Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) has recorded foreign body cornea, open finger wounds, sprains and strain of the lumbar spine, contusion of fingers/thumbs and open wounds on wrists and hands as the top five injuries recorded in the iron, steel and metals industry in the 2021 financial year.

The group, which manages workers’ compensation for occupational injuries and diseases in the mining sector, and the iron, steel and manufacturing industries, received 23 024 injury claims reaching nearly R758-million during 2021.

The bulk of the claims, at 16 218, were from the metals industry, and 6 806 from the mining sector.

During the period under review, RMA observed a high rate of injuries in the metals industry which could have been avoided.

“To assist clients facing the highest number of injuries in this class, RMA launched a pilot prevention programme to assist clients with high incidents of injury to find a sustainable solution to improving their Occupational Health and Safety programmes,” RMA said in a statement.

“The prevention programme is in line with the imminent Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Amendment Bill, which puts prominence on prevention, rehabilitation, and early return to work as an integral component of compensation benefits.”

One of the top five injuries in the iron, steel and metals industry recorded by RMA was foreign body cornea, mostly caused by chemical burns, penetrating or foreign objects in the eye and cuts or scrapes on the cornea.

The group says other causes of this type of injury includes flying metal fragments, dust and other debris kicked up by machinery, usually during welding or working under suspended loads.

RMA recommends personal protective eyewear, such as safety goggles, face shields, safety glasses or full-scale respiratory protection, be used when an eye hazard exists.

Open finger wounds are also ranked within the top five injuries recorded, caused mainly by lacerations and soft tissue injuries, which can be prevented by using protective equipment, including gloves, finger guards and arm coverings, RMA noted in its media statement.