Govt urges culture of protection against workplace hazards
SINGIDA: THE government has called upon employers, employees, and citizens at large to cultivate a culture of protecting themselves against accidents and illnesses at the workplace to avoid impacts that could affect the economy and the well-being of workers in the country.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities), Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete made the call on Monday while leading hundreds of Tanzanians in commemorating the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which was nationally marked in Singida Region at the Mandewa Celebration Grounds – Singida Municipality.
Addressing the audience during the climax of the celebrations, Minister Ridhiwani said the government recognizes the importance of protecting its workforce and has continued to empower the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) to effectively fulfill its responsibilities.
“Our President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, recognizes and cares for the health and safety of workers in the country and has demonstrated this through tangible support to our institution, OSHA, particularly by providing equipment and increasing the number of staff to enhance service delivery to Tanzanians,” said Mr Ridhiwani, adding:
Furthermore, he stated that the government has begun preparing policies that include small-scale entrepreneurs in various economic opportunities, including occupational safety and health matters, through a special programme launched by OSHA called Afya Yangu – Mtaji Wangu (“My Health – My Capital”), which identifies and supports small-scale entrepreneurs to operate according to occupational safety and health standards.
Speaking about this year’s theme, “The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies in Enhancing Safety and Health at the Workplace,” Mr Ridhiwani noted that technology significantly boosts efficiency in operations and advised employers to be prepared to embrace technological changes while taking precautions against negative impacts, such as the potential loss of some job opportunities.
Earlier, OSHA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Khadija Mwenda, stated that the aim of the celebrations was to promote adherence to best practices in workplace safety and health across the country.
She mentioned that her institution coordinates these celebrations on behalf of the government in collaboration with tripartite stakeholders, including the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) and the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE), with close advisory support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
She outlined the activities that formed part of this year’s celebrations, including occupational safety and health exhibitions, a clinic for various health screenings, a competition for safety and health awards, a sports bonanza, and training sessions for different groups of small-scale entrepreneurs.
ILO Director for East Africa, Ms Caroline Khamati Mgalla, congratulated the government as well as safety and health stakeholders for their excellent preparations, which included impactful community services such as health check-ups, treatments for citizens, and training for small entrepreneurs.
For her part, ATE Chief Executive Officer, Ms Suzanne Ndomba-Doran, commended employers for their strong participation in this year’s celebrations and encouraged them to utilize various technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to improve production efficiency.
Meanwhile, TUCTA President, Mr Tumaini Nyamhokya, cautioned employers to ensure that new technologies employed in production do not negatively affect employment opportunities for Tanzanians.
Every year on April 28, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work is internationally recognized, and Tanzania joins other nations in commemorating this day.
