Prevention is better than cure

For 128 years, Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) has been administering claims for occupational injuries and diseases according to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act No 130 of 1993 (COIDA). It has launched a prevention programme and has the licence to administer claims for both the mining- and metals-related industries.

In April 2022, RMA launched the prevention programme as part of one of the company’s key strategic focus areas. “RMA believes that the prevention of injuries and diseases at work is crucial to contribute to enhanced employee productivity for employers and, more importantly, to improve the health and safety of employees,” says Dr Jessica Hutchings, head of prevention at RMA.

“As a mutual assurance company, RMA understands the impact of working conditions and environments that contribute to workplace fatalities, injuries, and diseases. RMA believes that such events can be prevented by being proactive and helping our members put actions in place before an event occurs,” she continues.

The prevention programme will be driven by the Occupational Health and Safety Act No 85 of 1993. In addition, the COIDA has specific provisions that require RMA to implement an effective prevention programme that reduces occupational injuries and diseases in the workplace.

“RMA’s prevention programme supports employers’ existing initiatives for the benefit of their employees and aims to complement employers’ existing occupational health and safety systems. A successful and effective prevention programme requires the involvement of all the key stakeholders in the occupational health and safety value chain,” Hutchings points out.

“RMA’s prevention programme is premised on partnering with employers, employees and unions to reduce occupational incidents by offering a blend of occupational health and safety, and financial wellness solutions that improve employee safety, reduce the severity of injuries, and reduce the debt burden of employees,” she adds. “Working closely with our stakeholders will enable the delivery of strategic actions where, together, the greatest impact on illnesses and injury reduction can transpire.” 

Luvuyo Dzingwa, general manager of claims medical management at RMA, states that every stakeholder has a responsibility to reduce occupational health and safety incidents. “Working together allows for greater collaboration and partnering to increase the reach for the goal of improving employee health and safety. Understanding the hazards and inherent risks in our clients’ businesses, our prevention programme will ensure that we partner with our clients in their efforts to achieve effective management of occupational health and safety,” he says.

“Our assessment, solutions, and evaluations will result in sustainable safety benefits for our employers. RMA will adopt a data-driven approach to raise awareness of occupational injuries and diseases in the workplace and identify those who are the most affected or at the highest risk.” 

RMA’s prevention programme will initially be aimed at the metals industry. “Claims data suggest that this industry would benefit greatly from such a programme, given the types of injuries that RMA administers and the incidence of injuries in comparison to the mining industry,” Hutchings explains.

“The programme aims to reduce occupational injuries and diseases in the workplace, creating a safe place of work for employees and having tangible benefits for the employer. Safety is not only an ethical and moral business imperative, but also results in financial benefits for organisations,” Hutchings expands. “Failure to consider occupational health and safety can result in increased damage to property and equipment, absenteeism and presenteeism, legal costs, reputational damage, and loss in productivity.”

Dzingwa highlights that having this programme in place ensures a beneficial partnership for RMA and its clients. This is not only about compensation but also about assisting clients in preventing work-related accidents and injuries, as well as promoting the safety of their employees. “There is always room for improvement,” notes Dzingwa. “With a focus on current evidence and our approach to prevention, this initiative will have an effect on claim and injury rates, leading to an improved health and safety culture that has benefits extending beyond the workplace.”