Calls for expanded high-quality training courses for LMIs | LMI training South Africa

As concerns over the shortage of Lifting Machinery Inspectors (LMIs) in South Africa persist, industry professionals and training institutions advocate for a broader range of high-quality training courses to meet the growing demand. Recognising the need for a well-rounded development process, experts suggest a three-pronged approach that includes mentorship, extensive practical experience, and attendance at formal training courses for LMI applicants.

Industry experts, such as Roger Day of Phakamisa Safety Consultants, believe that offering a diverse selection of high-quality training courses is crucial to equip aspiring LMIs with the necessary skills and knowledge. These courses must cover various topics related to different categories of LMIs, enabling applicants to specialise in their desired field.

The aim is to ensure that LMIs have comprehensive expertise in inspecting and certifying lifting equipment, enhancing industry safety standards. Most experts agree that the insufficiency of available training programmes is the primary cause of the shortage of upcoming LMIs in South Africa amongst the decrease in current LMIs.

“Investment in training programmes will play an important role to secure sufficient training needs for upcoming LMIs,” says one expert Lifting Africa spoke to. “The lifting sector needs competent LMIs. Therefore, recruitment strategies will have to be a focal point in recruiting trained and newly registered LMIs.”

However, becoming a competent registered LMI can be challenging as it requires some significant time and effort from an individual. “Not only is there a lack of awareness around the job opportunities that are available for LMI’s, and the important role LMI’s play in the safety of lifting machinery, but also not much is being done to expose this as a career opportunity to young people,” says Surita Marx, managing director of Lifting Placements. The company provides a specialised recruitment service to the lifting equipment industry, nationally and in Africa.

“Our integrated service is primarily focused on employment opportunities available to LMIs and Lifting Tackle Inspectors(LTIs) as well as other professions in lifting support,” explains Marx. Another challenge, says another source, is the high cost of training. “The cost of training to become an LMI can be expensive, and so doing making it difficult, unattractive, and unobtainable for individuals. Furthermore, there is a lack of access to training. Limited access to training programmes to obtain the necessary skills to become an LMI exacerbates the issues. Especially in remote areas, this is very true, and it becomes tough for individuals to pursue this career path.”

According to Day, it is not just training that needs to be addressed but also the cumbersome process of registering LMIs via the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

“I regularly get asked by aspiring LMIs to help them understand the process of registering. The first challenge for many is that English is not their first language. The second challenge, in general, is that parts of the application form and the information required are difficult to understand. Many applicants are not at the engineering level but understand the respective lifting machinery they wish to register for. They are competent but excluded because they do not understand what is required.”

He says the application process must be made simpler – from an understanding point of view and layout. “It needs to be more meaningful to the applicant, but making sure at the same time that the required level of competency is not lowered.

This is serious safety-critical activity, and we cannot lower the standard to suit incompetent applicants.”

More than one level of LMI

Most industry experts think there should be more than one level of LMI. “Far less qualified inspectors can do some of the scopes or categories, and more than one level should exist,” says one source.

“Almost all the scopes listed at ECSA under the LMI can be broken into a beginner’s type of work, which in time can allow the practitioner to qualify for the full scope. For example, first do manual hoists before proceeding to electric and air hoists or even overhead cranes. Start with pallet jacks and then develop to forklifts, first work with the multiple low-level tire change hoists before reaching the more technical 2 and 4 post hoists mentioned; the alarming rate at which we are losing vast numbers of LMI in good standing with the ECSA is concerning.

Across the board, the industry says it is essential to not only increase training opportunities but at the same time also motivate existing LMIs to continue to uphold their registration status as registered LMIs by maintaining annual fees and CPD activities as required to stay in good standing with the ECSA. The lifting sector needs competent LMIs; therefore, recruitment strategies must be a focal point for recruiting trained and newly registered LMIs.

Ongoing investment into training programmes will play an important role.” According to Marx, spreading awareness in the industry around the need for more training is necessary. “It is also essential that as many possible end-users are aware of what to ask and look for when using the services of an LMI. Also, use a reputable recruitment company when appointing an LMI, ensuring you will not have to deal with someone unethical.”

Competition sparks innovation

Recognising the pressing issue of skill shortages within the country, Lifting Placements recently organised a competition aimed at fostering talent and addressing the workforce gap.

The competition’s grand prize was the sponsorship of a future LMI’s registration fees. “By offering this sponsorship, we have taken a proactive stance in contributing to the development of skilled professionals who can make a substantial impact on the lifting sector,” says Marx. “This initiative not only highlights our commitment to addressing the skills deficit but also underlines the company’s dedication to investing in the future of the industry.”

The lucky recipient of this sponsorship was none other than Murendeni Muthelo, who has exhibited exceptional dedication and promise in the industry. Murendeni, holding an N6 qualification in mechanical engineering, embarked on his rigging journey back in 2013, driven by an unwavering passion for the lifting industry. Over the course of the last decade, he has demonstrated his commitment by continuously enhancing his expertise and hands-on experience.

His career path has led him to work for several esteemed organisations, where he assumed pivotal roles in overseeing lifting operations involving an array of equipment, including mobile cranes, tower cranes, and manual rigging techniques. Now, poised to elevate his career to new heights, he is determined to attain the coveted LMI qualification, a testament to his dedication to excellence in the field.

By supporting individuals like Murendeni, Lifting Placements not only addresses the skill gap but also cultivates a brighter and more proficient future for the industry as a whole, emphasising the importance of education and professional development.

Lifting Placements

+27 (0) 87 700 9834

info@liftingplacements.co.za

www.liftingplacements.co.za