Creating a Safe and Healthy Work Environment: A Review of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2010

Hi, I'm Charles and I want to share with you my experience with workplace accidents and the importance of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2010.

The beginning of 2020 while working at a company in Zambia, I was involved in a serious accident that left me unable to work for over a month.

I had burnt my leg with hot materials, and it was a painful and frightening experience. It was only after the accident that I realized just how unserious some companies take health and safety legislation.

As I recovered at home, I couldn't help but think about how easily this accident could have been prevented.?

The company I worked for did not act in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2010, and it was clear that they needed to shift their focus and prioritize the safety of their employees.

This Act, passed by the government of Zambia to protect workers like myself, has been in place for over a decade now.?

It outlines the duties of employers, self-employed individuals, employees, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and importers to ensure health and safety at the workplace.

Employers have a responsibility to:

• Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees at the workplace.
• Provide safe equipment and systems of work
• Maintain a safe workplace environment.
• Properly handle and store materials and substances.

And if an employer has 10 or more employees, they must also establish a health and safety committee.?

This committee promotes cooperation between the employer and employees and shares important information about occupational health and safety.

As a designer, manufacturer, or supplier, it's important to know your duties under the Act as well. You must:

• Ensure that your products are safe and without risks to health when used properly.
• Provide adequate information about the use and handling of these products to end users.
• Meet any necessary conditions for safety.
• In the event of an accident, the role of health and safety officers is crucial.?
• These individuals are responsible for enforcing the Act and investigating accidents and incidents to ensure the safety of all workers.

But despite the Act, accidents can still happen.?

It's important for all parties covered by the Act to fulfill their duties and responsibilities to create a safe and healthy working environment for everyone.

I want to hear from you! Do you feel like the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2010 has been effective in your workplace? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

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Share with anyone who you think would benefit from this information.

I can help you to identify your workplace hazards, plan strategies for eradicating them or controlling the risk, produce risk assessment documentation and deliver training.

Get in touch by sending me a DM on LinkedIn or via email at [email protected]

See you again soon for the next Newsletter.?