VICE President Kembo Mohadi has called for technological advancements to curb the rising number of workplace fatalities and injuries in Zimbabwe, stressing that technology is essential for protecting the country’s workforce.
This call follows reports of 70 workplace fatalities and 4 904 injuries recorded this year. Speaking at the recent Safety and Health at Work (SHAW) conference in Victoria Falls, Mohadi emphasised that embracing technology is no longer an option but a necessity for workplace safety.
“Looking to the future, we must recognise the importance of innovation and technology in improving workplace safety,” he said.
He pointed to the National Development Strategy 1, which highlights strategic innovation as vital for safer work environments, especially in high-risk sectors such as mining, construction, and agriculture.
“Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation, can help identify hazards, predict accidents, and mitigate risks before they occur. I encourage industries across Zimbabwe to invest in these innovations as they will not only enhance worker safety but also boost productivity and competitiveness,” Mohadi added.
Over the past five years, from 2019 to 2023, Zimbabwe averaged 4 622 disabling injuries and 65 occupational fatalities annually. These statistics have raised alarm among industry leaders, who are calling for stronger safety measures.
Vice President of the Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ), Farai Dube, highlighted the importance of equipping workplaces with necessary protective gear and conducting regular risk assessments.
“We encourage organisations to adopt best practices in their sectors. Inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, combined with innovation and infrastructure, can unleash dynamic forces that generate employment and income,” he stated.
Dube also advocated for the formalisation of the informal sector, noting that doing so would improve working conditions, protect workers, boost trade, stimulate economic growth, and reduce poverty.
The conference, hosted by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), ran under the theme ‘Promoting an Occupational Safety and Health Culture through Vision Zero,’ a campaign launched in 2017 to eliminate workplace accidents, harm, and occupational diseases.
As part of its safety initiatives, Zimbabwe is also finalising the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, which aims to align the nation’s health and safety laws with global standards.
The proposed legislation will address child labour, hazardous substances, and safety regulations for sectors like mining and agriculture, reflecting the country’s commitment to improving workplace safety amid growing concerns over workplace injuries and fatalities.