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ELEVATING WORKFORCE HEALTH

The Imperative of First Aid Training and Wellness Checks in South Africa

Shadrach Karien, CEO healthier workforce but also a
of Mi7 National Group more engaged and productive one.
Mi7 National Group stands
s South at the forefront of promoting
African workplace health and safety.
Abusinesses The company offers accredited
prepare for 2024, first aid training, ensuring that
the importance employees are equipped with the
of employee necessary skills and knowledge
health and safety to handle emergencies effectively.
emerges as a key Additionally, Mi7 National Group
focus. Far from boasts a team of skilled nurses
being a mere and health professionals dedicated
compliance to conducting comprehensive
issue, this focus represents a employee wellness checks. These
fundamental shift in corporate checks cover a range of areas from
responsibility and strategy. mental and emotional health to
The implementation of lifestyle and financial wellbeing,
mandatory first aid training aligning with the company’s
and comprehensive wellness commitment to fostering a holistic
checks are not just regulatory approach to employee health.
requirements; they are essential cultivates a broader culture of first-aider during working sleep patterns, offering insights In 2024, let the focus on
components of a holistic approach safety. Employees become more hours. In shops and offices, the into overall physical health and employee health and wellbeing
to workforce wellbeing that aware of potential hazards, ratio is one first-aider per 100 habits. illuminate the path for corporate
South African companies must contributing to a safer work employees, whereas in other South Africa. By embracing
embrace. According to the South environment. The training types of workplaces, it’s one per The primary goal of these these crucial aspects of employee
African Department of Labour, also signifies an employer’s 50 employees. First-aiders must wellness checks is to proactively care, companies can cultivate a
workplace accidents result in commitment to employee possess a valid certificate from a identify and address potential workforce that is not only healthier
thousands of injuries and fatalities wellbeing, enhancing morale and Chief Inspector’s Office-approved health issues before they escalate, and safer but also more engaged
annually. These incidents not only fostering a sense of community source, and if hazardous materials ensuring support is available and productive. It is through these
disrupt operations but also have and care within the organisation. are present, they need specialised for mental health challenges. initiatives that companies can
a profound impact on the mental training for related injuries. Additionally, they provide set a new standard in corporate
and emotional wellbeing of the Moreover, the skills learned in guidance and resources to help responsibility and human-centric
workforce. first aid training, such as teamwork Wellness Checks employees maintain a healthy leadership, heralding a new era of a
and clear communication, work-life balance, crucial for
First aid training in the are transferable to daily work Another critical aspect is long-term wellbeing and job healthier, more resilient corporate
workplace goes beyond just activities, promoting a more the implementation of regular satisfaction. South Africa. 
emergency response; it equips cohesive and efficient work employee wellness checks.
employees with crucial skills to environment. Generally, first For South African companies, T: +27 (0)33 814 2250
effectively manage a variety of aid training not only ensures These are comprehensive integrating health initiatives like E: info@mi7nationalgroup.co.za
situations, potentially saving lives compliance with health and safety evaluations covering various first aid training and wellness W: www.mi7national.co.za
and minimizing injury severity. regulations but also strengthens aspects of an employee’s health and checks into their corporate
This training instils confidence the overall health, safety, and wellbeing. These include mental strategy is a strategic move.
and preparedness, enabling a productivity of the workplace. and emotional health screenings, It’s about building a resilient
quicker and more competent which aim to detect signs of workforce capable of not only
response during emergencies. Under South African law, stress, anxiety, or other mental enduring the challenges of the
workplaces with over ten health issues early on. Lifestyle modern workplace but thriving in
Beyond these immediate employees are legally required assessments focus on factors like it. Companies that have adopted
benefits, first aid training to have at least one designated nutrition, physical activity, and these practices report not just a

NEW CEO APPOINTED

ell Equipment Limited degree in business management industries and its products now Ashley on his appointment
has appointed Ashley Jon and has previously worked for fall under the Bell brand. and look forward to working
BBell (41), grandson of the Bell Equipment after graduating Gary Bell, non-executive with him in his new role and
company’s founder Irvine Bell, as in 2007 assisting with product contributing significantly to our
the new Group Chief Executive marketing management of the chairman of Bell Equipment, continued success and growth.”
Officer (CEO) effective from 1 Bell Articulated Dump Truck congratulated Ashley on his
January 2024. (ADT) and Backhoe Loader appointment. “Ashley joins a Ashley Bell said: “I am
ranges. Since then, he has jointly sizeable team representing the fortunate to have grown up
This follows the resignation in third generation of the Bell family in an environment where Bell
July of the outgoing Group CEO, established and managed several actively engaged in the business Equipment has been a central
Leon Goosen, who leaves the successful businesses in various and it’s heartening to see the next theme, and I am both honoured
industries.
company on 31 December 2023 generation stepping up to play and excited to step up as Group
after 16 years of service, five and a He also co-founded Matriarch an integral role in the future of CEO. I look forward to working
half spent as Group CEO. Equipment with his brother, the company. Having worked with the entire Bell team,
Justin Bell in 2009. The company closely with Ashley for several supported by our customers and
Ashley is well acquainted with focused on developing innovative years he has all the personality suppliers, to ensure we execute our
the company having served as equipment for a wide spectrum traits and credentials we need, group strategy and make a positive
a non-executive director on the
Board since March 2015 and of industries and enjoyed notable is well aligned with the Board’s impact for all stakeholders. I
has provided valuable input as a success in agriculture and forestry strategy, and is a good fit to lead would like to extend my sincere
member of the Board’s Risk and due to its ‘customer-centric’ our experienced management thanks and appreciation to the
approach and quick turnaround
team. I have every confidence that Board for the trust and confidence
Sustainability and Social, Ethics, of niche solutions. Bell acquired he will build on our family legacy they have shown in me taking on
and Transformation committees.
Matriarch in 2019 as part of its with dedication and a passion this role.” 
A qualified commercial strategy to revitalise its presence for the business. On behalf of the Ashley Bell, New Group Chief
helicopter pilot, Ashley holds a in the agriculture and forestry rest of the Board, we congratulate W: www.bellequipment.com Executive Officer, Bell Equipment

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