“Over three million man-hours and more than 437 million bricks later, Oconbrick has notched up a two year without a ‘lost time injury’ record. This is a reflection of our commitment to ensure that our environment not only complies with Health, Safety and Environmental standards, but that procedures are implemented and observed in a critical yet positive manner” said Thys Meyer, Operations Executive at Oconbrick.

Safety within the construction sector has always been an area of concern for industry players. Recent site accidents have again put this issue under the spotlight. The inclusion of worker and site safety processes are an important component of project and infrastructure development contracts, which companies ignore at their reputational peril. “The key to our success in achieving this two year accident-free record (6 March 2012- 6 March 2014) is our staff – from top management to employees in the factory. There is a belief within the group that Safety First is not just a policy document, but an active part of every working day, and it is that mindset that has enabled us to proudly announce this safety record.” said Meyer.

Oconbrick has, over the years, had numerous preventative programmes in place, such as: non-conformance reporting; near misses; weekly toolboxes and regular Visible Felt Leadership walk throughs. The VFL is an engagement process with employees with an aim to positively influence their work practices both correctively and supportively. The weekly toolbox meetings comprise discussions highlighting not only safety but health and hygiene issues as well.

All staff contribute to identifying potential hazards; participate in regular emergency response preparedness and monthly internal safety audits. In addition, daily checks on mobile and stationery machines and quarry facilities are conducted by four full-time HSE representatives backed up by daily Operations’ Manager checks.

HSE Manager, Marina Naude, commented “The benefit, for example, of the ‘near miss’ reporting system is our ability to identify areas that could be problematic and rectify the situation before any incident occurs. The seriousness with which employees take this process is reflected in our present day ‘no lost time injury’ record, compared to 2006, where the ‘lost time injury’ percentage sat at 36%. This is a great accomplishment by all at Oconbrick. It is also a reflection that our reporting processes are working extremely well, keeping the environment safe, keeping our people safe.”

Oconbrick, part of the Infrastructure Specialist Group (ISG Group) of companies, specialises in the manufacture of clay stock bricks for commercial, residential, golf estates as well as for interior design. High volume orders are easily actioned as the company manufactures over a one million bricks per day.