Occupational Safety, Health

23.05.12

Workers spend a large part of their lives at the workplace, sometimes working in potentially dangerous environments where their lives could be seriously at risk, if they do not take the necessary safety precautions. In 2011 there were 4 111 serious injuries at workplaces reported. Seventy-five people died as a result of workplace accidents. During the previous year 4 410 serious workplace injuries and 90 deaths were recorded. The National Social Security Authority's Occupational Safety and Health division does its best to help prevent such accidents by holding occupational safety workshops to educate employees and employers on occupational safety and health issues.

It also inspects factories to ensure they comply with health and safety legislation. It endeavours to encourage employers to uphold high standards of safety  and health. Each year it awards prizes to companies that are judged the best in this regard in different regions of the country.

NSSA's occupational safety and health division has four departments, namely the factory and works inspectorate, occupational health services, occupational safety and health promotion and training, and research and development.

Source: AllAfrica.com