What is COIDA?
If you employ people in South Africa, you’ve almost certainly heard of COIDA. But what is COIDA, and why is it important for your business?
Helen Farish
We are experts in workplace health and safety management, emergency preparedness, and legal compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993.
Our training is delivered by experienced paramedics and OHS Practitioners and is accredited by the QCTO, HWSETA, and the Department of Employment and Labour. We offer training in First Aid, Firefighting, Evacuation Planning, Health and Safety Representative and Supervisor, and more.
We advise on and supply legally required health and safety and emergency preparedness equipment for your workplace, including first aid boxes, evacuation floor plans, fire extinguishers, directional signage, OHS Act posters, etc.
We provide tailored OHS management services including compliance assessments, risk assessments, ergonomics assessments, facilitated evacuation drills, and fully outsourced OHS management solutions.
Our team of qualified OHS practitioners, paramedics, and ISO45001 implementers bring a wealth of hands-on experience gained across a broad range of clients, industries, and countries.
We provide a holistic suite of services that help you meet all of your OHS Act requirements, from team training, to comprehensive health and safety management solutions, to ISO45001 certification.
We understand that every workplace and client has a unique set of OHS needs and challenges. We tailor every service and solution to fit your particular requirements and produce the best results.
Our team formed part of the advisory panel to the QCTO and HWSETA, assisting with the development of the new national OHS skills programmes.
We offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality, compliance, or customer service.
We support major corporates and multinational organisations across South Africa, Africa, and the Middle East.
Middle East Regional Coverage
Provided comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety services across multiple Deloitte offices throughout the Middle East, supporting consistent OHS standards across a geographically diverse region.
Services & Implementation
Supported Deloitte in achieving full ISO 45001 OHS certification, while delivering First Aid, Firefighting, Evacuation Planning, Health & Safety Representative and Supervisor training, risk assessments, and the development of site-specific evacuation floor plans.
Achievements
Strengthened Deloitte’s OHS management systems, compliance and emergency preparedness across multiple countries, establishing AHS as a trusted partner in supporting their ongoing occupational health and safety objectives.
National & International Coverage
Provided Occupational Health and Safety training and related services across ADvTECH Group’s educational facilities nationally in South Africa, as well as supporting their operations in the Middle East.
Services Delivered
Trained staff across multiple sites in First Aid, Firefighting, Evacuation Planning, Health & Safety Representative training, Incident Investigation and OHS Act compliance, supporting the organisation in maintaining a strong workplace safety culture.
Achievements
Since 2018, AHS has supported ADvTECH Group in strengthening OHS compliance and employee preparedness, contributing to a consistent, proactive approach to workplace health and safety across the organisation.
National Coverage
Provided comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety services to Momentum Metropolitan Holdings nationally since 2018, supporting multiple locations and organisational safety requirements.
Services Delivered
Delivered First Aid and Firefighting training, risk assessments, evacuation drill support and debriefing, compliance posters, general OHS guidance and health and safety equipment supply.
Achievements
Contributed to maintaining and strengthening workplace health and safety standards through proactive, responsive support and the ability to meet organisational requirements effectively, including short-notice requests.
National Coverage
Delivered Occupational Health and Safety training to Dis-Chem staff across their operations, supporting employees in maintaining the required levels of workplace safety awareness and preparedness.
Services Delivered
Provided First Aid Level 1, Basic Firefighting and Health & Safety Representative training, equipping employees with the knowledge and practical skills to respond effectively to workplace emergencies and safety risks.
Achievements
Successfully delivered training through a smooth and well-managed booking and delivery process, with responsive support that ensured the client’s requirements were met efficiently and professionally.
National & Multi-Regional Coverage
Provided onsite paramedic (BLS) support and Occupational Health & Safety services across multiple regions, supporting Discovery’s employees, contractors and workplace emergency response teams.
Services Delivered
Delivered First Aid Level 1 & 2, Health & Safety Representative, Basic Firefighting and Evacuation Planning training, together with OHS training for employees and contractors, including cleaning, security and fleet personnel.
