THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has condemned the rise in the number of workplace accidents, calling on the responsible authorities to take immediate and decisive action against those responsible for the mishaps.
The concern was raised after a crane collapsed and killed an employee and injured others at the Trabablas (former Mbudzi) Interchange construction site.
In a Press statement yesterday, ZCTU acting secretary-general Runesu Dzimiri expressed concern over workplace accidents, calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Trabablas Interchange crane accident.
He said authorities should hold accountable those responsible and ensure strict adherence to occupational safety and health (OSH) standards at the workplace.
“ZCTU notes with concern the [Trabablas] Interchange crane accident that claimed the life of a construction worker. We express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased worker and reiterate that no employee should be a fatality statistic at the workplace,” Dzimiri said.
“This tragedy serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that all safety measures are in place.
“While we acknowledge Tefoma Construction’s pledge to co-operate with authorities and support the affected family, we are calling upon the competent authority to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crane’s collapse and hold accountable those responsible and ensure strict adherence to OSH standards at the workplace in future.”
He said the accident illustrated the critical need for robust safety protocols and regular equipment maintenance in construction settings.
- Chitungwiza Municipality owed $2bn
- Probe into NSSA delayed
- ZCTU and ILO turn blind eye to pensioners’ plight
- Zimra garnishes gem miner’s bank accounts
Keep Reading
“The current state of occupational safety and health in our work establishments is concerning. National accident statistics are alarming with high fatality rates,” Dzimiri said.
“The National Social Security Authority (Nssa) is called upon to ensure strict enforcement measures by conducting thorough workplace inspections.”
Meanwhile, Nssa called on all employers and employees to pay attention to their duties and responsibilities to avoid accidents, diseases and fatalities.
“Nssa, therefore, implores all employers to notify the authority on any complex construction projects to enable it to assist in promoting and enforcing the safety of workers through regular monitoring, inspections and training,” the statutory body said.
“It is also important for all to note that failure to comply with the provisions of the occupational safety and health regulations is an offence and anyone who contravenes the law is liable to both civil and criminal prosecution.”
