Top 10 Health and Safety Training Providers in South Africa

We’re here to spotlight the best of the best in health and safety training. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 providers in South Africa, each contributing in unique ways to creating safer workplaces.

Our goal is to showcase these exceptional providers while shining a light on what makes Absolute Health Services stand out among them. As we explore each provider’s strengths and specialties, you’ll see why AHS continues to lead the way in comprehensive health and safety training solutions.

Join us as we uncover the diverse offerings and approaches these top 10 providers bring to the table in occupational health, safety, and environmental training. We’re excited to present Absolute Health Services, embodying excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to keeping workplaces safe.

Overview of Health and Safety Training in South Africa

In a landscape where workplace safety and occupational health are paramount, South Africa stands committed to fostering a culture of rigorous training and compliance across industries. The importance of robust health and safety training cannot be overstated; it not only safeguards the well-being of individuals but also significantly shapes the success and sustainability of businesses.

Industry Significance

Health and safety training spans a diverse spectrum of industries, each with its unique requirements and challenges. From manufacturing to healthcare, construction to emergency services, the need for top-tier health and safety protocols resonates universally. This training isn’t merely about adhering to regulations; it’s about ingraining a culture of safety that permeates every facet of an organisation.

Role of Top Training Providers

At the forefront of this training landscape are esteemed providers dedicated to shaping safety standards and cultivating a safety-conscious workforce. These institutions set the benchmark for excellence, tailoring their programs to suit the dynamic needs of varied industries.

Absolute Health Services (AHS)

Commitment to Excellence

Absolute Health Services (AHS) prides itself on offering accredited Health and Safety Courses, ensuring clients receive current, professional, and quality training. AHS’s instructors, registered paramedics with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), bring extensive practical operational experience, specialising in First Aid Training, CPR, Firefighting, and Health and Safety training.

Exemplary Training Standards

AHS’s Health and Safety courses are meticulously curated, blending the latest theoretical course content with hands-on practical training and scenario-based learning. This approach ensures a holistic learning experience, providing both theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

National Training Network

With a vision to establish a nationwide Health and Safety training network, AHS aims to make its training accessible across the country. This network ensures clients have convenient access to their comprehensive training programs, irrespective of their location.

Client-Centric Approach

Understanding the pivotal role of clients in sustaining their business, AHS is deeply committed to offering professional, client-focused, high-quality, and cost-effective services.

Mission

AHS aspires to become a world-class health and safety and basic life support emergency care training provider. This ambition is supported by a commitment to quality health and safety courses and management services, structured around core principles: professionalism, client focus, high quality, and cost-effectiveness.

NOSA/Safety Cloud

With a foundation laid by the South African WCC, NOSA/Safety Cloud stands as a pivotal figure in shaping the landscape of occupational health and safety training in South Africa. Since its inception, it has played a crucial role in initiating critical safety dialogues and establishing groundbreaking safety audits and courses. 

Over time, NOSA has expanded its influence and offerings through strategic acquisitions, incorporating entities like Action Training Academy, Aspirata, COID Support, NQA Africa, Passport 360, and Yonke. The company’s evolution goes hand in hand with technological advancements, marked by the introduction of digital learning platforms such as E-learning and Webinars, demonstrating a commitment to modernising safety education. The partnership with The Carlyle Group and subsequent attainment of Level 4 B-BBEE status underscore NOSA’s strategic growth. Integration into SafetyCloud, encompassing NOSA College and SafetyCloud Online, reflects a broader vision of offering comprehensive safety solutions. 

NOSA/Safety Cloud’s contribution to fostering a safety-conscious culture and enhancing accessibility through digital platforms remains integral to its impact across diverse industries in South Africa.

Emcare

Emcare, a specialised Health & Safety training company founded in 1997, has emerged as a cornerstone in the realm of emergency medical and safety training within South Africa. Offering an array of courses spanning emergency medical, fire fighting, first aid, health & safety, and emergency evacuation training, Emcare has strategically established training centres in major cities nationwide. This strategic positioning ensures readily accessible services at a national level, reinforcing their commitment to delivering invaluable legal compliance training services to various industries and commerce sectors. 

