THE National Social Security Authority (NSSA) says it is prioritising social security and workplace safety to achieve national strategies and Sustainable Development Goal 8.
This follows a spike in accidents on the country’s insured labour force.
Giving an overview of the statistics during a webinar presentation recently, NSSA acting general manager, Charles Shava said the metal production sector recorded more workplace accidents, with an incidence rate of 31,2 per 1 000 insured labour force.
“In 2021, 4 241 occupational injuries were reported under the accident prevention and workers compensation scheme, giving an incidence rate of 4,6 per 1 000 insured labour force. The basic metal production sector was the most hazardous industrial sector, with an incidence rate of 31,2 per 1 000 insured labour force.” Shava said
According to the NSSA annual report, there where 76 fatal injuries and 87 work-related hospital admissions in 2021.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare permanent secretary Simon Masanga said Zimbabwe has made significant progress in developing policies and strategies to promote social protection, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Masanga emphasised the significance of occupational safety and health in achieving a decent work environment.
“As a country, Zimbabwe has made significant progress in developing policies and strategies aimed at promoting social protection, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities,” Masanga said.
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“Our national strategies, such as the national social protection policy and the national employment policy, prioritise the expansion of social security coverage and workplace safety.”
Masanga acknowledged the challenges faced by workers in the informal sector such as lack of access to social security and workplace safety standards.
He added: “Occupational safety and health are fundamental aspects of decent work, and we are committed to expanding social security coverage to workers in the informal sector and implementing workplace safety standards for all workers. Through multi-stakeholder and multi-lateral co-operation, we can accelerate progress and reduce occupational hazards and risks.”
