Etana’s risk management team maintains the cutting edge
The magnificent men who make up Etana's risk management team
The Etana risk management survey team comprises 18 well-qualified, dedicated individuals whose primary aim is to provide clients with the best possible risk management solutions to meet their individual needs.
Since risk management embraces such a wide range of variables, team members are required to combine their theoretical knowledge with practical know-how out in the field.
The majority of team members hold a national diploma in fire engineering, and continue to develop their risk management expertise by attending regular internal and external training sessions.
To maintain the edge in risk management, team members are continually building on their skills base, which requires knowledge of national building regulations and compliance procedures, the ability to read plans, understanding rational designs, auditing, assessment procedures, occupational health and safety regulations, fire and loss prevention methods and security risks.
“A number of the guys have worked in the fire safety divisions of local authorities, so they’re highly experienced, especially when it comes to requirements for building fire plan approvals and compliance,” says Etana’s Head of Risk Management, Marcel Wood.
“The Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa (FPASA) offers a useful range of short courses in fire protection and prevention, as does the National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA), which provides on-the-job training opportunities for the team.”
In the surveyors’ line of duty it’s critical for them to keep abreast of changing regulations, an issue that’s addressed by regular training sessions via the Etana Academy, our in-house training facility. Allied to this, Marcel holds positions on a number of professional bodies: the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), Institute of Risk Management of South Africa (IRMSA), Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa (FPASA), South African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI) and the South African Insurers’ Association (SAIA), so he’s essentially at the forefront when it comes to new developments.
Over and above their everyday duties, these resourceful Etanans also look for innovative ways of improving the “local is lekker” countrywide service they provide, which led to Marcel developing a unique Advanced Risk Questionnaire (ARQ) to streamline the assessment process by making sure all the risk boxes are ticked during the assessment procedure.
When they’re not honing their risk management skills, these highly motivated Etanans enjoy a variety of relaxing pursuits.
Trainee surveyors Bongani Khoza and Cameron Waugh both have a fondness for family and sport.
“If I’m not playing soccer, I’m watching soccer or helping my little sister Betty with her school studies,” says Bongani.
“I spend my time with family and friends, getting involved in any sport possible and reading when I get the chance,” says Cameron.
Warren Gradidge enjoys spending time in the gym, reading and cycling, and relaxing with his family.
“Working on reducing my 14 golf handicap,” is what occupies David Lubbe when he’s not out in the field, while Shadley Adams prefers to head up or down the Cape coast on his superbike.
“We love sharing good stories about fellow Etanans who’re passionate about their company and what they do – servicing brokers and their clients,” says Etana’s Head of People and Brand, Carel Nolte.
“As long as we’re able to offer them a great working environment, they, like others, choose to stay with us.”
People in Risk
Marcel Wood
Marcel Wood heads Etana’s risk management division. Before starting in insurance he worked for the fire department, rescuing people and (literally) putting out fires. He’s passed through Munich Re and Santam, and has designed the only risk management tool aimed specifically at the insurance industry – ARQ. Marcel is a mean guitarist, a brilliant vocalist and an accomplished soccer player with the personal motto: “Do your best all the time”.
