ARUSHA: THE government has urged employees of the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) to maintain professionalism in carrying out their core responsibility of ensuring safety and health at workplaces, to guarantee citizens’ access to quality services.
This call was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Ms Mary Maganga, during the closing ceremony of the third meeting of the fifth OSHA Workers’ Council held recently in Arusha.
In her closing remarks, Ms Maganga emphasised that given OSHA’s critical role in preventing workplace accidents, illnesses and fatalities, the execution of these responsibilities requires the highest level of professionalism.
“I take this opportunity to remind you to carry out your duties with professionalism, discipline and without excuses, in your daily responsibilities.
By working professionally, we can avoid causing further suffering to the citizens we serve, who may already be dealing with challenges such as workplace accidents, loss of loved ones, or property damage,” said the Permanent Secretary.
ALSO READ: LATRA urges passengers to ensure e-tickets for safety
She also called on leaders of Trade Union of Government and Health Employees (TUGHE) and other trade unions to make proactive efforts to prevent conflicts between employers and employees at workplaces rather than waiting to resolve disputes after they arise.
Earlier, while welcoming the Permanent Secretary, OSHA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Khadija Mwenda, stated that the third Workers’ Council Meeting was specifically aimed at reviewing the institution’s performance for the financial year 2023/2024 and the first quarter of 2024/2025.
“According to our institution’s report for the 2023/2024 financial year and the first quarter of 2024/2025, we have successfully met and even exceeded some of the targets set by this council, an indication that we are on the right track,” said Ms Mwenda.
For their part, TUGHE representative Mr Mudathir Athuman and OSHA workers’ representative Mr Alfredy Shechambo, commended OSHA’s management for organising Workers’ Council meetings in accordance with national laws and for regularly providing training sessions aimed at improving employees’ performance.
