By SYLVESTER MWALE –
THE Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has called for a revision of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations in order to cover all working populations in Zambia.
ZCTU secretary general Cosmas Mukuka said facilities and resources should be made available for the efficient provision of occupational health and safety so that such services could match with the country’s economy.
Mr Mukuka was speaking in Kabwe on Thursday when he opened a one-day workshop on occupational health and safety organised by the trade union in conjunction with the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
“The informal economy for instance, is a very fast growing sector and yet the working conditions are precarious and hazardous, particularly that this sector employs the majority of women and children,” he said.
Similarly, the growth in the construction sector had come along with hazards emanating from workplaces where workers are exposed to various illnesses and injuries yet they were not provided with adequate occupational health services.
This is despite the fact that effective health safety programmes could help save the lives of workers by reducing hazards and other adverse consequences.
“There is need for stakeholders dealing with employees welfare to enhance awareness, education and training programmes on occupational health and safety at all levels.
“There is need to build capacity in order to deliver occupational health and safety services and effectively reduce the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities.” He said.
Earlier, ILO country director Alexio Musindo said occupational accidents and diseases created a human economic burden which constituted a serious concern for the global organisation.
Mr Musindo said in a speech read for him by ILO occupational safety and health national project officer George Mukosiku that about 2.3 million fatalities occurred each year due to occupational accidents and work related diseases.
“This figure translates into 6,300 deaths every year. Of this huge loss, about 350,000 deaths are caused by occupational accidents and close to two million by work related diseases,” he said.
Mr Musindo said the Government should work closely with employers and employees in order to successfully address the human and economic burden brought about by occupational accidents.