ASSOCIATIONS 3
From the Executive Director
By
Steve Brown
Our health and wellbeing are more important than we think .
By now we are well into the year and all the events that are happening throughout the year have started kicking off . Our social and professional calendars are starting to look a bit fuller . With that said , IOPSA has released its latest event dates for each region . These events are fantastic to connect with other plumbers and are a great networking experience .
We held a strategy session at the end of January with a focus on adding direct tangible benefits to our members and potential members . There are already a great deal of benefits that are available to members . Members just need to action these in order to receive them . We regularly hold installers training sessions , which are invaluable to everyone in the industry - and we are unpacking new direct benefits which will be switched on later this year .
KZN was again at the forefront of a scaffold collapsing on a Saturday afternoon in January . Seven people were injured at King Shaka International Airport when the scaffolding they were on gave way . To showcase efficiency , within hours of contacting our health and safety officer there was an article out and shared on all our platforms , such is the diligence that is provided .
We certainly do not want a repeat of last year in terms of death and injuries . I cannot emphasise this enough : health and safety must be front and centre .
And when we talk about health , I am including mental health in there as well . Mental health is sometimes a taboo subject , with some reluctant to even consider the possibility that their mental health may be suffering . However , in today ’ s environment , mental health is significantly relevant . mental health and how to deal with the issue .
I and so many others receive motivational messages from Arthur Claasen of AJC Plumbing . My day usually starts around 4am and when I hear the notification , the messages received are not only motivational but in some ways relevant to a situation being experienced . Thank you Arthur for making a difference . I , for one , am truly thankful for your messages .
We ’ ve seen an increase in disputes and complaints for a number of reasons . The biggest complaint we have had to deal with is the lack of detail provided regarding cost or scope of work being delivered and with minimal detail . This makes resolving a dispute extremely difficult . Disputes , communication and attention to detail saves the day . IOPSA ’ s training department will be rolling out some training on how to avoid these pitfalls .
Stay well and take care of your mental and physical health . If you are struggling with mental health , don ’ t be afraid to reach out to someone . If you want to remain anonymous , get in touch with LifeLine on 0861 322 322 and talk to a counsellor on the phone . You are valuable . You are needed here . We want to support you . PA
© Plumbing Africa
I read an article about Mates in Construction ( MIC ) in New Zealand . This group designates someone on every construction site with the sole purpose of being there to assist workers with mental health issues . South Africa has the third highest suicide rate on the continent according to WHO . According to Stats SA , 23.5 people out of every 100 000 commit suicide in South Africa annually . These are deaths that can be prevented simply by asking for help .
As business owners , contractors or workers , we face the pressure and stress of family and work life , resulting in burning the candle at both ends and , sometimes even in the middle . This takes a toll on everything we do .
We ’ ve had chats with Chris Coetzee from OHSS and several others to foster awareness , provide support and identify signs of declining
Steve Brown , IOPSA Executive Director .
April 2025 Volume 31 I Number 02 www . plumbingafrica . co . za