Workdays lost from the absence of employees from work due to occupational accidents undermine the growth of our enterprises and our economy. It also impacts negatively on government's capacity to deliver effective and quality services. Recently our department took a decision to immunise all our staff against the deadly flu virus that is expected to invade our shores this winter. Amongst other things, this move was motivated and informed by the need to arrest the expected high absenteeism rate that is likely to follow from sick leaves that employees will need to take because of the effect of the expected flu virus. Our view is that this move is an investment in the health of our staff and their productivity.
Absenteeism is a cost in financial and productivity terms.
Effective partnerships are critical for ensuring safe working conditions and safety in the workplace. Law enforcement is not enough. In South Africa today, workplace accidents and fatalities continue unabated because employers fail to view the issue of unsafe and unhealthy working conditions with the seriousness it deserves. Indeed illnesses and injuries at work are a constant problem. This protection include, among other things, immunisation to protect them against these risks Employers must invest in first aid programmes, build capacity for treatment of minor ailments as well as health education and promotion at workplace level.