Achievements
Strengthened Discovery’s onsite emergency response capability, employee preparedness and OHS awareness, with consistent and reliable service delivery across multiple locations and workforce groups.
National Coverage
Provided comprehensive national Occupational Health and Safety services to Old Mutual since 2019, supporting health and safety requirements across multiple locations and operational environments.
Services Delivered
Delivered First Aid Level 1 & 2, Basic Firefighting, Evacuation Planning, Health & Safety Representative, Risk Assessment and Health & Safety Supervisor training, together with emergency equipment supply and general OHS compliance support.
Achievements
Contributed to the strengthening of OHS standards and compliance across the organisation through reliable, practical and proactive support, including the ability to respond effectively to short-notice requirements while maintaining consistent service quality.
Johannesburg Coverage
Delivered Occupational Health and Safety training and compliance support to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, aligned with corporate standards and workplace compliance requirements.
Services Delivered
Provided First Aid, Fire Safety and broader OHS training, supported by structured and engaging facilitation tailored to the organisation’s working environment.
Achievements
Improved employee awareness and understanding of workplace health and safety practices, while consistently maintaining a professional, reliable and high standard of service delivery.
OHS Management System
Supported SEACOM with the implementation of a tailored Health & Safety Management System, including the review and refinement of policies, procedures and safety documentation to meet the organisation’s specific requirements.
Services Delivered
Provided Occupational Health and Safety training, emergency equipment supply and ongoing advisory support, including assistance during Health & Safety Committee engagements to strengthen governance and compliance.
Achievements
Contributed to a stronger safety culture, improved OHS governance and enhanced employee awareness, while strengthening SEACOM’s systems and ability to respond effectively to workplace incidents.
Training Coverage
Delivered comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety training to NHC Healthcare Centers, supporting employees and supervisors in developing the knowledge and practical skills required for a safe workplace.
Services Delivered
Provided Basic Firefighting, Evacuation Planning, Health & Safety Representative and Health & Safety Supervisor training, with practical and engaging sessions tailored to the organisation’s workplace requirements.
Achievements
Improved employee safety awareness, practical application of safety procedures and OHS compliance readiness, with complex safety concepts presented clearly and effectively to participants.
Regional Coverage
Delivered Occupational Health and Safety training across the Frontier Region, including Karoo National Park, Mountain Zebra National Park, Camdeboo National Park and Addo Elephant National Park.
Services Delivered
Provided training in Risk Assessment, Hazardous Material Handling, Incident Investigation and Health & Safety Representative responsibilities, tailored to the operational requirements of the various national parks.
Achievements
Successfully supported staff development and workplace safety awareness across multiple park locations through professional, well-structured and practical training, with strong coordination and communication throughout the programme.
Site Coverage
Delivered Occupational Health and Safety training at Mokala National Park, focusing on practical safety requirements relevant to employees working within the park environment.
Services Delivered
Provided Incident Investigation and OHS Act training, covering legal responsibilities, hazard identification, risk assessment, incident reporting and the structured investigation process.
Achievements
Improved employees’ understanding of OHS legal requirements, incident reporting and investigation procedures, with participants highlighting the training as informative, relevant and beneficial to their roles.
Training Coverage
Provided Occupational Health and Safety training to Sorbet staff, supporting employees and supervisors in developing the knowledge and skills required to respond effectively to workplace safety and emergency situations.
Services Delivered
Delivered First Aid, Evacuation Planning and Health & Safety Supervisor training, with a focus on practical workplace application and emergency preparedness.
Achievements
Supported improved employee safety awareness, emergency preparedness and supervisory OHS capability, while providing a professional and responsive training service with strong communication throughout the engagement.
Training Coverage
Delivered a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety training programme to Club Med employees, supporting staff at all levels in understanding their workplace safety responsibilities.
Services Delivered
Provided First Aid, Fire Safety, Evacuation Planning, Health & Safety Representative and Health & Safety Supervisor training, using practical and interactive methods tailored to the organisation’s requirements.
Achievements
Strengthened the organisation’s Health & Safety culture and employee confidence, with participants gaining a clearer understanding of safety responsibilities and the practical application of workplace safety principles.
