Keynote Address by Deputy Minister Moloi at the Commemoration of the International OHS Day

Programme Director, it is impossible not to pay homage to the constitution of the Republic of SA. Especially against the backdrop of the celebration of our 30 year old democracy. Chapter 2, of the Constitution, section 24 states that "everyone has a right to an environment isnot harmfultotheirhealthandwellbeing". It is the very existence of this commitment, amongst others, that has propelled us to relentlessly wage a war against occupational health and safety hazards.

The Department, through its Inspection and Enforcement Services Branch, is facilitating the commemoration of the 2024 World Day of Safety and Health at Work. I cannot over emphasise that this commemoration is taking place at a historic time of our young democracy. The month of April is important in more ways than one. It is a stark reminder of the year 1994 wherein all South Africans had an unprecedented right to vote. This would be the very first time that the sheer majority of the citizenry had such a right. In our celebration of such rights, we should spare a thought to millions of the workforce of our country who remain vulnerable. This is despite legal provisions that are meant to safeguard the benefits of worker rights. We still have

workplaces that are obstinately disobedient with regards to the employment laws of the Department. The energy and zest we displayed in 1994 is much needed as we face up with many challenges in the world of work. Nothing short of a collaborated and coordinated effort is much needed as we work together to deal with these challenges.

The theme of the ILO for the 2024 World Day of Occupational Safety and Health at Work is "Impact of climate change on occupational safety and health at work". This is a very apt theme as we are currently facing climate change challenges. The world of work has not been spared from this affliction. We are beginning to see and experience the effects of global warming in earnest. Workers, in a number of sectors, are often at the receiving end as they are mostly the first to be exposed to the effects of climate change. Often, for longer periods and at greater intensities, not discounting other sectors, this is mostly prevalent in both the agriculture and the construction sector as the nature of work, almost exclusively, occurs outdoors. Guy McPherson summarises the importance of preparedness to deal with the effects of climate change on our environment in a quote, and I quote "Ifyoureallythinkthattheenvironmentislessimportant

than the economy, try holding your breath while you count your money". Close quote

According to the ILO report released on 22 April, there are numerous health conditions that are linked to climate change. These include cancers, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney dysfunction, muscular degeneration and mental health conditions. The impact includes the 1.6 billion workers exposed to UV radiation, with more than 18,960 work-related deaths annually from non-melanoma skin cancer.

Most of us do appreciate the fact that decent work leads to higher productivity levels and has a greater chance of putting money in the pockets of workers and their beneficiaries, including families. Monies earned have a great potential to boost local economies. Decent jobs also reduce inequality and increase resilience to economic, social and environmental crises. As climate change has encroached in the workplace, causing rising global temperatures which may result in more frequent and severe heatwaves. Globally, more than 70 percent of the world's workforce face potential health risks due to climate change. In essence, we are talking about around 2.4 billion workers globally," out of a global workforce of 3,4 billion. In the South African context specifically, the Agricultural sector, the total number of persons

employed in the Agriculture and related services industry as at the end of June 2022 was 814 518 compared with 783 745 in June 2021, an increase of 3,9%. This staggering statistic underscores the pressing need to revamp existing OHS measures to adequately address the emerging threats posed by climate-related hazards. Workers, particularly those in the world's most impoverished areas, face heightened susceptibility to the perils of climate extremes like scorching heatwaves, prolonged droughts, raging wildfires, and devastating floods. With increasing temperatures and higher humidity, more pesticides are used in the agriculture sector and workers in are most likely to be exposed to such pesticides.

As the work of the Department responds to decent work, our legislation requires employers to identify hazards attached to any work that needs to be conducted and thereafter inform and train workers on control measures to be implemented. In response to climate change challenges, we have amended the Environmental Regulations for Workplaces. furthermore we are in the process of promulgating the Physical Agents Regulations once all the related work is finalized. The amendments have addressed requirements in lieu of protecting workers from exposure heat, cold and sunlight. This is precisely

because exposure to such conditions is prevalent in the outdoors, thus affecting workers in such conditions.

This past week our inspectors conducted inspections in the agricultural sector. The following are some of the general observations form that exercise:

• Baseline risk assessments were in place but did not cover issues relating to thermal stress
• Hazardous biological agents were not assessed although

vector borne diseases are an issue when we talk about climate change.

• Although in some farms, work started at about 4am to reduce

the duration of exposure, workers were still not provided with rest areas away from the glaring sun

• Most risk assessments were not designed to adequately deal climate change with the hazards

From a legal and operational perspective, there is a requirement for workers to undergo regular medical surveillance. However in some farms this was not done whilst in other farms, this was done by a General Practitioner rather than an occupational medicine practitioner

as required by the law. It is disheartening that some employers are always actively on the lookout of ways of cutting corners and thus gambling with the lives of their employees. As it is said, if you think compliance is expensive, try noncompliance. Unarguably, noncompliance usually comes with staggering costs.

I know that what I have said seems to be a mouthful but let us remember that we must work together to ensure decent work in the world of work. Now that we have seen the impact of climate change in the world of work let us remember the words by Maya Angelou, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." Our workers and their families depend on the decisions we take on protection required.

Kea leboga.

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