Govt stresses workplace safety to boost public service efficiency
DODOMA: THE Public Service Commission (PSC) has underscored the importance of safe and healthy workplaces, saying protecting public servants from occupational hazards is vital for improving efficiency in service delivery.
Speaking on Tuesday while opening a workplace safety and health training programme for the Commission’s inspectors in Dodoma, the Commission’s Secretary, Mr Nolasco Kipanda, said the government is committed to safeguarding public servants from occupational accidents and diseases to enable them perform their duties effectively.
The training, organised by the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA), seeks to equip inspectors with the knowledge needed to assess compliance with occupational safety and health laws and guidelines across public institutions.
Mr Kipanda said protecting employees’ health remains a government priority, noting that a healthy workforce is more productive and better positioned to deliver quality public services.
“We all know that prevention is better than cure. The Occupational Safety and Health Act require all workplaces to establish effective systems to protect employees from work-related accidents and diseases. The government believes that a healthy workforce enhances performance and OSHA is mandated to oversee this responsibility,” he said.
He added that the commission is tasked with ensuring public employers comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act and other OSHA guidelines to safeguard the wellbeing of government employees.
According to Mr Kipanda, the President’s Office–Public Service Management and Good Governance has directed the Commission to strengthen inspections on compliance with workplace safety and health regulations, recognising that a safe working environment is key to improving efficiency in the public service.
Speaking at the event, OSHA Chief Executive Officer, Ms Khadija Mwenda, commended the government for its strong commitment to protecting workers from occupational hazards through effective implementation of safety and health laws.
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She also thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising workers’ safety in both the public and private sectors, noting that occupational safety and health requirements have now been incorporated into the Public Service Standing Orders.
“We appreciate the Commission for partnering with us to organise this training. It will enable inspectors to identify key safety issues during inspections and we look forward to reviewing the findings together once the exercise is completed,” she said.
Some Commission inspectors described the training as instrumental in strengthening their capacity to carry out inspections more effectively.
Ms Rose Silayo said the programme had broadened inspectors’ understanding of occupational safety and health, enabling them to discharge their duties more professionally.
Mr David Shombe said the knowledge gained would help inspectors provide informed advice on compliance with workplace safety standards and contribute to protecting the health and wellbeing of public servants.
