The Compensation Fund is calling on employers to take better precautionary measures in the workplace, as it has noted a high volume of claims from workers contracting COVID-19.
The Compensation Fund took to Twitter on Tuesday, 16 February 2021, to call on employers to take better precautionary measures in the workplace. This follows the rising number of COVID-19 infections lodged by companies. The statement further emphasised the importance of abiding by the COVID-19 regulations and restrictions in the workplace, to avoid the high number of claims being lodged with the department.
Commissioner of the Compensation Fund, Vuyo Mafata was quoted as saying, “It is in the interest of employees to also blow a whistle on unsafe working conditions that could lead to them contracting or being infected with COVID-19. The employees, through their representatives, can approach our inspectors if they feel that their health is compromised and the department will conduct inspections and as the worst form of sanction, close down non-complying workplaces.”
Companies found guilty of non-compliance may be subjected to a temporary closure, or face further consequences. The consequences may include prison time, paying a fine, or possibly both.
See the post below.
[Media Statement] Compensation Fund records rising claims as a result of covid-19 infections
Full statement: https://t.co/4kuW6GyT7g pic.twitter.com/dxGSR0KRe1— Department of Employment and Labour (@deptoflabour) February 16, 2021
Sabelo Makhubo
s.makhubo@politicalanalysis.co.za
