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Talent Gore
WORK-RELATED accidents remain a major cause for concern, with over 40 fatalities and over 2 000 injuries recorded in the first six months of the year.
These occupational health statistics are costing the country and the globe between four and 10 percent of the gross domestic product.
Speaking at the second day of the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) Safety and Health at Work Indaba last week, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, July Moyo, said in 2018, there were 76 deaths and 4 149 injuries.
“The subsequent years showed statistics higher than the rate of 2018, except for 2020, which recorded 3 528 injuries.
“Furthermore, in the first six months of this year, we have already recorded 2 240 disabling injuries, of which 30 were fatal, compared to 2 554 injuries and 44 fatalities recorded in the same period last year,” said Minister Moyo.
He said these statistics indicate a hazardous working environment.
“The statistics are further reflected by the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR), an index that shows how hazardous a work environment is, which remained well above one for the five years, against an expected rate of less than one as spelt out in our National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy of 2021.
“These statistics are indeed a clarion call for all stakeholders to take action to reduce occupational injuries and diseases in Zimbabwe.
“The Zimbabwe Occupational Safety and Health Council aims to enhance social dialogue processes that influence implementing sustainable OSH systems and improve workplace productivity.”
The International Labour Organisation has urged global attention to addressing occupational safety and health issues at the workplace.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter