The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa is implementing new initiatives to prevent occupational injuries and diseases in workplaces. Millicent Ruiters, the Chief Inspector of Occupational Health and Safety, announced these initiatives during the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) 2023 National Conference. The Department is focusing on training, education, and advocacy sessions to avoid billions of rands in payouts for occupational injuries and diseases.
The Role of Compensation Fund and RMA
The Compensation Fund, fully funded by the OHS inspectorate, provides compensation to workers who suffer injuries or contract diseases in their workplaces. The Compensation Fund works in partnership with Rand Mutual Assurance (RAM) and Federated Employers Mutual (FEM). RAM oversees compensation for occupational injuries and diseases in the iron, steel, and mining sectors, while FEM is responsible for construction workers. Annually, RAM spends around R600 million to R700 million on payouts, while the Compensation Fund pays out between R4 billion and R6 billion. The two entities pay out approximately R7 billion annually for medical services providers.
Measures to Prevent Injuries and Diseases in Workplaces
Ruiters emphasized the need for the Department to take proactive measures to prevent injuries and diseases in workplaces to avoid payouts. She highlighted the potential for prevention, stating that the billions paid out could be avoided if the Department played its part. The Department is proposing a proactive mission involving collaboration with RAM to prevent workplace injuries and diseases. RAM has expressed interest in establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department to facilitate the collaboration. The partnership would involve using RAM’s data to conduct proactive inspections and advocacy sessions. The Department is also considering a similar relationship with FEM.
Education and Advocacy Sessions
To prevent injuries and diseases in the workplace, the Department is planning more advocacy sessions, conferences, education, and training. Aggy Moiloa, the Inspector General of Inspection and Enforcement Services, called for a moment of silence to remember those who have lost their lives due to occupational injuries and diseases during the conference’s closing.
Stronger Partnerships and Proactive Measures
Moving forward, the Department of Employment and Labour aims to create stronger partnerships and implement more proactive measures to address the significant financial impact of occupational injuries and diseases in South Africa. The Department hopes that with increased education, training, and advocacy, the number of cases that require compensation will reduce significantly, and the overall health and safety of workers across various industries will improve.
