Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems: Institutional and Regulatory Frameworks in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The discussion focuses on the Occupational Health and Safety Management System which was initiated by the International Labour Organization to facilitate the formulation, implementation and evaluation of occupational health and safety interventions at a national policy, sector and organizational level in all countries. It also focuses on Zimbabwe’s occupational health and safety policy, regulatory and institutional framework. The ILO’s OSH-MS 2001 was developed to provide a unique international model, compatible with other management system standards and guides, towards promoting occupational health and safety in a systematic manner. In Zimbabwe, occupational health and safety laws that are applicable to all employers and employees across sectors are enshrined within the Labour Act, Chapter 28.01, and the National Social Security Authority’s Accident Prevention Workers Compensation Scheme Notice No. 68 of 1990. Occupational health and safety management in Zimbabwe is pursued through the International Labour Organization’s Zimbabwe Office, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, the National Social Security Authority, and the Zimbabwe Occupational Health and Safety Council, which comprises government, employers and labour unions. It was recommended that Zimbabwe fully adopts the OHS-MS in all sectors, industries and organizations in an adaptive manner. The study also recommended systematic capacity building at a national, sectoral, industrial and organizational level to enhance effective, efficient and adaptive implementation of this tool, and continuous interaction and engagement between the ILO, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, EMCOZ, ZCTU and ZFTU for the realization of the highest standards of occupational health and safety in Zimbabwe.