Module 5: Work-Related Musculo-Skeletal Disorders - Clinical and Compensation Aspects (Continued)

COMPENSATION OF WRULDs

A WRULD is a reportable occupational disease which may be reported to:

• the Compensation Commissioner,
• the Inspectorate of the nearest Department of Labour/Minerals and Energy.
• An occupational medicine practitioner should preferably do the notification.

Circular Instruction 180 Compensation & Prevention (COIDA and OHSA/MHSA):

• Report to the Compensation Commissioner so that payment of medical costs, sick leave and compensation could be considered in terms of the COID Act.
• Prevention: Report to Provincial Executive Manager of Labour / Regional Principal Inspector of Mines.

Prevention of WRULDs:

Prevention therefore very important, bearing in mind the adverse effects:

• Pain and increased fatigue.
• Decreased production (increased error rate, decrteased output, increased sick leave, increased absenteeism).
• Pain and disability.
• Early retirement.
• Compensation Claims.

The Employer must therefore assess health and safety risks, and introduce ergonomic, administrative and healthcare improvements. This can prevent or reduce legal action.

Compensationism versus Preventionism: