Occupational Health and Safety Conference Focused on Iron and Steel Sector

The Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch of the Department of Employment and Labour is organizing a three-day Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) conference. The event will take place at the Emerald Resort & Casino in Sedibeng and will focus on the “Prevention of injuries and diseases in the Iron and Steel sector.” The conference aims to address workplace safety, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

Sedibeng is an area that contributes significantly to the Gauteng Province’s economy, with prominent sectors of metal and chemicals. The conference will bring together 500 delegates, including departmental officials, inspectors, and external stakeholders such as organized business and labor representatives from the iron and steel sectors.

Keynote Address

A keynote address will be delivered by either Employment and Labour Minister T.W Nxesi or Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi. The conference will also feature presentations by the Department’s Director-General Thobile Lamati, Inspector-General Aggy Moiloa, and Chief Inspector Milly Ruiters, who will share the stage with OHS experts.

Blitz Inspections

During the event, IES is expected to report the findings of blitz inspections conducted in the Iron and Steel sectors across the provinces of Gauteng, Limpopo, and the North West. Topics of discussion will range from the status of OHS in South Africa, recent OHS amendments, compensation for occupational diseases and injuries, biological hazards, risk assessment, occupational exposures, and hazard control.

Exhibition

Apart from the conference, there will be an exhibition showcasing products and services from departmental entities such as the Compensation Fund, the Unemployment Insurance Fund, and the Supported Employment Enterprises (SEE). SEE provides sheltered employment for people with disabilities and manufactures protective personal equipment, office furniture, school furniture, hospital clothes, office safes, and gates. External exhibitors such as RMA, various associations, and companies specializing in the OHS space will also be present.

This OHS conference highlights the importance of maintaining a safe working environment, particularly in the iron and steel sector. The sector plays a crucial role in South Africa’s economy. Bringing together experts, stakeholders and officials, the event aims to improve OHS practices, share insights and experiences, and foster a collaborative approach toward addressing the challenges facing the industry. This is the second OHS event of the current financial year, following a similar gathering held in Cape Town in February. Another OHS conference is scheduled to take place in KwaZulu-Natal in November 2023.