At Grindrod Logistics, safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. On Global Safety Day 2024, we took the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to a safe and healthy workplace. The day kicked off with an engaging presentation at our Durban Head Office, where we discussed health and safety best practices, reviewed policies, and participated in an interactive Health and Safety Quiz.

A Message from Our CEO: Wellbeing and Safety First

Our CEO, Derek Mans, addressed the team, emphasizing that safety is more than just compliance—it’s essential for productivity, engagement, and a supportive work environment. He reminded us of the importance of the Lyra Wellbeing Program, a 24/7 confidential wellness initiative that helps support both the mental and physical health of all employees. Derek’s message was clear: we all share responsibility for maintaining a safe environment and should take full advantage of the resources available to us.

Spreading the Safety Spirit Across South Africa

The enthusiasm from Head Office spread to our sites across Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, and Johannesburg, each embracing this year’s theme: “Be Curious, Because We Care.” The theme encourages proactive safety measures, reminding us that asking questions and being vigilant can help prevent accidents. Here’s how each site brought this theme to life:

• Durban Sites (Bluff, South Coast Road, Eel Road, Toti)
  The day started with an emergency evacuation drill, followed by a Gemba Walk to identify hazards in daily tasks. Staff discussed unsafe acts, celebrated positive behaviors, and encouraged open conversations about areas for improvement.

• Cape Town Sites (Maitland, Paarden Eiland, Belcon, Killarney)
  Employees participated in a “Spot the Hazard” quiz, interactive PPE workshops, and emergency protocol training. The day also included the Safety Champion Awards to recognize individuals who showed exceptional commitment to safety. A Safety Pledge Wall allowed employees to make ongoing safety commitments.

• Gqeberha Sites (Anvil Road, Coega, Kempston)
  Employees in Gqeberha engaged in hazard spotting exercises and safety quizzes, focusing on identifying and addressing risks across all operations.

• Johannesburg (Denver)
  Johannesburg hosted a unique hands-on experience, with staff participating in a Simulated Incident Investigation. This exercise allowed participants to step into the role of safety investigators and better understand the consequences of unsafe behaviors. The day concluded with a powerful commitment to a Safety Pledge.

The True Essence of Global Safety Day

Across all sites, Global Safety Day 2024 reinforced our culture of Zero Harm, curiosity, and care. By encouraging everyone to ask questions and stay curious, we foster a safety-first mindset. The day's activities—Gemba Walks, hazard identification, safety quizzes, and more—reminded us that we all play a vital role in preventing accidents and looking out for one another.

A big thank you to all who participated and made the day a success. Let’s continue to stay curious and prioritize safety—because we care about each other, our work, and our wellbeing at Grindrod Logistics, in partnership with Maersk.