Authorities say over R20 billion has been paid out from the Departments Compensation Fund for injuries in the construction sector since 2019.
The Department of Employment and Labour says unskilled workers in the construction industry are a major challenge.
Officials are meeting at George in the Western Cape to discuss safety in the sector.
Labour Inspector General, Aggy Moiloa says, "Just offer themselves for a service, get picked up and they get exposed to an environment they know nothing about. They're ill-skilled for the whole environment. They're thrown in the deep end and expected to swim. They get exploited due to their low skills levels and their vulnerability. So, you'll find the money they get paid is way below the national minimum wage."
