ELEVEN people died and 1 420 were injured in work-related accidents in the first quarter of this year, a government official has revealed.
BY PATIENCE RATAMBWA
Public Service and Social Welfare permanent secretary Ngoni Masoka told World Day for Safety and Health commemorations in Bulawayo last Friday that the statistics were alarming.
“Occupational safety and health (OSH) constitutes an important facet of the social and economic policy of any nation. There is need to embrace the culture to enhance the development of our country,” Masoka said.
“It is saddening to note that despite intensive efforts made by authorities like NSSA (National Social Security Authority), the number of occupational accidents and diseases are depressive and continues to rise too high for our small economy.
“The costs to business and individuals as a result represent considerable economic burden for individuals, employers and the society.
“An effective safety and healthy culture can only be realised if the boards of directors take active and visible roles in guaranteeing employee safety and health,” he said.
According to NSSA, 13 cases of pneumoconiosis were recorded since January this year.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust, usually in mines.
Speaking at the same event, Bulawayo mayor Martin Moyo said companies should prioritise the safety of their employees.
“We need to speak with one voice against bad occupational safety and health practices in the workplace and stop killings,” Moyo said.
“Employers should note that a safe and healthy workforce is the front capital required for industrilisation and wealth creation.”
World Day for Safety and Health is celebrated on April 28 each year and this year’s celebrations were held under the theme Building and maintaining an OSH preventive culture.
In 2014 alone, 100 work-related deaths occurred while 5 497 workers sustained serious injuries.
