Neil Matthys

As an Environmental Health and Safety Practitioner with several years of experience, my objective is to leverage my skills and knowledge to provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees. I am dedicated to ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and fostering a culture of safety throughout the organization. With a keen eye for identifying potential hazards and implementing effective prevention strategies, I am committed to minimizing risk and promoting employee wellness.

As an Environmental Management Practitioner with extensive experience, my objective is to utilize my skills and knowledge in a dynamic and challenging role. My passion lies in working with organizations to create sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions, while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. I am committed to continuously expanding my skill set and staying up to date with industry trends to provide the best possible results.

I have a thorough understanding of the concepts which constitute sustainability, as well as the interdisciplinary relationship between Environmental Management, Occupational Health and Safety and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which form the basis of what is known as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. I am a creative and innovative thinker, and I am confident that I can develop and implement creative sustainable solutions which is in line with SDG objectives and ESG principles, which will benefit the company and its stakeholders.

Environmental Health and Safety Practitioner

Summary of Work Experience: 

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive Environmental Health and Safety system (E.H.S.).
• Developed E. H. S. Manual as per workplace specifications.
• Drafted legal appointment letters as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act 
• Conducted regular safety audits and inspections, identifying, and addressing potential hazards.
• Collaborated with management to revise and enhance safety policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with legislation and regulations.
• Investigation and conduct root cause analysis regarding accidents and incidents, implement corrective actions to improved safety culture.
• Source appropriate service providers for the client to conduct training: Fire Fighter; First Aider; Safety Representatives
• Identify appropriate Personal Protective Equipment as per task specifications.
• Conduct E. H. S. due diligence for new operational processes.
• Conduct Daily Toolbox Talk.
• Investigate near misses.
• Knowledge of ISO 4500:2018, ISO 18001, ISO 19011:2018 
• Preparing facility for ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 auditing 
• Develop Emergency Evacuation procedure based on workplace specifications.
• Develop Waste Management strategy.
• Develop Covid-19 policy.
• Develop Covid-19 communication strategy.

Environmental Management Practitioner 

Summary of Work Experience: 

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive waste reduction program.
• Conducted regular environmental audits/inspections to identify areas of improvement, and successfully implemented new sustainability.
• Provided expert guidance to project teams on environmental compliance and regulatory requirements, resulting in successful completion of projects on time and within budget.
• Co-ordinate Site Inspections. 
• Conduct Site Inspections to ensure compliance with relevant Environmental Legislation 
• Ensuring compliance with conditions set out in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conditions and the conditions set out within the Record of Discussion (ROD). 
• Ensuring compliance with the conditions set out in the EIA or the ROD regarding the Environmental Management Plan in relation to the: Construction phase Operational phase Decommissioning phase. 
• Conduct Reactive Inspections: These inspections are conducted on short notice with little or no reconnaissance being conducted before hand. 
• Investigate allegations of environmental transgressions 
• Review and comment on rectification plans submitted by consultants acting on behalf of transgressors. 
• Draft communications which are legally sound in terms of Environmental Conservation Act (ECA) and National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
• Liaise and assist stakeholders with the interpretation and implementation of Environmental Legislation. 
• Co-ordinate Environmental Awareness campaigns. 
• Develop material for Environmental Awareness campaigns.
• Conduct Environmental Awareness Campaigns.

BA Hons (Geography)University of the Western Cape2011 Postgrad Diploma (Land and Agrarian Studies)University of the Western Cape2006 Diploma: International Environmental LawUnited Nations Institute for Training and Research2012

Standard precautions: Waste ManagementWorld Health OrganizationFeb 2021Staying healthy and safe at work during COVID-19 pandemicWorld Health OrganizationMarch 2021Occupational health and safety for health workers in the context of COVID -19World Health OrganizationMarch 2021Covid-19 in the workplace Foundation for Professional DevelopmentMay 2020Environmental Impact Assessment University of PretoriaOct. 2012Health and Safety Management Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyNov. 2011Environmental Management Inspectorate and ComplianceCape Peninsula University of TechnologyNov 2010

Project Management Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyOct. 2006