disabled
24 May 2007
The Compensation Fund will be embarking on an Assistive Device Outreach
Campaign where all workers using assistive devices will be evaluated and
educated on their rights and duties. Assistive devices are tools such as
wheelchairs, artificial limbs and hearing aids that enable individuals with
disabilities to carry out their daily activities with ease and also help in
reducing the strain of daily activities at home and in the workplace. The
objective of the outreach programme is to teach the employees how to keep their
assistive devices in good working order and increase opportunities of the
injured worker to return to gainful employment in the open labour market.
Currently, the Fund is compensating over 47 000 employees who have been
injured or have acquired occupational diseases and require assistive devices.
"All persons in South Africa and the Southern African Development Community
(SADC) countries who were injured while working in South Africa using assistive
devices as a result of workplace injuries will benefit greatly from this
campaign as most of them either do not have access to orthotic and prosthetic
services or are unaware of their benefits in terms of the Compensation for
Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act," said Departmental Spokesperson, Zolisa
Sigabi.
"The employees will be evaluated and we will ensure that the correct
assistive devices are prescribed for them. The Fund's responsibility is to its
client and this campaign is aimed at educating and assisting our clients,"
added Sigabi. The campaign's first stop will be in Secunda in the Free State
between 25 and 29 May.
For enquiries, contact:
Zolisa Sigabi
Tel: 012 392 9635
Cell: 082 906 3878
Email: zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
24 May 2007
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za)
