The Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE) joined Employers and other Stakeholders in celebrating the International Day for Occupational Safety and Health which started on Wednesday 26th April 2023 and climaxed on Friday 28th April 2023 in Morogoro.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work.”
OSHA in collaboration with ATE, TUCTA and ILO organised the activities of the event while the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability), Hon. Prof. Joyce Ndalichako (MP) was the Guest of Honour at the official ceremony held at Tumbaku grounds in Morogoro.
Prof. Ndalichako said that the government through OSHA will continue to supervise closely the Occupational Health and Safety Act No.5 of 2003 with the aim of ensuring that all work places have proper systems to protect workers against injuries or diseases.
The activities included Occupational Safety and Health exhibitions for employers and workers showcasing OSH Management systems, Awards for Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH), Occupational Safety and Health training to some industrial workers, small-scale miners, small-scale entrepreneurs as well as persons with disabilities.
The activities included Occupational Safety and Health exhibitions for employers and workers showcasing OSH Management systems, Awards for Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH), Occupational Safety and Health training to some industrial workers, small-scale miners, small-scale entrepreneurs as well as persons with disabilities.
Giving her remarks, ATE CEO, Ms. Suzanne Ndomba-Doran said that the voice of all employers in the country in collaboration with other stakeholders, ATE has been at the forefront of encouraging employers to comply with and implement the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2003.
She also committed that the Association will continue to raise awareness among employers to promote health and safety in the workplace in order to increase efficiency.
However, the CEO implored the government to review and establish a good procedure for conducting inspections at workplaces adding that a safe working environment promotes productivity and good relations.
During the Award giving session, Bulyanhulu Gold Mines was announced the Overall winner.
The Director General of OSHA Ms. Khadija Mwenda said that the main objective of occupational health and safety week is to sensitize the public on the importance of health at workplaces of which OSHA supervises under Act No. 5/2003 and remembering workers who have died at work.
TUCTA President Mr. Tumaini Nyamhokya said that the inspection carried out by OSHA to examine systems, machines, regular workers’ medical examination as well as providing education and advice has greatly helped in strengthening the safety and health of workers and employers in the workplace. He also committed that TUCTA will collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure that they build a culture of upholding safety and health practices in the workplace to protect the workforce for the development of the nation.
The event was also attended by the Judge of the High Court of Tanzania Labour Division, Hon. Dr. Yose Joseph Mlyambina, Permanent Secretary Ministry of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, Prof. Jamal Katundu, ILO representative Ms. Getrude Sima and Chairperson of the Social Welfare and Development Committee Hon. Fatma Hassan Toufiq (MP).
