Unsafe workplace practices persist: NSSA

By Mbekezeli Ncube

Unsafe practices by both employees and employers continue to expose workers to avoidable injuries across Zimbabwe’s industrial and commercial sectors, prompting renewed calls for stricter adherence to occupational safety and health regulations.

Speaking at a two-day Journalistic Basic Occupational Safety and Health course in Gweru, National Social Security Authority (NSSA) Occupational Safety and Health Promotions and Training Officer, Dr Shingirirai Mugaviri, said routine inspections continue to uncover persistent hazards largely driven by negligence and failure to observe established safety procedures.

“Some of the violations we encounter are a result of unsafe acts by workers themselves. You may find someone who has been provided with proper protective equipment but chooses not to use it correctly. For instance, a worker might wear ordinary sneakers instead of safety shoes or carry out welding tasks without eye protection,” said Mugaviri.

She said such behaviour exposes workers to serious and often preventable injuries, even in environments where employers have met basic safety requirements.

However, Mugaviri stressed that responsibility is shared, noting that employers are also contributing to unsafe working environments through poor enforcement and maintenance of safety standards.

“There are also unsafe conditions within workplaces. In some factories, machinery that should be properly guarded is left exposed, creating a high risk of accidents. These are hazards that employers must address as a matter of urgency,” she said.

Mugaviri also raised concern over continued violations of labour regulations, particularly non-compliance with Statutory Instrument 68 of 1990, which guarantees workers the right to safety training during working hours.

“Training is a critical component of workplace safety, but some employers are not following the law. You find workers being asked to attend training after working hours or during weekends, when they are already fatigued. This reduces the effectiveness of the training and compromises safety,” she said.

She emphasised that effective occupational safety and health training should be conducted within normal working hours to ensure full participation, concentration, and retention of safety protocols.

The NSSA official said the authority is stepping up workplace inspections and awareness campaigns aimed at strengthening compliance and fostering a stronger safety culture across industries.

“We encourage employers to fully comply with occupational safety and health legislation. At the same time, workers must take responsibility for their own safety by properly using the protective equipment provided to them,” she said.

Mugaviri added that improving workplace safety is not only a matter of regulatory compliance but also a critical driver of productivity, cost reduction, and the protection of human life.