PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

Workshop Overview:

This 3.5-hour interactive workshop is designed to equip ergonomics practitioners, OHS professionals and HR managers with the knowledge and tools to effectively implement an Ergonomics Programme. Moving beyond a checklist approach, the workshop explores how organisations can integrate ergonomics into their broader occupational health and safety systems using the Department of Labour’s framework, while fostering a workplace culture that prioritises human-centred design and employee wellbeing.

Through a mix of expert presentations, case studies, group activities, and practical scenario-based learning, participants will:

• Understand the legal requirements and practical implications of the Ergonomics Regulations
• Learn how to apply the DoEL’s ergonomics programme framework in diverse work environments
• Identify strategies to overcome implementation challenges and drive cultural change
• Gain hands-on experience in ergonomics risk assessment and programme planning
• Engage with peers to problem-solve real-world ergonomics challenges

Whether you are beginning your ergonomics journey or looking to strengthen your existing programme, this workshop offers a practical and collaborative space to build capability, confidence, and compliance.

Facilitator: Mrs Sally Claasen

Sally Claasen is a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) with over 20 years of experience dedicated to optimising occupational environments that support the health, safety, and well-being of employees. Her career spans diverse sectors—including automotive, mining, corporate, government, and FMCG—where she has successfully integrated ergonomics programmes into business operations to drive both human and organisational performance.

With a strong foundation in human factors and OHS principles, Sally specialises in designing and implementing ergonomics programmes that reduce risk, prevent injury, and enhance overall workplace functionality. From high-risk industrial settings to complex corporate environments, Sally brings a practical, strategic, evidence-based approach to aligning safety, comfort, and efficiency.

Workshop 2: An Introduction to Accident Investigations

Workshop Overview:

This workshop provides a practical introduction to accident investigation, moving beyond a search for blame to a deeper understanding of human performance in complex systems. Instead of focusing on “who is at fault”, we will explore the systemic, organisational, and contextual factors that shape human decisions. Participants will be introduced to a contemporary view of “human error”, seeing it not as the root cause of accidents but as a vital source of insight into how systems normally function under pressure.

The session will also equip participants with evidence-based tools and methods to analyse human actions within real-world operational environments. We will unpack key principles of modern investigation: reconstructing context, recognising cognitive demands, and understanding organisational influences. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a strong foundation in investigation practices that move beyond surface-level explanations, enabling them to uncover not just what went wrong, but also how and why systems break down. This workshop is designed for safety leaders, investigators, and professionals in safety-critical industries seeking to strengthen resilience and performance.

Facilitator: Mr Matita Tshabalala

Matita Tshabalala is an Organisational and Aviation Psychologist and Human Factors specialist, and the founder of Human Ergo Coach. He possesses extensive experience in leading and advising on incident investigations across a diverse range of high-risk industries, including aviation, commercial diving, maritime, healthcare, mining, and manufacturing. Matita's expertise lies in applying human factors and ergonomics principles to uncover latent system vulnerabilities, decision errors, and organisational influences that contribute to incidents.

His work focuses on translating complex technical and human factors findings into practical, actionable risk controls, procedural and design improvements, and targeted training. Matita is dedicated to strengthening operational resilience and fostering sustainable behavioural and system change within organisations. He is a safety expert and also specialises in organisational development, change and talent management, leveraging his psychology and human factors background to enhance safety culture and performance.