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Blessings Chidakwa in Chegutu
GOVERNMENT has challenged directors and chief executives to take an active role in guaranteeing employee safety and health through activities that promote the workers’ well-being.

The call comes amid serious concern over deaths fatalities and injuries at the workplace with six deaths and 434 injuries having been recorded within the first two months of this year.

Addressing delegates during the belated World Day for Safety and Health at Work commemorations held in Chegutu last week, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said there is need for the province to embrace a culture of preventing occupational accidents as an important aspect of socio-economic development.

“It is saddening to note that despite intensive efforts by regulatory authorities such as the National Social Security Authority, the number of occupational accidents and diseases is still depressively high for the size of our economy,” she said.

“The cost of injuries, diseases and deaths to business, societies and individuals in unacceptable. Occupational accidents and diseases represent a considerable economic burden for individuals, employers and the society.”

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka said Government was committed to ensuring that workers are protected through responsive legislative provisions.

Government, through NSSA, has joined the Vision Zero Strategy Global Campaign that is being spearheaded by the International Social Security Association.