Pretoria - Almost R3 billion was paid to employees and service providers following crippling accidents suffered by workers in the 2009/10 financial year.
"The amount paid in 2009/10 represents an increase of R441 793 500 on the previous financial year. The pain and suffering affects thousands of workers each year as well as their families, communities and workplaces," Director responsible for Occupational Health and Hygiene for the Department of Labour, Milly Ruiters, said.
Speaking at a forestry seminar in White River, Mpumalanga, on Thursday, Ruiters said occupational injuries, diseases and fatalities continued to plague the agriculture and forestry industries, with terrible consequences on the economy.
She said research showed that sprains, strains and tears continued to be the leading nature of injury with the back being the most commonly injured body part in the forestry sector.
The meeting, which was organised by the Department of Labour, was attended by stakeholders from business, organised labour, government and civil society groups.
Ruiters said the astronomical cost resulting from these injuries necessitated a clear obligation for the department to renew and redouble its efforts to improve workplace health and safety in industry.
Challenges facing the Department of Labour's Compensation Commission include the late registration of occupational injuries or diseases claims by employers; delays in payment of compensation benefits due to non-submission of banking details as well as employers not registering with the fund.
The seminar continues today and is expected to be dominated by feedback by the labour inspectorate on last week's blitz inspections in the Nelspruit and White River areas.
