By Nazeer Hoosen
The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM) is a non-life insurer licensed under the Insurance Act 18 of 2017 and a COIDA mutual licensee that provides compensation cover for occupational injuries and diseases within the construction sector.
Increasingly, safety specialists advocate that safety awareness begins earlier.
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FEM also supports occupational health and safety awareness initiatives in the South African construction industry. Its participation extends beyond compensation cover. Through its safety programmes and awareness campaigns, FEM supports prevention, education and behavioural change.
FEM’s Construction Safety Report for the period 2015 to 2021 found that, within its insured portfolio, an average of 36 construction workers were injured on construction sites each day. This statistic underscores the need for stronger safety systems, particularly for new and young workers entering the sector.
FEM’s prevention work includes initiatives such as Safetember, which raises awareness of common construction hazards and promotes practical measures to improve site safety. FEM’s “ZERO Is No Accident” campaign further reinforces the message that injuries are not inevitable. With proper planning, compliance, supervision, training and worker engagement, safer outcomes are achievable.
This approach reflects a broader industry focus on strengthening occupational health and safety practices. Compensation remains vital when injuries occur, but prevention delivers the greatest benefit to workers, employers and the industry. Workplace injuries can disrupt projects, reduce productivity, undermine morale and have long-term consequences for workers and their families. For a young worker, a serious injury early in life can affect future earnings, confidence, employability and career development.
By investing in awareness, education and prevention, FEM helps strengthen not only individual workplaces but also the broader safety culture of the construction industry.
Building safer work environments
Effective safety management starts with practical, site-specific training. Young workers need to understand the real risks they will face in daily operations. This includes identifying hazards, using machinery safely, working at height, wearing and maintaining appropriate personal protective equipment, following emergency procedures and reporting unsafe conditions.
Induction should not be treated as a one-off administrative requirement. It must be supported by regular toolbox talks, refresher training, safety demonstrations, visible leadership and active supervision. Training is most effective when it is practical, repeated and directly linked to the tasks workers perform.
Employers also need to create an environment in which young workers feel able to speak up. A worker who fears being mocked, ignored or punished is less likely to report a hazard. A strong safety culture is one in which reporting is encouraged, questions are welcomed and unsafe behaviour is corrected before an incident occurs.
The role of mentorship and supervision
Mentorship is one of the most effective ways to improve safety outcomes among young workers. Experienced supervisors and workers can help younger employees understand not only the rules but also the reasons behind them.
Effective mentorship fosters confidence, reinforces safe practices, and supports the development of judgement among young workers. Furthermore, it offers a practical link between formal training and on-site conditions.
Supervisors play a crucial role by setting the tone for safe behaviour, spotting unsafe practices early and ensuring that pressure to produce does not compromise safety procedures. When supervisors demonstrate safe behaviours and communicate clearly, young workers are more inclined to prioritise safety.
Fostering a prevention-oriented culture
A strong safety culture is built on shared responsibility. Employers must provide safe systems of work, training and supervision. Workers must follow procedures, use protective equipment correctly and report unsafe conditions. Industry stakeholders, insurers, training institutions and schools also have a role in preparing young people for safer participation in the workplace.
FEM’s work in this area demonstrates the value of early, practical and sustained safety awareness. The Health and Safety School Awareness Programme supports prevention before employment. Safetember and ZERO Is No Accident continue to reinforce that message across the industry. These initiatives reinforce the principle that safety is not only a legal obligation but also a human responsibility and reflect a broader industry focus on strengthening occupational health and safety practices.
As South Africa continues to invest in infrastructure, protecting young workers must remain a priority. The industry’s future depends on attracting and retaining skilled young people while ensuring they return home safely each day. By combining early education, structured workplace training, mentorship and strong supervision, the construction sector can reduce injuries and build a more resilient workforce.
Programmes such as FEM’s Health and Safety School Awareness Programme exemplify how proactive measures can help cultivate not only safer workers but also a stronger safety culture for the future of the construction industry.
Source: FEM
