Raising health and consafety standards
Training and education will go a long way to reducing on-site accidents and their associated costs
The construction industry needs to take greater responsibility for managing health and safety risks to which employees are exposed. What may initially be classified as an inconsequential or minor accident could prove to be exceedingly costly in terms of the associated indirect costs, according to The Federated Employers’ Mutual Assurance Company (FEM). FEM, which was established 81 years ago and provides insurance to employers within the construction industry against their liabilities to employees in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, says that direct costs tend to be those associated with the treatment of the injury arising from the accident and any unique compensation offered to workers as a consequence of being injured. Counting the cost However, Rudi van Deventer, chief operating officer at FEM, says that while direct costs of accidents are, in the main, covered by workmen’s compensation insurance and include medical expenses, lost wages, tempo...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.