ZIMBABWE’S economy is losing at least US$15 million every year to work-related injuries, diseases and deaths, the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has revealed.
Speaking during the Zimbabwe Insurance Survey and Awards 2023 hosted by Alpha Media Holdings on Wednesday in Harare, NSSA acting general manager Charles Shava said companies needed to take more care of their workers.
“A recent survey by NSSA showed that the Zimbabwean economy is losing at least US$15 million every year to injuries, diseases and deaths in workplaces,” he said.
“At least 140 workers die in the mining industry alone and another 100 die in other industries. Over 5 000 workers are injured or disabled every year. These areterrible statistics which we must strive to reduce as a nation and NSSA is at the forefront in dealing with this challenge.
“Strict observance of safety and health rules at every workplace is a requisite in achieving our government’s vision of becoming an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income economy by 2030. It has been empirically proven that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce.”
The NSSA chief vowed to penalise organisations that knowingly expose their employees to harm’s way.
“Employers are required to register their companies under our Accident Prevention and Workers Compensation scheme to insure their employees against any work-related injuries, accidents or fatalities. The scheme thus lessens the burden on the employer as NSSA takes full responsibility for all medical expenses in such scenarios,” he said.
“It is, however, NSSA’s responsibility to raise awareness through various programmes including training on the importance of working towards realising zero harm in the workplace.”
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He added: “This is advanced through a global campaign themed Vision Zero, which is driven by a firm belief that every occupational accident, disease or harm is preventable if appropriate measures are put in place. Companies are urged to embrace Vision Zero and to promote this concept.”
Shava said training and teach-ins were conducted by NSSA’s occupational health and safety specialists to cultivate a positive safety culture and facilitate implementation of occupational safety and health management systems, also providing guidance on the implementation of Vision Zero.
“While NSSA does everything to ensure a safe working environment, we will not hesitate to sanction those companies that wilfully expose workers to harm.The sanctions may range from fines, prohibition notices or even prosecution,” Shava added.
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