Government calls for enhanced health and safety measures in economic development

Fairness Moyana in Victoria Falls

The Government has called on stakeholders to prioritise health and safety considerations as part of economic development efforts.

Speaking during the 61st National Conference on Safety and Health at Work (SHAW) awards ceremony in Victoria Falls, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, July Moyo emphasised the need for decisive action to uphold safety standards, stating that such measures are essential for boosting economic productivity.

“This year, we must not just think about occupational safety and health (OSH) but also in the context of our economy and production at the workplace, and it is what makes a country grow. But that cannot be done by paying attention to the men and women who work in the various services that you deliver in this country,” said Minister Moyo.

He called on collective effort to achieve Vision Zero in the workplace.

“But we cannot say those who are affected are only employees but us as managers and employers as well are affected by OSH. So we are in this together as workers, employers and Government in pushing for Vision Zero to become a reality.

**Delegates at the 61st National Conference on Safety and Health at Work**

“For that to become a reality we must all commit ourselves because Zimbabwe cannot prosper when we have too many accidents at the workplace.

When people are injured that means there is less productivity,” said the minister.

He said the Government was looking into monitoring all occupational health and safety institutions so that rehabilitation of all those who are injured at places of work whether in Government or private sector are taken care of.

Over 1 255 companies and entities in the manufacturing, mining, commerce, agriculture, construction and public sectors among others were assessed in OSH standards.

Awards were divided into three categories that included sectorial, provincial and national.

In the Agriculture sector, Triangle Ltd received a gold award with Isabella, ZCDC, Mimosa, Zimplats Ngwarati and Rukodzi mines coming tops in the mining sector.

Epiroc Zimbabwe, Zuva depot Hwange, Petrozim, Triangle Services Division, BOC Gases Gweru, and Instatoll Kadoma Toll Plaza also received top recognition in the commerce and distribution sector.