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NSSA: 'Workers safety central to economic growth'

by Staff Reporter
14 Sep 2013 at 08:05hrs | Views
The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) says occupational safety and health programmes are central in the growth and performance of the economy, as hazard control at the workplace guarantees productivity.

NSSA's acting director of Occupational Safety and Health, Dr Humphrey Mapuranga says there is no justification of loss of limb or life at the workplace in preference for the sake of making profits and urged organisations to be compliant with safety and health regulations of international standards.

Dr Mapuranga was speaking at the handover ceremony of Non-destructive Testing Solutions Private Limited's ISO 17020 certificate which was accorded them by the SADC Accreditation Services (SADCAS).

"Safety is a virtue which should be inculcated in all organisations for prevention of loss and promotion of economic growth. The certification accorded will improve the relations," said Dr Mapuranga.

The regional multi-economy accreditation body SADCAS Chief Executive Officer Mrs Maurine Mutasa said the certification of pressurised vessels inspection is critical as they have been identified as the major cause of loss of lives and equipment.

She said the move also increases international confidence in the inspection and technical competence of firms.

'Firms need to have technical competence, facilities and management systems to be professional….boilers and pressurised vessels cause the most deaths at the work place," said Mutasa.

NDT Solutions technical manager Mr Godwell Zimondi said companies should comply and meet international standards as they are imperative for growth of not only the company, but the whole economy.

"Other companies should know that being certified gives confidence among even to our customers. We will need to maintain it as it is a marketing tool in itself," said Zimondi.

NDT Solutions is the first firm to be accredited with the certification among the 13 countries the SADC body accredits.

The International Labour Organisation estimates that 2.3 million deaths occur due to occupational hazards every year, translating to 4 percent loss to the gross domestic product.

Source - zbc
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