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ILO unveils plan to improve safety at the workplace
2008-04-30 09:21:22
By Njonanje Samwel, Mbeya
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has unveiled plans to implement a global campaign for extension of social protection coverage in the country.
Under the campaign, efforts would be directed to the promotion of occupational health and improvement of safety at the workplace.
ILO East Africa representative Jurgen Schwettmann revealed this in Mbeya yesterday in a speech read on his behalf by an ILO official, Magnus Minja, during celebrations to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work held at the national level in the region.
This year`s theme `My life My work.My safe work.Managing risks at workplaces`, emphasizes the need for employers and workers to consider health and safety as a first priority.
According to Schwettmann, good occupational health and safety for workers was a first priority that employers needed to implement in order to achieve good productivity.
He said it was without doubt that workers` performance as well as attainment of good production at workingplaces depended on safety and health.
``Workers are the manpower of productivity, yet they are exposed to various dangers and risks while at work. Those dangers include exposure to fire, toxic chemicals, harms, dust and infections. There is a need for both employers and workers to avert the problem,`` he said.
Speaking at the event, Labour and Youth Development deputy minister Hezekiah Chibulunje said the government would soon come up with a national policy on occupational health and safety to ensure safety at the workplace.
He said the move was part of the government`s efforts to ratify ILO convention number 187, known as the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health, which was passed in June 2006.
The convention, among other things, insists on implementing the other conventions which stress the area of occupational health.
During the event, Occupational Safety and Health Agency, a ministerial organ charged with occupation matters, was awarded for being a good performer in improving safety and health at its workplaces.
Barrick Tanzania, under its Tulawaka gold mine, scooped the first award for having a good working environment, while second and third awards went to Tanzania Breweries (TBL) and Unilever Tea of Mufindi, respectively.
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