Health and Safety Niche Seminar highlights prevention in practice

The Faculty of Science hosted a Health and Safety (OHS) Niche Seminar on 14 September 2026, bringing together researchers, academics and industry practitioners to explore current occupational health and safety challenges under the theme, Beyond Compliance: Prevention in Practice.

Delegates attending the Faculty of Science Health and Safety (OHS) Niche Seminar, Beyond Compliance: Prevention in Practice. The seminar provided a platform for postgraduate researchers and academics to share findings on a broad range of health and safety issues affecting workplaces and communities. The programme highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of occupational health and safety research, with presentations spanning healthcare, mining, transport, food safety and ergonomics.

Research topics included the impact of different infant-wearing methods on caregivers’ pulmonary function, as well as the knowledge and training needs related to the safe handling of chemical agents among university students in Gauteng. Other studies focused on the management of asbestos in Gauteng healthcare facilities, human factors management standards within a commuter railway organisation, and food safety and hygiene practices among school food handlers.

Presenters also shared research on the management of diabetes mellitus through lifestyle modification in a Gauteng mine, while further studies explored the effects of infant-wearing heights on caregivers’ pulmonary function.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof Nico Claasen of the University of Pretoria, who added valuable insight to discussions on occupational health, prevention strategies and workplace safety.

The diversity of research presented reinforced the importance of moving beyond compliance-driven approaches towards proactive prevention, evidence-based interventions and practical solutions that contribute to safer and healthier working environments.

The seminar forms part of the Faculty of Science’s broader commitment to advancing research and knowledge exchange that address real-world challenges and promote meaningful societal impact.