THE Compensation Fund says an exponential rise in applications, received as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, has seen the agency disperse R35-million in claims.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Fund said it continues to receive claims through licensed mutual assistance companies, Rand Mutual and Federated Employers.

In the past 11 months, the Fund says it received a total of 17 185 claims by employees exposed to the virus at work. Of these, 32 claims related to fatalities. Just over 12 200 claims were lodged directly with the CF, while 4 434 were lodged with Rand Mutual and 494 with Federated Employees.

In other Covid-19 news: Covid-19: A day in the life of an uMhlanga nurse

“It is incumbent upon all employers – public and private – to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to safeguard the lives of workers in the workplace,” the Fund said.

It encouraged all workers to do the basics like washing hands, where possible to keep safe distances and wear the appropriate protective gear, including a mask covering the nose and mouth.

The Fund said it is in the interest of employees to report unsafe working conditions, which could lead to them contracting or being infected with Covid-19.

Read also: Durban North teenager shows love for frontline workers

“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,” said Compensation Fund Commissioner, Vuyo Mafata.

KwaZulu-Natal has the fourth highest number of claims at 1 891.

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting

Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za). At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.  

You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532.  

For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram