Unsafe work practices still driving preventable injuries in Zimbabwe

Unsafe behaviour by workers and weak enforcement of safety standards by employers continue to drive avoidable workplace injuries across Zimbabwe's industrial and commercial sectors, according to the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).

Speaking at a two-day Journalistic Basic Occupational Safety and Health course in Gweru, NSSA Occupational Safety and Health Promotions and Training Officer Shingirirai Mugaviri said routine inspections are repeatedly uncovering hazards linked to negligence and failure to follow established safety procedures.

Mugaviri said some injuries arise from workers deliberately ignoring protective measures even when equipment is available.

“Some of the violations we encounter are a result of unsafe acts by workers themselves. You may find someone who has been provided with proper protective equipment but chooses not to use it correctly,” she said.

She cited examples such as workers using inappropriate footwear in hazardous environments or conducting welding tasks without eye protection, saying such actions expose employees to serious and preventable injuries.

However, Mugaviri stressed that employers also bear responsibility, noting that unsafe working conditions remain widespread in some workplaces due to poor maintenance and weak enforcement of safety protocols.

“There are also unsafe conditions within workplaces. In some factories, machinery that should be properly guarded is left exposed, creating a high risk of accidents,” she said.

She further raised concern over continued non-compliance with occupational safety regulations, particularly Statutory Instrument 68 of 1990, which requires that safety training be conducted during working hours.

“Training is a critical component of workplace safety, but some employers are not following the law. You find workers being asked to attend training after working hours or during weekends, when they are already fatigued,” she said.

Mugaviri said such scheduling undermines the effectiveness of training and weakens overall workplace safety outcomes.

She added that NSSA is intensifying workplace inspections and public awareness campaigns aimed at improving compliance and strengthening safety culture across industries.

“We encourage employers to fully comply with occupational safety and health legislation. At the same time, workers must take responsibility for their own safety by properly using the protective equipment provided to them,” she said.

Mugaviri also emphasised that occupational safety and health compliance is not only a legal obligation but also essential for improving productivity, reducing operational costs and protecting human life across all sectors.