17 killed in work related accidents

during the same period, a senior Government official has revealed.
In a speech read on her behalf by her deputy Tracy Mutinhiri at the World Day for safety and health at work, Labour and Social Services Minister Paurina Mpariwa, said the human cost of daily tragedies due to occupational accidents was immeasurable.
She said many occupational hazards remained hidden and ignored.
“Let me remind you that the human cost of the daily tragedy due to occupational accidents is immeasurable.
“We are still dealing with the consequences of workplace hazards of the past and at the same time we are confronted with new occupational safety and healthy challenges in the world of work undergoing rapid transformation where many occupational hazards remain hidden and ignored,” he said.
Zimbabwe has experienced some of its worst work related accidents in the past dating back to 1972 when 427 mine workers perished at Kamandama, Hwange Colliery after an explosion caused by methane gas at No 1 mine shaft.
Other terrible occupational accidents include the one that occurred at Cabs Millennium Towers along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare where 15 construction workers perished after a goods hoist failed and crashed. The Palm Groove Farm accident which claimed 23 lives and left 14 seriously injured, is also among the country’s worst occupational hazards.
Minister Mpariwa said these accidents could have been prevented if employers and employees had put their commitment to ensure healthy and safety measures. She said it is Government’s position to ensure zero related workplace deaths and to provide health and safety standards to workers who created wealth for the nation.
“It is my Government’s position that no one should die at work creating wealth for the country.
“All those who create wealth must do so in a safe and healthy manner and live a full working life to prove their potential and enjoy a well earned pension thereafter,” she said.
Commemorations for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work were held under the theme: “A safe and healthy workplace: Making decent work a reality.”