29 August 2006
The lack of reliable data about workplace accidents is a major concern
facing the Department of Labour, a meeting of the Advisory Council for
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) heard in Pretoria today (Tuesday).
Addressing the meeting, Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana said having
proper statistics was crucial in reducing the number of accidents occurring in
the workplace.
The meeting was attended by stakeholders from organised labour, business as
well as other government departments.
âThis absence of data about workplace injuries is a problem for OHS.
Clearly, our Information Technology (IT) section is not coping with the load,â
he said.
The Minister said the workplace accidents and diseases cost the country
millions of rands annually.
Minister Mdladlana said the remaining challenge for Departments of Labour,
Health as well as Minerals and Energy were to âintegrate the inspection
services as per Cabinet decision.â
He said the process of integration cannot become policy until it has been
approved by Cabinet and taken to the National Economic and Development Labour
Council (Nedlac).
Faizel Randera, health advisor with the Chamber of Mines, said one
mineworker dying was âone too manyâ.
He said workplace injuries were at some point estimated to cost the country
about R18 billion per year.
âIn 1996 when the Leon Commission reported that 780 miners had died in that
year, we realised we had to do something. Today, the situation has changed
drastically and hence the importance of OHS advising the Minister on how best
we can bring safety to various workplaces,â Randera said.
Meanwhile, the advisory council resolved to hold a workshop before the end
of October to deal with the challenges facing OHS in the country.
Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168
Musa Sithole
Tel: (012) 3094882
Fax: (012) 3094532
Cell: 084 806 2589
E-mail: musa.sithole@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
29 August 2006
