CAIA signs accord with Government MyZA

The Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA), as one of the representatives of Organised Business in the Chemical Sector, signed the Chemical Sector Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Accord with Government (Department of Labour) and Organised Labour on 7 November 2013. The signing of this sector-specific Occupational Health and Safety Accord is the third sector-focussed Accord, after four priority industries were identified by the Department.

The Accord commits the social partners (business, labour and government) to a vision of zero harm through proactive collaboration where all parties aim to improve the status of all aspects of OHS in the chemical sector, without compromising the sustainable growth of the sector. Additionally, the Accord values ethical conduct, honesty, transparency, empathy and integrity in realising its objectives.

Deputy Director General Thobile Lamati spoke of the motivations behind the initiative and urged those present to mobilise everyone in the chemical industry value chain to support the Accord’s objectives. Mr Lamati also reinforced the importance and value of voluntary industry initiatives to move the Accord forward into an action plan. CAIA is the custodian of the global voluntary Responsible Care Initiative in South Africa that commits its members to the continuous improvement of health, safety and environmental performance, as well as stakeholder communication.

An action plan is being developed and will be implemented over the next three years, through regular progress and planning meetings including all of the social partners.

Dr Laurraine Lotter, Executive Director of the Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA), signs the Chemical Sector Occupational Health and Safety Accord on behalf of its members.