by Phaphama Tshisikhawe and Kgaugelo Selane
The Tshwane University of Technology’s bold strategic initiative to establish Research Niche Areas, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has resulted in the design of seven niche areas to address urgent South African challenges while driving economic development.
Each niche area focuses on conducting research that is locally impactful, nationally significant, and globally relevant, contributing positively to the University’s reputation and the betterment of society.
Today, we take a look at TUT’s fourth Research Niche Area. Headed by Prof Yolanda Havenga, Research Niche Area Leader at the Faculty of Science, the Occupational Health and Safety research niche area focuses on managing health and promoting safety in the workplace by taking a holistic approach to workers’ physical, mental and social well-being. It encompasses both the formal and informal sectors, extending its impact to families, institutions and communities. Drawing from disciplines such as public health, nursing, environmental health, psychology and engineering, this research seeks to address critical issues in occupational health and safety.
Key research areas include the prevention and control of work-related diseases and injuries, developing and managing occupational health education and services as well as protecting vulnerable populations in the workplace. The niche area also promotes environmental health practices, strengthens health systems, and fosters collaboration to address communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Research Niche Area Leader in the Faculty of Science Prof Yolanda Havenga
Key Objectives
The objectives of this research niche area are to:
- Prevent occupational risks, injuries, and diseases.
- Promote the physical, mental, and social health and well-being of workers their families and communities.
- Manage and provide rehabilitative interventions for occupational diseases and injuries in the workplace.
- Develop professional competencies for students, researchers and industry stakeholders to support and empower vulnerable populations.
Core Focus Areas
- Prevention and control of work-related diseases and injuries.
- Development and management of occupational health and safety education and services.
- Protection of vulnerable populations in the workplace.
- Promotion of environmental health practices and robust health systems.
- Collaboration to prevent and treat communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), this niche area contributes to creating safer and healthier workplaces, driving sustainable economic growth and promoting well-being across South African communities.