In November, the inaugural COHSAC Awards were hosted at the D-School. EBE was well represented, with several members of the EBE Health & Safety (H&S) team recognised for their outstanding efforts in keeping our faculty safe. These truly are the unsung heroes of EBE.
Ms Natasha Kalu (Electrical Engineering) received the EBE First Aider of the Year award for displaying compassion and a calm, clear head. Throughout the year, Natasha attended to multiple incidents and consistently did a fantastic job reassuring patients. She is proactive and has been described by her department as invaluable.

Staying with first aiders, Mr Curwin Nomdoe (Chemical Engineering) received a special mention and certificate from the faculty for his many years of service as Chief First Aider for the department. He is also an active Evacuation Marshal and H&S Representative.

Moving on to our H&S Representatives, Mr Derik Wilbers was recognised as the EBE H&S Representative of the Year for identifying a serious potential risk involving highly volatile crystallised picric acid and taking the correct preventative actions to ensure its safe disposal - an operation that required assistance from the bomb disposal unit. Derik is also a First Aider and Evacuation Marshal.

This leads us to our Evacuation Marshals, where Mr Randall Smith (Chemical Engineering) received the EBE Emergency Evacuation Marshal for 2025 award. His enthusiasm and willingness to assist during evacuation drills - after clearing his own floor- sets him apart. Randall regularly checks other areas as well and always steps in where assistance is needed. In addition to being an Evacuation Marshal, he is also a First Aider.

Both Mr Maysam Soltanian (Electrical Engineering) and Dr Thobani Gambu (Chemical Engineering) were thanked for their outstanding contributions and for consistently leading from the front as H&S Representatives for their respective departments. Thobani runs a tight ship while managing arguably the most co plex and high-risk department in the faculty - with all its chemicals and gases - and is always willing to offer support and
advice.

Maysam has made a marked difference, implementing several new measures and improvements within his department. He is always ready to assist and is clearly passionate about H&S. In addition to his duties as H&S Rep, he is also a First Aider and Evacuation Marshal. The faculty wishes to thank the entire H&S team in each department. Their efforts and contributions are greatly appreciated.