Workplace accidents in the South African construction industry are a serious concern. Common hazards include workers falling from heights, being struck by objects, coming into contact with exposed electrical wiring, and other workplace hazards. According to the 2024 accident statistics released by The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) in June 2024 pertaining to insured FEM beneficiaries, a total of 6 268 construction-related workplace accidents occurred in 2023. Of these, 54 resulted in the loss of life. Not detracting from any of the above major incidents, motor vehicle accidents continue to be the leading cause of fatal occupational injuries. Notably, FEM statistics only account for approximately half of the formal construction workforce (i.e. workers whom FEM insures). The reality is far more dire once the balance of the formal workforce and the vast informal construction sector are factored in.

Injuries and fatalities from motor vehicle accidents on South African roads are a national crisis. According to a 2023 State of Road Safety in South Africa report by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), there were 11 883 road user fatalities in 2023. Causes of these tragic accidents include speeding, the use of alcohol, distractions, recklessness and other safety-related issues. 45% of the recorded fatalities were pedestrian-related, arising from both driver and pedestrian-based causes. These motor vehicle accident statistics also include work-related accidents caused by workers who operate vehicles as part of their jobs, as well as workers who are injured or killed by vehicles while conducting their jobs (such as contractors working on the side of a road).

Over the last few years we have seen a drastic change in the workplace environment across various fields and job roles. This change was largely accelerated by the COVID-19 worldwide crisis, particularly with regard to digitisation and remote working structures. While we cannot predict the Future of Work with certainty, we can be sure that there will be an escalation in certain areas, such as automation, use of artificial intelligence (AI), de-centralised / hybrid work teams and growth within the GIG economy sector. We expect to see the above trends on a national, continental and global level. The change is unavoidable, and demands certain skills and knowledge for success. The question is, is South Africa’s future workforce equipped to navigate this change?

On 9 May 2024, the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (Rf) (Pty) Ltd (FEM) launched its Rehabilitation, Social Reintergration and Return to Work Programme at an event held in Johannesburg. FEM is a mutual insurer that provides workmen’s compensation cover to the construction and construction related industries.

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed on 28 April annually. The purpose of this day is to highlight issues related to occupational health and safety (OSH) and support the prevention of workplace accidents and illnesses. This is a global imperative across all industries and employment sectors.

The right to health and safety at work is a fundamental human right. Globally, there are robust laws, as well as industry regulations and occupational safety best practice rules in place to ensure the safety of workers. The International Labour Organization describes occupational health and safety (OHS) as “the discipline dealing with the prevention of work-related injuries and diseases, as well as the protection and promotion of the health of workers”. Many companies, particularly those in comparatively high-risk industries (such as construction, manufacturing and mining) have dedicated health and safety officers, and in larger organisations, health and safety committees, to ensure adherence to safety laws and regulations. South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993, requires the employer to bring about and maintain, as far as reasonably practicable, a work environment that is safe and without risk to the health of the workers.

November 2023, Johannesburg – This month, the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) Proprietary Limited (FEM) hosted a Financial Literacy programme in Kidd Beach, East London. The training was aimed at FEM pensioners i.e., policyholder employees who receive compensation for severe occupational injury, disease, or death on duty. A total of 169 employees attended the session, they were trained on how to better manage their finances, including practical ways to take control of money affairs. The sessions form part of a larger project by FEM that plans to reach a number of stakeholders across South Africa.

3 November 2023, Johannesburg. The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM), will be exhibiting at this year’s Occupational Health and Safety Conference