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June 2005

At the recent International Labour Conference a report was tabled which points to unsafe and unhealthy work environments as an alarming factor leading to the death of more than two million workers annually worldwide, while 270 million accidents and 160 million illnesses occur over the same period.  This costs the global economy four percent of the Gross Domestic Production annually.

 

South Africa was one of the 30 African states who voted for the adoption of a Convention supported by a Recommendation as a means of promoting a safe and healthy working environment.  The employers' group, chaired by Casper Lotter, an International

 Adviser on Occupational Health and Safety, opposed the Convention and Recommendation.  They argued that a less binding and less constraining instrument be used to promote a safe and healthy working environment.

 

In South Africa the Mining, Construction, Steel and Agriculture sectors were listed as high-risk areas.  The South African delegation reported to the Committee that government was giving occupational health and safety high priority, with awareness campaigns and spot inspections being carried out regularly.  Inspectors were also undergoing continuous training.

 

The above leads one to ask a simple question ……..

 

How serious are South African Employers about Occupational Health and Safety?

  It is strongly recommended that every employer assesses the situation in his own workplace, and if the need arises, call in the services of an expert to do an assessment.

  It will be interesting to find out how great the losses are in workplaces where Occupational health and Safety is not a priority.

 

A healthy working environment can only lead to a more stable workplace, which will eventually lead to more satisfied workers ……   and a satisfied worker is a productive worker!