The department of labour and employment entity, the Compensation Fund, has called on farms to strengthen their compliance with the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Coida) in their operations.
The department said in a statement that during the recent workshop, emphasis was placed on strengthening compliance with Coida in the agricultural sector.
“The Compensation Fund used the opportunity to directly engage with farm employees to address challenges and provide guidance on Coida compliance,” the department stated.
Avoiding non-compliance and reporting injuries
Employers were reminded of their duty to ensure that supervisors are well-informed so that every employee is well aware, and that it becomes a daily routine in farming operations to avoid non-compliance.
“Farm employers were allowed an opportunity to engage with the Compensation Fund with regard to their challenges and possible solutions. Employers were also shown how to download the app so that it is something that they have access to all the time,” the department explained.
Ramothupi Mabusela from the Compensation Fund said while they understand that not all farm employees are tech savvy, they are encouraging online registration of injuries or any inquiries that might be in relation to Coida.
Related stories
- Singing farmworkers step into the spotlight with AGT
- Koue Bokkeveld farmworkers get equipped to lead and protect
- NC farmworkers empowered: Skills, safety & dreams ignited
- SA agri-exporters urged to seek new markets
“Commissioner Albert Makgoba from the CCMA gave an overview of conciliation, arbitration and con-arb hearings. He also encouraged farm owners to try to resolve disputes with employees, where possible.
“The Compensation Fund will continuously engage with farm employees in ensuring Coida compliance in the agricultural sector. A help desk has also been made available to provinces’ ongoing service to farm employers, ” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Tebogo Molopyane, deputy director of tenure systems at the department of land reform and rural development, emphasised the importance of complying also with the Extension of Security Tenure Act, which aims to provide long-term security of land tenure for people living on rural or peri-urban land they do not own.
The department said it is important to continue working with different sectors, like agriculture, where many people are hired, and the chances of injuries are high. This awareness campaign is going to continue in different provinces.
READ NEXT: Workers, families devastated as fire destroys CPA farm
