Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
Government is working to expedite the enactment of the harmonised OSHA Bill, which will extend the scope of occupational safety and health (OSH) coverage in the country to the informal sector, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima has said.
He said this while officiating at the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) annual Safety and Health at Work (SHAW) Conference this morning.
“Government takes seriously the urgent need to extend OSH coverage to the informal sector and other remotely legislated occupations such as agriculture.
“Government is aware of the existing legislative bottlenecks currently stifling efforts by NSSA,” said Minister Mavima.
“In this respect, Government is committed to ensuring the expeditious enactment of the harmonised OSHA Bill that will provide a broader coverage of workplaces.”
Currently, occupational safety and health in Zimbabwe is regulated generally by the Factories and Works Act (20 of 1948), the Labour Act (16 of 1985), the National Social Security Authority (Accident Prevention and Workers Compensation Scheme) Notice No. 68 of 1990 and the Labour Relations (HIV and AIDS) regulations S.I.202 of 1998.
OSH issues have become even more vital given the new challenges that have emerged due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Online Reporter