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R Sithole-OSH Promotions Officer Midlands
Every year Zimbabwe joins the world in commemorating the World Day for Safety and Health at work. The annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. This year’s event will be held in Masvingo under the theme “Safe and healthy work environment: A fundamental Principle and Right at Work”.
Zimbabwe also remembers on this day, the dedicated and hardworking miners who lost their lives in the Kamandama underground shaft in Hwange Colliery.
This mine disaster occurred on June 6, 1972, and a total of 427 miners perished following an underground methane gas explosion.
Zimbabwe also remembers on this day, the dedicated and hardworking miners who lost their lives in the Kamandama underground shaft in Hwange Colliery.
The accident, one of the worst mine disasters recorded in our history, was so bad that most miners’ bodies were not retrieved, and the shaft had to be sealed off.
Miners drawn from South Africa, Angola, Zambia, Malawi and Costa Rica, among other countries, also died.
Safety, Health and Environmental sustainability have since become a topical issue at national, regional and international level following this disaster.
One of the key issues that employers should take cognisance of is setting up a procedure for an emergency preparedness and response plan.
Companies should identify all types of potential emergencies that may arise in their establishments. Furthermore, companies should identify a person who will be responsible for declaring an emergency.
A clear procedure for systematic shutdown of machinery and equipment and the orderly evacuation of personnel should be formulated.
Organisations should have Hazard Identification and Risk assessments (HIRA) protocols that cover all processes including routine and non-routine activities of all personnel having access to the workplace.
Appointment of a responsible person for machinery safety is equally pertinent. Hazardous work permit systems should be established and implemented.
As a nation it is our goal to achieve zero harm at the workplace. Zero harm is only achievable if all the three tripartite bodies, government, employees and employers understand the sanctity of life and put in place a solid preventative safety and health culture.
Each and every one of us has a role to play and make meaningful contributions towards achieving of same.
Online Reporter