Emcare’s dedication to high-quality services and creating sustainable job opportunities for its students is reflected in its mission statement, emphasising interactive training, professional conduct, and client-centricity. The company’s extensive reach extends beyond physical training centres, featuring mobile training vehicles equipped with specialised training equipment, facilitating on-site training services for client convenience. Emcare’s steadfast focus on comprehensive safety training across diverse sectors underscores its prominent role in shaping safety standards and promoting preparedness across South Africa.

St John

St John operates as a leading organisation committed to delivering excellence in training and services related to first aid, basic health, and home care within South Africa. With a clear vision to be recognized as the primary provider of top-tier training and services in these essential areas, St John Ambulance focuses on encouraging and supporting the work of its volunteers, dedicated “for the faith and in the service of humanity.” 

Embracing a broader mission, the organisation also extends its support to sister organisations in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing wherever possible to address critical needs. St John Ambulance emphasises fostering dedication, responsiveness, and unity within its teams, nurturing a culture of teamwork to deliver on its objectives. Moreover, it prioritises sound corporate governance and financial stability to ensure the continuity and growth of its impactful initiatives. 

Upholding the integrity of the Order of St John, St John Ambulance establishes itself as a pivotal institution dedicated to promoting health education and emergency care standards in South Africa and the broader region.

StratTraining

Established in 2007, StratTraining emerged as a successor to a well-established private training company with over 18 years of experience in the field. Since its inception, StratTraining expanded remarkably within its first financial year, extending its scope to offer an impressive array of more than 120 courses. The company specialises in health and safety training, catering to the diverse needs of various industries.

StratTraining prioritises a client-centric approach, striving to meet their long-term needs while aligning its operations with the strategic goals of the organisation. The company envisions being a frontrunner in the training domain, emphasising comprehensive employee development and delivering exceptional standards in training quality.

The courses provided by StratTraining encompass a broad spectrum of health and safety topics, covering emergency response, firefighting, first aid, and specialised training for different occupational health and safety requirements. The company is committed to offering courses that range from basic certifications necessary for job requirements to comprehensive programs aimed at enhancing personal and occupational health and safety standards.

StratTraining boasts accreditations and affiliations with various regulatory bodies and institutions, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, standardised training programs. These accreditations reinforce its commitment to providing training aligned with legal and industry requirements, reinforcing the company’s credibility and commitment to excellence. StratTraining’s rapid growth and focus on providing a wide range of courses position it as a notable contributor to the enhancement of health and safety standards across industries. With a commitment to excellence, professional service, and a wide-ranging curriculum, StratTraining has cemented its reputation as a leader in health and safety training in South Africa.

FTS Safety

FTS Safety Group is an ardent collective dedicated to fostering a culture of safety across South Africa, catering to homes, schools, churches, and businesses, both large and small. Their focus extends beyond mere compliance, emphasising genuine care and dedication to people’s well-being. From safety equipment and workwear to consulting services, they cover a spectrum of occupational health and safety needs. Their alignment with the OHS Act 85 of 1993 ensures not only compliance but confidence in safety protocols.

The group’s online platform serves as more than just an e-commerce site. It acts as a comprehensive hub for safety needs, offering top-quality safety equipment, expert advice, and a user-friendly shopping experience. FTS Safety Group’s SETA-accredited training courses, available online, are designed to instil a positive safety culture within organisations across South Africa.

Their distinction lies in their professionalism coupled with a friendly, lighthearted approach. FTS Safety Group aims not just to provide a service but to be a trusted friend and safety partner. Their reputation as the best online safety company is founded on years of dedication and commitment to their cause.

For organisations seeking safety training in Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and beyond, FTS Safety Group promises the highest standards. They continue to stand out by delivering industry-leading expertise and maintaining their commitment to safety excellence.

MakroSafe

MakroSafe distinguishes itself through a strategic focus on core functions, allowing clients to concentrate on their primary competencies while entrusting health and safety responsibilities to MakroSafe’s expertise. Their services aid in the migration to newer health and safety technologies, enhancing productivity and quality while reducing infrastructure investments.

Their approach empowers companies to manage operating costs, improve efficiency, and bridge talent shortages in the face of a diminishing skills pipeline. MakroSafe’s strategic services, backed by operational expertise, offer access to world-class capabilities, knowledge, and experience.

MakroSafe positions itself as a leading service provider in South Africa, managing health and safety programs cost-effectively to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. They specialise in controlling workplace hazards, providing essential health and safety training, facilitating investigations, and managing administrative processes in the event of incidents.

