In a bid to keep a step ahead in the implementation of workplace safety post Covid-19 – the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch is to host an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) conference this week.

The three-day conference under the theme: “Prevention of injuries and diseases in the Iron and Steel sector” – will be held at Emerald Resort & Casino from the 16^th to the 18^th of August.

The department’s spokesperson, Teboho Thejane said alongside the conference, there will also be an exhibition from Departmental entities such as the Compensation Fund, the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Supported Employment Enterprises (SEE) – which provides sheltered employment for people with disabilities and is responsible for manufacture of protective personal equipment, office furniture, school furniture, hospital clothes, office safes and gates.

“There will also be external exhibitors such as RMA, various associations, companies (suppliers and manufacturers) in the OHS space.”

During the conference IES is expected to share the findings of blitz inspections conducted in the Iron and Steel sectors in the provinces of Gauteng, Limpopo and the North West.

According to Thejane some of the issues under discussion will include: the status of OHS in South Africa, latest on OHS amendments, compensation for occupational diseases and injuries, biological hazards, risk assessment, occupational exposures, and control of hazards among others.

Invited to the conference are external stakeholders such as organised business, organised labour and key stakeholders in the iron and steel sectors. The conference will also be attended by departmental officials including inspectors from the provinces of Gauteng, Limpopo and North West.

The conference is also expected to be addressed by the Department’s Director-General Thobile Lamati, the Department’s Inspector-General Aggy Moiloa and the Department’s Chief Inspector Milly Ruiters who will share the platform with OHS experts.