Improving health and safety in the iron and steel sector
At a glance
- On 26 February 2025, the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour addressed delegates from the iron and steel sector about the importance of improving health and safety in the sector in order to reduce the high levels of accidents, injuries and diseases.
- He pointed out that the levels of non-compliance with occupational health and safety legislation in most sectors, including the iron and steel sector, were concerning.
- He also spoke about the need to promote decent work and touched on Government’s plans to invest in infrastructure and the role to be played by the sector.
He encouraged the delegates to continue fighting to ensure that compliance improves, highlighting the importance of being resilient in this fight. He pointed out that the sector has a long way to go because it remains marred by high levels of accidents, injuries and diseases. These high levels are also prevalent in other sectors and must be addressed. Government, employers and employees all have a role to play in ensuring compliance in the sector.
The Code of Practice on OHS in the sector is an important tool in this regard as it aims, amongst other things, to protect workers, outline the common causes of injuries and illness, define the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, and facilitate the improvement of OHS in the sector. He highlighted the importance of companies in the sector implementing the recommendations made based on the impact of noise-induced hearing loss study of 2012.
In an effort to increase compliance and uphold OHS standards, the OHS inspectorate conducted high impact blitz inspections in the sector. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHSA) is also undergoing reforms to ensure that policies are continually improving and that legislation plays a role in the improvement of OHS.
Promoting decent work
The Deputy Minister indicated that the sector has to reflect on the contributions it has made in promoting decent work. This is because decent work is fundamental for quality of life. He explained that decent work focuses on current and future jobs as well as working conditions. This will require the incorporation of technological advancements in the workplace. He implored the sector to invest in the training and development of its workforce. Again, Government, employers and employees will have to play their part in achieving a high standard of decent work.
Government to invest in infrastructure
He indicated that Government will spend close to R1 trillion on infrastructure over the next three years, and the sector will be key in providing support to the projects that will be implemented, such as the building and revitalisation of bridges. These projects will create jobs opportunities and contribute to sustainable development.
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