The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (“FEM”) is licensed to conduct non-life insurance business.
We firmly believe an industry with ZERO accidents is achievable, it begins with you.
What is the ZERO is No Accident campaign?
The construction industry is expected to rebound significantly in 2022, and expand by 9.1% in real terms, positioning it as a significant contributor to South Africa’s post COVID-19 economic recovery, and national infrastructure development plan. In 2019, the value added by the construction sector accounted for around 4% of the country’s GDP and employed well over 1.3 million people.
However, a closer look at the inner workings of the construction industry reveals a disconcerting dark side, veiled by the wealth of opportunities.
On average, a shocking 36 people sustain injuries requiring medical attention while on duty every single day resulting in temporary disablement, permanent disablement, and the loss of life. With a track record spanning 86 years in the field of workmen’s compensation, The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company is one of two private sector companies that have been issued a license to provide services under the COID Act by the South African government.
The compensation, in terms of the COID Act, is funded by employers, and places an obligation on these employers to make contributions on an annual basis, aimed at providing compensation in the form of payment and medical aid for disablement caused by accidents or industrial diseases contracted by employees in the course of their employment, and for death or disease resulting from such accidents.
Leveraging our INFLUENCE to promote a 100% commitment to health and safety
EDUCATING on the pitfalls associated with workplace fatalities and the importance of committing 100% to sustainable workforce
Through 100% stakeholder engagement and RE-INFORCING the legal obligation to COIDA compliance
Rallying PUBLIC SUPPORT for an excellent and sustainable workers compensation service by ensuring 100% success rate in the processing of valid claims
Committing 100% to social change by uplifting communities thus
CHANGING LIVES.
Who benefits from the “ZERO IS NO ACCIDENT” campaign?
Family represents the foundation of self, and as such FEM agrees that family is everything, and we will go to great lengths to support the preservation of families, one breadwinner at a time. The economic costs of workplace injuries only tell part of the story.
There is also a major human cost that is often overlooked. Imagine the physical pain and suffering an injured worker goes through daily. The unrelenting pain comes with problems sleeping, trouble moving around, and difficulty or the inability to do the things they once enjoyed.
The prospect of having your life turned upside down like this, and not knowing if it will ever be the same is something that can seem nearly impossible to live with. These are intangible costs that are very real, and it is impossible to put a price on them. A work-related injury or occupational illness is bad enough for the individual who is suffering from it, but the costs do not end there. Families also suffer deep emotional and financial pain because of a loved one’s injury.
Children tend to be hit the hardest by these types of injuries as they are forced to deal with the reality of a parent who has a medical condition that renders them unable to go to work and put food on the table. Some of these injuries also significantly change the family dynamic by reversing various roles. This thrusts the spouse and children into a caregiving role, which is something many people may not be emotionally ready to deal with.
The effect of workplace injuries on families in single parent households is even more devastating. When the one parent who the children depend on for everything suddenly gets hurt, finances are even tighter, and the duty to care for the injured parent may fall squarely on the children. That is just one side of the coin. If an employer is not registered for workmen’s insurance under the COID Act, and one of their employees is injured, falls ill, or suffers a fatality on duty, the treating doctors or hospital will demand payment which the employer will be held liable for, and this can lead to financial ruin.
On average
Why is the “ZERO IS NO ACCIDENT” campaign important?
The Federated Mutual Assurance Company through the ZERO IS NO ACCIDENT campaign, seek to mitigate the risk for both employers and employees by delivering a preferred, excellent, and sustainable workmen’s compensation service that champions health and safety in the workplace as a key pillar to the continued growth and success of the industry, and provide quality care, empathy and financial support to employees, and their families in the unfortunate event of an accident, illness, or untimely death.
We firmly believe that every workplace accident, illness, or death is preventable, that an industry with ZERO incidents is achievable. Getting to ZERO will not happen by chance, it requires purposeful planning, and a concerted effort by the entire construction industry to nurture positive change in behaviours, attitudes and perceptions towards health and safety, for the future of the industry.
June was a month of exciting new beginnings and impactful engagements for FEM!
We welcomed new leadership, connected with industry professionals, and empowered emerging entrepreneurs.
We were thrilled to announce the appointment of Nazeer Hoosen as our new Chief Executive Officer in June! With his extensive experience and proven track record in the financial services industry, we are confident in his leadership and vision for FEM's future
In line with our dedication to empowering businesses, we partnered with NAFBI to host a workshop at their National Conference. This workshop focused on how integrating robust health and safety practices can support the growth and success of emerging entrepreneurs in the construction industr#NewCEOe#Leadershipr#nafbiN#entrepreneurshipr#constructionsafetya#AOSH##workplacesafetyafety
May was a month focused on healthcare at FEM! We actively participated in the annual Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) Conference in Cape Town, engaging in discussions and showcasing our commitment to navigating the future of healthcare.
Themed "Beyond Barriers: Navigating the Future for Sustainable Healthcare," the conference provided a platform for industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities facing the healthcare sector.
Dr. Sanjay Munnoo, our Chief Business Development Officer, shared his expertise on the important topic of "Occupational Health in a Changing Climate." His insights highlighted the crucial link between workplace health and environmental factors.
By engaging in these important healthcare dialogues, FEM reaffirms its commitment to contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
Additionally, we launched our Rehabilitation, Social Reintegration, and Return to Work Programme on 9 May 2024. This program aims to provide comprehensive support to injured workers, helping them regain their independence and successfully return to work.
#Rehabilitation #ReturnToWork
#OccupationalHealth #ClimateChange
#BHFConference2024 #BeyondBarriers #Healthcare
We kicked off April by sponsoring and attending the BBCBE Built Environment Indaba and Gala Dinner. This event brought together key players in the built environment to discuss critical topics and drive transformation in the industry.
Next, we supported the Master Builders Association North's OHS Compliance Seminar, which focused on reputational damage in the construction industry. This seminar provided valuable insights and guidance on managing and mitigating risks related to workplace safety and reputation
Our commitment to safety extended to sponsoring promotional materials and attending the MBA Training on the Move, where our beloved Safety Sipho made an appearance! This initiative brought essential safety training directly to construction sites, ensuring that workers have access to vital knowledge and resource#bbcbeB#builtenvironmentn#coidaC#workerscompensationa#safetytrainingi#safetysiphoS#MBANorthN#OHSComplianceiance
Nice pic