Embodying seven core values, MakroSafe commits to building a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within client organisations. Their vision revolves around ensuring that loved ones return home healthy and safe after work, promoting accountability, and cultivating a positive health and safety culture.

3M

3M’s Health and Safety Training division in South Africa is a dynamic hub for comprehensive safety solutions, offering a wide array of courses and resources catering to various safety needs. Their expertise lies in identifying problems, understanding challenges, and developing innovative solutions for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ensuring users’ safety and comfort.

They provide training for diverse safety issues, imparting comprehensive knowledge to enhance workplace safety, both online and through on-site certified training. Their expert industry knowledge is accessible through webinars and specialised training sessions conducted by certified instructors.

The 3M online platform serves as a comprehensive safety hub, offering top-quality safety equipment and workwear, along with valuable safety advice and industry-leading training courses. Their commitment extends to providing an inclusive learning environment and valuable resources, allowing individuals and organisations to access cutting-edge safety information and expertise.

IEFA

The Institute of Emergency First Aiders (IEFA) stands as a committed institution in South Africa, offering a spectrum of emergency training courses. Established in 1987, IEFA has diligently aimed to bridge the gap in public knowledge and awareness concerning effective emergency response.

Their courses range from basic to advanced, covering emergency first aid, occupational health and safety requirements, and specific emergency response training, aligning with regulations outlined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993. IEFA provides training in various areas, such as health and safety representatives, accident investigation, firefighting, and more.

IEFA’s accreditation and recognition by esteemed institutions like the Department of Employment & Labour, Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa, HW SETA, and LG SETA validate their commitment to high-quality training programs. Their team of SETA-accredited trainers ensures that training materials and programs are aligned with international standards, promoting a culture of safety in workplaces and communities.

BLS Medical

BLS Medical has been a stalwart in rendering medical, fire, and safety services, training, and products in South Africa since 1994. Their extensive experience and dedication to promoting a safe environment for individuals, employees, stakeholders, and learners stand as a testament to their commitment to excellence.

Initially founded to address the requirement for first aid training post the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Act 85 of 1993), BLS Medical quickly evolved, offering a range of medical training and support services. They expanded their expertise into medical standby and support at various events, earning a reputation as a dependable service provider.

The company’s trajectory includes a shift from a partnership to a closed corporation, expanding into advanced life support ambulance services, and gaining accreditation from esteemed bodies like HPCSA, ASHI, and ECSI. Despite changes in the economic climate, BLS Medical adapted its services, maintaining its position as a leader in OHS training, both nationally and internationally.

Graham Pearson, BLS Medical’s founder, and chairperson of SHASTAC (Saiosh Health and Safety Training Advisory Committee), showcases the company’s proactive approach to industry changes, positioning them as a significant contributor to South Africa’s evolving health and safety training landscape. With over 47,000 certificates issued and ongoing commitment to international standards, BLS Medical remains a trusted brand dedicated to providing relevant and top-quality training.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating South Africa’s health and safety training landscape requires a nuanced understanding of the diverse offerings and commitments of industry-leading providers. Among these, Absolute Health Services (AHS) stands as an exemplar, delivering accredited health and safety courses led by experienced paramedics registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Each competitor—NOSA/Safety Cloud, Emcare, St John, StratTraining, FTS Safety, MakroSafe, 3M, IEFA, BLS Medical, and Absolute Health Services—brings its unique strengths, specialised courses, and industry contributions. NOSA/Safety Cloud’s expansive reach, Emcare’s comprehensive medical services, St John’s dedication to life-saving emergency care, StratTraining’s focus on health and safety training, FTS Safety’s commitment to fostering a safety culture, MakroSafe’s strategic health and safety solutions, 3M’s diverse safety training options, IEFA’s high standard of emergency procedures education, and BLS Medical’s extensive experience all shape the landscape of health and safety training in South Africa.

Amidst this array of reputable providers, Absolute Health Services distinguishes itself with its commitment to excellence, client-focused approach, and industry-aligned training programs. AHS’s dedication to providing up-to-date, professional, and quality training courses ensures a robust foundation for workplace safety across diverse sectors.

As you navigate your choice of health and safety training provider, consider the offerings, expertise, and commitments of each, ensuring that your selection aligns seamlessly with your organisation’s needs and values. Explore Absolute Health Services and discover how their comprehensive, quality-driven training can elevate your commitment to health and safety in the workplace.