Shamenda speaks for employees

Fackson Shamenda

Labour and Social Security Minister Fackson Shamenda says it is irresponsible for some employers not to invest in the prevention of hazards their employees face.

Mr. Shamenda says government will not take kindly to such attitudes.

He says it is saddening that despite government’s best efforts to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses, some employees see the need to make huge profits as a priority so much that it crowds out other considerations which appear to compete.

Mr. Shamenda has since urged employers to sufficiently invest in the health of employees, by providing resources and focusing on a consistent process for attaining safety and health goals.

Speaking when he officially opened a two day Zambian Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Leadership sensitization workshop in Lusaka today, Mr. Shamenda says his ministry continues to face the challenge of getting more employers to understand that Occupational Safety and Health is a good investment not only from a moral point of view but also from a sound business perspective.

And ZCTU President Chishimba Nkole says it saddens Labour leaders to see workers get injured, suffer fatalities through workplace accidents that can be prevented.

Mr. Nkole says the workers are poorly informed about the health risks of their work and are also unwilling to mention their health due to job security, a situation aggravated by lack of up to date legislation on Occupational Health and Safety.

He says strict adherence to worker safety and health measures by employers will tremendously contribute to the achievement of the decent work as spelt out by the International Labour Organization.