Resources
Workplace Safety
Employers have a responsibility to provide and maintain a safe workplace. A safe work environment should be a high priority for companies, and employers have a responsibility to create and maintain a such a workplace in line with the Zimbabwe Occupational Health and Safety Council which comprises of the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, the National Social Security Authority, and trade unions, working together to achieve the highest standards of occupational health and safety in Zimbabwe. As an employer, you can take the following steps:
Eliminate Potential Hazards
Keep the workplace free from physical and chemical hazards and ensure compliance with Zimbabwe Occupational Health and Safety Council standards, rules and regulations. Encourage workers to identify and report potential problems and safety violations and take immediate steps to have those issues resolved.
Provide Training
The company must provide safety training for employees using language they can understand. This training should be given to all new staff, with refresher courses offered to (or required) for existing team members, or when there are job changes within the company.
Provide Proper Equipment
Tools are often required to effectively carry out tasks, however, the safe handling and maintenance of all tools and equipment is necessary. You may also apply applicable lock-out or tag-out devices and machine guarding.
Visual Safety Aids
Visible resources can also be an effective tool for the prevention of injury. It also makes your team aware of the proper handling of equipment and any potential hazards. Use colour codes, posters, labels or signs to warn employees of potential hazards. You could place posters in your work and recreational areas or use signage to broadcast important safety information, updates and messages.
Safety Committees & Safety Meetings
Establish a workplace health and safety committee made up of workers from different departments, from senior management to shop-floor-based employees. The committee should meet at least once a month and keep employees and senior management informed about safety topics, inspections, injury and illness statistics, and other safety-related issues.
Similarly, hold departmental or company-wide safety meetings periodically to solicit employee feedback. Regular employee feedback can enable management to become aware of potential hazards that may have gone unnoticed and makes employees feel valued, which improves mental health and productivity.
Make Safety Fun
While safety is no game, one way to help incorporate safety into company culture is to make learning about safety fun. Friendly competition including prizes, and chances for company-wide recognition are great motivators. By adding a little fun, there’s a higher chance that employees will stay engaged, retain the information, and therefore help prevent accidents.
For more detailed information on work safety standards, kindly visit NSSA:
National Social Security Authority (NSSA)
NSSA House
Sam Nujoma Street, Selous Avenue
CY 1387 Causeway, Harare