Increasing workplace accidents worry govt

Harare (New Ziana) – Twenty-four people have died, and 1 454 others injured since January in work-related accidents, a senior cabinet minister said on Wednesday.

The figures, compared to past years, indicated a deterioration in safety standards in workplaces in the country.
Addressing captains of industry, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Paul Mavima said negligence and failure to observe safety standards explained most of the accidents in workplaces.

In 2018, of the recorded 4 301 injuries, 76 were fatalities, whilst in 2019, injuries rose to 5 082 with 49 fatalities.

In 2020, injuries recorded were 3 528 with 45 fatalities.

Injuries spiked to 5 641 in 2021, with 42 lives lost, whilst 4 800 injuries were recorded last year, and 475 fatalities.

Over the past four months, Mavima said 1 454 injuries, and 24 fatalities had been recorded, pointing to a possible increase in accidents this year compared to past years.

“As we reflect on these statistics, it is critical to understand that these numbers are real human beings who suffer the consequences of failure to observe safety and health systems and unwillingness by organisations to invest in OSH,” Mavima said.

He said a study that was conducted by the National Social Security authority (NSSA) in 2019 revealed that from 2009 to 2018, US$439 million was lost due to occupational health injuries and fatalities.

The amount could be translated to about US$44 million per annum being lost due to occupational injuries and diseases with mining, agriculture, commerce and distribution, personal services, transport and storage, local authorities, food, drink and tobacco processing, fabricated metal production as well as construction being the top 10 industrial sectors driving injury costs.

“The amount of money lost through occupational injuries is far too high for a growing economy such as ours. There is therefore, the need to take a coordinated approach amongst all social partners to reduce significantly occupational injuries and diseases obtaining in the industry,” said Mavima.

He implored companies to give priority to the safety and well-being of employees.

“The protection of workers’ safety and health must feature prominently among the objectives and targets of leadership in whatever occupational setting they occupy,” he said.

He said a safe and healthy work environment does not only promote the physical and mental well-being of the work force, but also increase productivity, innovation and overall organisational success.

New Ziana