Safety and risk managers, and those tasked with ensuring the and safety and wellbeing of their employees in the workplace, gathered at Gallagher Convention Centre between 11 and 13 June to witness Africa’s largest collection of occupational safety and health (OSH) products and services. A-OSH EXPO 2024 once again proved it is the ultimate forum for those who seek affordable and high-quality OSH solution, and the providers and manufacturers of those solutions.
Over the three days, 2 576 industry captains joined the other 7 539 visitors at the co-located Securex South Africa, Facilities Management Expo, and Firexpo to network with their peers, discuss solutions to their needs with experienced exhibitors, watch live demonstrations of solutions, and listen to thought-provoking presentations at the free-to-attend seminar sessions.
“We never cease to be amazed at the overwhelmingly positive response we receive from both exhibitors and visitors to A-OSH EXPO. The aisles were busy from the opening at 9:00 on Tuesday 11 June to the closing at 16:00 on Thursday 13 June. Overall, visitors expressed satisfaction at the wide variety of OSH solutions on display, and were thrilled at the professionalism of the knowledge downloads at the Saiosh Seminar Theatre and the Working at Height and Safety Seminar Theatre (powered by SafetyCloud),” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions — a division of Montgomery Group.
Taking care of employees
This year’s expo welcomed 89 exhibitors, of which 20 were new participants at A-OSH EXPO. One of the new exhibitors, INCON HEALTH, offered free on-site health and wellness assessments. Using the camera within a tablet to provide data using iris scanning, the company’s software produces a comprehensive report on physical and emotional/mental wellbeing. As part of their workplace vitality enhancement programme, the company provides organisations with confidential, individual assistance and support services to help employees cope with personal problems that adversely affect their lives, behaviour and/or work performance.
Other offerings included a vast array of PPE solutions, OSH training programmes, safety-driven software programs, gas detection systems, environmental management systems, working at height and fall arrest equipment, first aid/medical supplies, OSH auditing systems, and Noise control, monitoring equipment and services.
“It is important to us that exhibitors reach the expo goals they set at A-OSH EXPO and the four co-located expos. We provide them with tools to ensure that their expo experience is unsurpassed. Our extensive marketing and PR campaign, pre, during and after the shows ensures maximised brand exposure for each exhibitor,” says Anderson.
“Last year’s participation paid for itself, just by getting one new client! The right people come to the expo, in other words, our ideal target market. Face-to-face is a great way to get contacts, then follow up with a meeting after the show. The show was well organised, and we had a great spot. We had some good visitors on our stand on the first day,” says Gary Dollman from Prismia.
“This year marks our 13th A-OSH EXPO. Exhibiting is a crucial part of our marketing plan, as it allows us to showcase our products and promote our company directly to potential customers, creating a tangible and interactive experience. The exhibition, coupled with seminars, also provides valuable opportunities for networking, market research, and staying up to date with industry trends. The combination of security, OSH, FM, and fire invites visitors from various market segments, making it worthwhile for all exhibitors,” says Frikkie Stroh from Safequip.
“I was interested in what was on show at A-OSH EXPO, and I’ve attended the last six expos. I was looking for new suppliers, forming new bonds, and finding info on environmental changes. This information is important to me in the workplace, and also at home. I was thrilled with the gas detection solutions, and I found some great suppliers for both this and the safety shoes. I loved the seminar theatres at A-OSH EXPO, and the virtual reality technology. We would like to implement the concept that Mr Zee shares of dancing to get a safety message across, in our workplace,” says Mildred Mukombiwa from ABS Alloys & Metals.
“I was a Premier Guest at A-OSH EXPO this year. I was particularly interested in the working at heights solutions since we work predominantly at height, and I also got some great ideas on other OSH solutions, which I can use in my business. I also found some high-quality, affordable PPE equipment, and I ordered some chemicals I can use in my business. The horizontal lifeline on show was particularly interesting for me. As a sole operator, this expo broadens and opens up other aspects of the industry,” says Thomas O’Connor from Go Away Bird.