National & Coastal Coverage
Provided Occupational Health and Safety training and support to KWE’s coastal branches and head office, assisting the organisation following an ISO Integrated Management System audit.
Services Delivered
Delivered First Aid, Fire Safety and OHS training, together with ongoing general OHS guidance and support to assist KWE in addressing workplace safety and compliance requirements.
Achievements
Contributed to improved health and safety standards, employee awareness and compliance, transforming routine safety topics into practical and engaging training that enabled staff to apply their knowledge effectively in the workplace.
Under the OHS Act, employers in South Africa are required to train and formally appoint designated health and safety and emergency preparedness team members in the workplace. We are committed to training your health and safety team to respond appropriately when needed to keep people alive until the emergency services arrive.
Our role-specific health and safety courses are engaging, practical, and aligned with current legislation and industry best practice.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires adequate first aid training to be provided in all workplaces because first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation are critical life-saving skills. Attending this first aid NQF Level 1 course will give you high-quality, practical, hands-on exposure in learning the basic skills of first aid. It does make a difference, so go ahead and book your first aid NQF Level 1 course with Absolute Health Services; we are accredited and can assist you.
Uncontrolled fires result in millions of rands in damage to property and businesses, and tragically result in loss of human life.
It is vitally important for every workplace to implement fire prevention and protection measures. This includes providing Fire Wardens with accredited firefighting training that equips them to safely and effectively extinguish fires before they become disasters.
This course equips your Health and Safety Team to prepare for and execute an emergency evacuation of the workplace, by developing and implementing emergency response procedures, clearly displaying evacuation floor plans, and conducting evacuation drills.
Bi-annual evacuation drills are a legal compliance requirement and delegates are taught how to assist with conducting effective, legally compliant drills and assist in generating reports.
Under the OHS Act, any company employing 20 or more employees is legally required to appoint a Health and Safety Representative. These Representatives play an important role in any company’s health and safety structure and strategy. They represent the employees’ interests at the quarterly Health and Safety Committee meetings, and together with management’s support, assist in driving workplace health and safety within the company.
This course empowers delegates to operate as Health and Safety Representatives in any workplace environment.
The Health and Safety Supervisor course is a very popular and comprehensive two-day course designed for managers, departmental heads, and supervisors. The course content covers a broad range of important sections and requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, helping delegates to understand and implement health and safety compliance requirements.
This valuable course prepares supervisors to manage workplace health and safety effectively.
This specialised 10-day Health and Safety Officer course is aimed at empowering delegates with a broad, holistic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and health and safety management, including incident investigation and risk assessments. In addition, the course covers first aid, firefighting, and evacuation planning.
This course is popular with delegates embarking on a career in OHS, as well as with organisations looking to upskill a capable team member to oversee health and safety across the entire organisation.
We offer a range of accredited first aid courses, including Basic First Aid (Level 1), Intermediate First Aid (Level 2), and Advanced First Aid (Level 3).
We also offer Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, CPR for Everyone, and CPR for Professionals.
Absolute Health Services is accredited by the QCTO, the HWSETA, and the Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa and is approved by the Department of Employment and Labour.
Our health and safety courses are designed to give your team the knowledge and practical skills needed to implement an effective OHS system that reduces workplace risks and meets the legal requirements of the OHS Act.
We offer Health and Safety Representative and Supervisor training, Incident Investigation training, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment training (HIRA), OHS Act training, and our 16.2 Appointee and Ergonomics workshops.
Our training caters to workplaces with specialised needs and includes Evacuation Planning training, HAZMAT training, Stacking and Storage training, and HIV/AIDS Awareness training.
Ensure the safety of your business and employees. Contact us today to receive a free quote and become OHS compliant.
If you employ people in South Africa, you’ve almost certainly heard of COIDA. But what is COIDA, and why is it important for your business?
A fire drill (or evacuation drill) is not a box-ticking exercise. Done correctly, it is the most reliable way to find out whether your workplace’s
Fire safety is a fundamental part of workplace health and safety. Every South African employer has a legal responsibility to provide and maintain a working