The Safety First Association

The Safety First Association The historic pioneer of occupational health & safety in South Africa. Publisher of the industry's African OS&H magazine.

We aim to make significant contributions towards furthering the understanding, knowledge and promotion of OHS in Africa. MISSION
The Safety First Association promotes occupational health and safety throughout Africa through the publishing of informative literature by:
• Spreading knowledge of the principles and methods of accident/incident prevention.
• Encouraging co-operation in the prevention a

nd/or reduction of accidents/incidents which lead to loss of life, injury or other losses. VISION
The Safety First Association aims to make significant contributions towards furthering the understanding, knowledge and promotion of occupational health and safety in Africa, making the association a leading commentator on occupational health and safety issues. HISTORY OF THE SAFETY FIRST ASSOCIATION
Our story begins in 1932. Sir Ernest Oppenheimer Chairman of Anglo American was becoming increasingly alarmed by the high rates of fatalities and injuries on his labour intensive mines. It was a larger problem than he could tackle alone, so he called a meeting with the major of Johannesburg Mr DF Corlett who was known to be public spirited. The mayor agreed to assist on the condition that their initiatives include general industry which was suffering from the same pitfalls. Road safety was another area of concern, with too many accidents caused by congestion on the streets from the mingling of pedestrians, bicycles and cars due to the growing car population. After consultation with other interested parties, it was agreed that the best starting point would be through education and awareness, and a vehicle was needed as a conduit for dissemination of this information. And so it was that the Safety First Association was born in 1932 with Jan Smuts as its first patron. The aims of this fledgling association would be achieved through publishing informative literature such as posters, flyers and a magazine titled National Safety. In 2020 the title of the magazine changed to AFRICAN OS&H, due to a changing landscape.

Register to attend the PPE Conference - from 10-11 March 2026. CPD points will be awarded by SACPCMPand SAIOSH. Register...
20/02/2026

Register to attend the PPE Conference - from 10-11 March 2026.

CPD points will be awarded by SACPCMP
and SAIOSH.

Register via www.safety1st.co.za/ppe-conference/
Or use the QR CODE below.

You are invited to attend the PPE Conference 2026.Dates: 10-11 March 2026Venue: Emperors Conference Centre JohannesburgT...
10/02/2026

You are invited to attend the PPE Conference 2026.

Dates: 10-11 March 2026

Venue: Emperors Conference Centre Johannesburg

Theme: PPE isn’t optional, it’s essential!

Protecting people and enhancing performance through elevating PPE Standards, Practices and Technologies

Hosts: Southern African Protective Equipment Marketing Association (SAPEMA) and Safety First Association (SFA)

DON’T MISS OUT BOOK TODAY!

This conference will be a unique opportunity for attendees to develop their expertise and knowledge in PPE. They will gain valuable knowledge and practical skills when applying PPE in the workplace ultimately creating a more productive and safe work environment

Expert led presentations will focus on current PPE challenges including:

PPE pitfalls: lack of understanding and misuse
Key updates: PPE Compliance and Standards
Practical case studies
Safety risks of incorrect, cheap, fake
OSH practitioner and management responsibilities
Speakers:

Other highlights:

Networking with industry peers
Mini exhibition
5 x SAIOSH CPD Points

Attendees will include:
This conference will be of benefit to all of industry – small and large corporations

• Occupational Health & Safety Officers

• Risk Managers

• Fire Officers

• Healthcare Professionals

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT CONFERENCEJoin us at the PPE Conference 2026 and help drive the message home:PPE SAVES LIV...
28/01/2026

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT CONFERENCE

Join us at the PPE Conference 2026 and help drive the message home:

PPE SAVES LIVES!

Book your space now!

Dates: 10-11 March 2026

Venue: Emperors Conference Centre, Kempton Park, Johannesburg

Theme: PPE isn’t optional. It’s essential

Protecting People and Enhancing Performance through Elevating PPE Standards, Practices and Technology.

Expert led presentations will focus on current PPE challenges including:

PPE pitfalls: lack of understanding and misuse
Key updates: PPE Compliance and Standards
Practical case studies
Safety and health risks of incorrect, cheap, fake PPE
OSH practitioner and management responsibilities
Other highlights:

Networking with industry peers
5 x SAIOSH CPD Points
Mini-exhibition

www.safety1st.co.za/ppe-conference/

28/01/2026
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CONFERENCE 2026CONFIRM YOUR EARLY BIRD BOOKINGDates: 10-11 March 2026Venue: Emperors Convention Cent...
24/11/2025

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CONFERENCE 2026

CONFIRM YOUR EARLY BIRD BOOKING

Dates: 10-11 March 2026

Venue: Emperors Convention Centre, Kempton Park

Theme: PPE isn’t optional, it’s essential!

Protecting people and enhancing performance through elevating PPE Standards, Practices and Technologies

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS MOST EXCITING EVENT FOR THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY OF 2025

Proudly hosted by Southern African Protective Equipment Marketing Association (SAPEMA) and Safety First Association (SFA)

Early bird bookings

Take advantage of Early Bird bookings which close on 28th November 2025

Fees:

Early bird until 28 November 2025

SAPEMA Members – R6,500.00
Non-SAPEMA Members – R8,000.00

After 28 January 2025

SAPEMA Members – R8,000.00
Non-SAPEMA Members – R10,500.00
ABOVE FEES ARE EXCLUSIVE OF VAT

Who should attend

Whether you’re an employer or employee in construction, mining, manufacturing, marine or any other industries, whether you’re employed by government or work in the private sector, this conference will be of benefit to you.

Benefits of attending

Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and practical skills about applying PPE in the workplace, enabling them to create a more productive and safe work environment.

By networking with other OSH professionals and personnel, attendees will find themselves enjoying a unique opportunity to develop their expertise and knowledge of personal protective equipment.

Attendees will leave with:

Enhanced knowledge of PPE and its correct uses
Improved understanding of workplace hazards and risks
Increased confidence in PPE, through proper applications
An expanded network with valuable industry connections
And much, much more….
DON’T MISS OUT, REGISTER TODAY @ www.safety1st.co.za/ppe-conference/

03/11/2025
South Africa’s Personal Protective Equipment Conference 2026 will be jointly hosted by the Safety First Association (SFA...
03/11/2025

South Africa’s Personal Protective Equipment Conference 2026 will be jointly hosted by the Safety First Association (SFA) and Southern African Protective Equipment Marketing Association (SAPEMA).

To be held from 10-11 March 2026, at Emperors Convention Centre, this ground breaking conference promises to be the most exciting event on the PPE calendar for the year.

It will be a unique opportunity for all participants to develop their expertise and learn the law when applying PPE in the workplace.

Early bird delegate registrations close on 15 November 2025. Take advantage by booking online at www.safety1st.co.za/ppe-conference/
Or email: [email protected]

Address

Johannesburg Central

Telephone

+27832666662

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Safety First Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to The Safety First Association:

Shortcuts

Share

Category