30 HEALTH AND SANITATION
Project co-ordination was led by Stewart and Rob Gilman, who have engaged PICAC Beenleigh apprentices in delivering the renovations – providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities in a real-world environment.
Meanwhile, volunteers from the Reece Foundation played an instrumental role throughout the project, showcasing the power of skilled tradespeople giving back to the community. solution for real community needs. This is plumbing for purpose, and the legacy left behind at ADRA Logan is only the beginning.
With the Adelaide edition of WorldSkills Australia now confirmed for June 2027, the IWSH Plumbing Champions initiative is poised to continue this powerful tradition of linking skilled trades with community transformation – ensuring that the impact of competitions extends far beyond the arena floor. PA
Although ADRA Logan had not previously been involved with WorldSkills Australia, the partnership has opened new avenues for collaboration. The success of this initiative has already sparked interest from institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology, Canberra Institute of Technology and the BKI Group, who have expressed interest in future Plumbing Champions projects.
Beyond Australia, the Plumbing Champions model is gaining momentum globally. By aligning trades training events with tangible community benefits, IWSH continues to shift perceptions of plumbing – not just as a trade, but as a critical profession protecting public health and improving lives.
The Plumbing Champions project is a powerful reminder that every sink, pipe and fixture can be part of something much bigger – a
“ For years, the centre has struggled with outdated toilet facilities and lacked a shower – a serious limitation, especially when assisting individuals experiencing homelessness or crisis.”
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The 2019 Ergonomics Regulations in SA and implications for plumbers
By
Chris Coetzee, OHSS Consulting
On 6 December 2019, the South African government implemented the Ergonomics Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act( OHSA). This article provides an in-depth exploration of the 2019 Ergonomics Regulations and their practical implications for plumbers operating in South Africa.
These regulations were introduced to address the growing concern over ergonomic risks in the workplace, risks that arise from the interaction between workers and their tasks, tools and environments.
For professionals in physically demanding trades such as plumbing, these regulations are particularly significant. Plumbers routinely engage in activities that can strain the body, including lifting heavy equipment, working in confined spaces and performing repetitive tasks.
Overview of the 2019 Ergonomics Regulations The Ergonomics Regulations’ primary objective is to ensure that employers proactively identify, assess and manage ergonomic risks in the workplace. These regulations mandate that all employers, regardless of industry or company size, conduct ergonomic risk assessments before work begins. They also require that employees receive training on ergonomic hazards and mitigation strategies.
Furthermore, workers exposed to significant ergonomic risks must undergo medical surveillance within 30 days of employment and at regular intervals thereafter. Employers are also obligated to maintain records of these assessments and medical evaluations for a minimum of 40 years. To ensure a systematic approach, the regulations call for the integration of a structured ergonomics programme into existing occupational health and safety systems.
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline February 2026 Volume 31 I Number 12