Atlas Copco places safety consciousness at the core of operations and is committed in its drive to promote a safety-first culture not only amongst its employees, customers and suppliers, but also in communities. Walking this talk, the company recently donated personal protective equipment (PPE) and delivered a safety dialogue to the Manger Care Centre’s Eden House in Benoni, Johannesburg.

Established in 1986, the Manger Care Centre is a non-profit organisation that offers a range of services to the vulnerable and less fortunate. The Care Centre provides psychological, spiritual guidance and emotional upliftment, as well as employment opportunities, post-rehabilitation services and housing to its beneficiaries.

Manger Care Centre’s Eden House provides protection care services to abused woman and children, orphans, recovering addicts, ex- parolees, the unemployed, and destitute, physically challenged individuals as well as the elderly that are unable to care for themselves.

With the aim to reintegrate back into society, Eden House is focused on upskilling these individuals by offering training in useful trades such as welding, carpentry and baking. The items produced are sold and the funds are used to upkeep the center.

With the goal to contribute to a more sustainable Centre by creating a safety-centric culture, an enthusiastic Atlas Copco team comprising Noluthando Zondo, Abigail Cruikshank, Marilyn Govender, Bongani Ndlovu and Michaela Kock arrived at Eden House on 12 November 2019, ready to impart safety knowledge and give away safety equipment. Following the distribution of safety shoes, safety glasses, a complete set of welding gear, overalls and gloves sponsored by Atlas Copco Holdings, the team gave an in-depth explanation on the correct use of PPE. The informative session also included a tool box talk.

Sarika Loubser, Manager at the Manger Care Centre, thanked Atlas Copco for the generous donation as well as for sharing valuable safety knowledge. “We really appreciate the PPE donation which will make a big difference in ensuring that our trainees work safely.”

Marilyn Govender, Compliance Manager at Atlas Copco, concludes: “Atlas Copco encourages individuals to consider safety as a top priority when working with tools which is why we are proud to have assisted Eden House in their efforts to enhance their safety levels and encourage a safety-first mindset which they will be able to take these skills forward into their future jobs.”