Govt gives employers 90-day ultimatum to register workplaces with OSHA

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has directed owners of workplaces across the country whose premises are not yet registered with the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) to complete registration within 90 days, starting January 2026.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations), Mr Deus Sangu, issued the directive during an official working visit to OSHA offices in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam.

The visit, which marked Mr Sangu’s first engagement with OSHA since his appointment by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was aimed at familiarising himself with the operations of OSHA and other institutions under his ministry.

Speaking to OSHA management and staff on Monday, Minister Sangu said the authority bears a critical responsibility of protecting the nation’s workforce from accidents, occupational diseases and deaths resulting from unsafe working environments.

He emphasised that for OSHA to effectively enforce occupational safety and health standards nationwide, all workplaces must be formally identified through registration.

The minister also urged OSHA staff to work diligently, professionally and with commitment to support employers in establishing strong occupational safety and health systems, while calling on employers to adhere to guidance provided by OSHA experts.

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“Registration of workplaces is a legal requirement under Sections 16 and 17 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2003, which mandates OSHA to register workplaces and subsequently reach them for inspection and provision of professional advice aimed at improving working conditions,” Mr Sangu said.

Briefing the minister on the authority’s operations, OSHA Chief Executive Officer Ms Khadija Mwenda said management and staff were honoured by the minister’s visit and welcomed the guidance he had provided.

“On behalf of my colleagues, I assure you that we will not be an obstacle to the implementation of your responsibilities. Instead, we will strive to execute our duties effectively so that our leaders can take pride in our performance,” Ms Mwenda said.

Minister Sangu was accompanied by his deputy, Ms Rahma Kisuo and the Labour Commissioner, Ms Suzan Mkangwa, who represented the ministry’s Permanent Secretary.

OSHA operates under the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations) and is mandated to develop, promote and enforce occupational safety and health standards. In carrying out its responsibilities, the authority registers workplaces, conducts inspections and provides professional advice to improve working environments across the country.