Workmen’s compensation is a compulsory insurance that is taken out by a company to cover its employees in the unfortunate event that they are injured, or contract an illness while performing their daily work duties.

Workmen’s compensation cover is prescribed by the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130of 1993 (COIDA). This insurance  covers accidents that arise out of and during employment resulting in personal injury or illness; occupational diseases contracted in the workplace; and fatalities resulting from an accident while on duty.

Statistics released by the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) show an alarming number of injuries in the construction industry. FEM is one of two organisations providing workmen’s compensation for the construction industry.

In line with the high injury statistics, FEM has launched the ZERO initiative to raise awareness around the high number of construction-related accidents, and more importantly, to educate both employers and employees in the prevention of such accidents.

Family represents the foundation of self, and as such FEM agrees that family is everything, and will go to great lengths to support the preservation of families, one breadwinner at a time.

The economic costs of workplace injuries only tell part of the story. There is also a major human cost that is often overlooked.

These are intangible costs that are very real, and it is impossible to put a value on them.

A work-related injury or occupational illness is bad enough for the individual who is suffering from it, but the costs do not end there. Families also suffer deep emotional and financial pain because of a loved one’s injury.

Children tend to be hit the hardest by these types of injuries as they are forced to deal with the reality of a parent who has a medical condition that renders them unable to go to work. Some of these injuries also significantly change the family dynamic by reversing various roles. This thrusts the spouse and children into a caregiving role, which is something many people may not be emotionally ready to deal with. The effect of workplace injuries on families in single parent households is even more devastating.

At its core ZERO represents the commitment to achieving 100% COIDA COMPLIANCE in the building and construction industry aims to educate and guide stakeholders on how to help themselves with preventative and proactive behaviour.