19 Case Investigation, Surveillance and Prevention of communicable diseases excluding Immunisation, Malaria Control, Vector Control, incidents investigation, and Chemical safety. Consolidate Environmental Health Monthly Reports and make recommendations to the employer.
- Developed strong working relationships with colleagues and external partners to facilitate effective collaboration on shared goals.
- Championed a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels among staff members and encouraging teamwork.
- Educated patients and families on health conditions to raise awareness.
Education
Bachelor of Technology Degree - Environmental Health
Nelson Mandela University
01.2019
National Diploma - Environmental Health
Central University of Technology
01.2018
Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) - undefined
Moshidi Secondary School
01.2002
Skills
Workplace inspections
Certification
NOSA College: Introduction to SAMTRAC & SAMTRAC Public (2024)
References
- LP, Mahlatji, Campus Manager, lpmahlatji@capricorncollege.edu.za, 015 526 2750, 0714035792, Department of Higher Education and Training (Capricorn TVET College)
- M, Malotle, Project Coordinator (Epidemiologist), MolebogengM@nioh.ac.za, 011 712 6551, 0824540132, National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH)
- K A, Monama, District Coordinator, Environmental Health Services, monana.kgabo@dhsd.limpopo.gov.za, 015 290 9207, 0762091225, Limpopo Department of Health (Capricorn District)
Timeline
Occupational Health and Safety Officer (SHERQ Officer)
Department of Higher Education and Training, Capricorn TVET College
03.2023 - Current
Community Service Environmental Health Practitioner, Seshego Hospital
Limpopo Department of Health
01.2020 - 12.2020
Bloemfontein Abattoir
08.2018 - 08.2018
Capricorn District Municipality
06.2016 - 08.2018
National Diploma - Environmental Health
Central University of Technology
Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) - undefined
Moshidi Secondary School
Bachelor of Technology Degree - Environmental Health
Nelson Mandela University