Looking at the top workplace accidents in South Africa, it is reassuring to know that, with the likes of Personal Accident Cover, RCS, in partnership with Guardrisk, offers its clients the chance to cover their debts in the event of an unfortunate incident.
Workplace safety is a critical concern in South Africa, particularly in industries like mining, construction, and manufacturing, where high-risk activities will have a higher chance of accidents occurring.
According to recent statistics from government and industry reports, certain types of accidents occur more frequently and contribute significantly to injuries and fatalities in the workplace.
- Falls from Height & Struck-by Incidents
Falls from heights are consistently one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in South Africa, particularly in the construction and mining industries. Data from the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM), throughout 2015 to 2021, indicated that there were 5 842 cases of "falling to different levels", accounting for a large portion of the 54,964 injuries requiring medical attention during that period. These accidents are often due to inadequate safety equipment or poor compliance with health and safety regulations. The data points to the fact that there are on average 36 injuries on construction sites daily.
Being struck by objects or vehicles is another of the leading causes of injuries, with FEM statistics showing that 18,165 "struck by" cases were reported in the same time frame. These incidents include workers being struck by falling materials, such as bricks or scaffolding, as well as being hit by vehicles on construction sites. "Struck by" incidents accounted for 35% of all fatalities during this period, making them one of the most deadly types of workplace accidents.
According to this report, these incidents accounted for over R1 billion in medical costs and led to both fatalities and permanent disabilities – which was about 44% of the total cost of injuries in that period.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are a common cause of injuries across all sectors. These accidents are often due to wet or uneven surfaces, poor housekeeping, or the absence of proper safety protocols. FEM recorded 1,743 cases of slip or over-exertion-related accidents from 2020 to 2021. Although these incidents are generally less fatal than falls from heights or struck-by accidents, they still lead to significant medical costs and lost work time.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents, particularly in industries that require transportation of goods or workers, represent a major cause of workplace injuries. FEM data for the two years leading up to December 2021 shows that 1,086 motor vehicle accidents occurred in the construction sector alone. These accidents often involve drivers of heavy machinery, trucks, or company vehicles, and can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Machinery-Related Accidents
In manufacturing, mining, and construction, accidents involving machinery are another frequent occurrence. These incidents often involve workers being caught in or struck by moving parts of machines, leading to serious injuries. According to the Department of Employment and Labour, machinery-related accidents can result in crushing injuries, amputations, and even fatalities. In the mining industry for example, you can see that accidents in this space can have dire consequences, with an article published in 2022 on Africa Mining discussing related fatalities over 2019-2021, with a total of 44 deaths recorded.
- Exposure to Hazardous Substances
In industries like mining, chemicals, and manufacturing, workers are often exposed to hazardous substances, which can lead to long-term health issues such as respiratory diseases, skin conditions, or poisoning. The Department of Employment and Labour's most recent report emphasises that mining workers are particularly vulnerable to diseases caused by dust inhalation and prolonged exposure to toxic materials.
- Electric Shock and Electrocutions
Electric shocks and electrocutions are another significant cause of workplace accidents, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. FEM data shows that contact with electric current has one of the highest costs per injury, with each incident averaging R185,000 in compensation costs. These incidents often occur due to faulty wiring, improper use of electrical equipment, or a lack of protective gear.
- Fires and Explosions
Although less frequent, fires and explosions remain a serious risk in sectors like chemical manufacturing, petroleum, and mining. These incidents can lead to widespread injuries, fatalities, and extensive damage to property. Companies are required by law to have fire prevention systems in place, but accidents still occur, often due to negligence or lack of proper safety protocols.
- Workplace Violence
An emerging concern in South African workplaces is violence, particularly in high-stress environments like healthcare, retail, and law enforcement. While not as common as other types of accidents, workplace violence can have devastating consequences for the victims and contribute to lost productivity and higher medical costs.
Workplace accidents in South Africa remain a serious issue, particularly in industries with high-risk activities such as construction, mining, and manufacturing. In fact, the Minister of Labour recently made a public call for increased health and safety standards in South Africa.
A workplace accident can also have far reaching consequences for those involved, but with RCS/Guardrisk, products like Comprehensive Protection Insurance and the Income Protection Plan, can alleviate some of the financial burdens that can come with serious injury, disability or even death.
