By Jones Gadama

The Ministry of Labour in Malawi is taking significant steps to enhance occupational safety and health standards across the country.

According to Secretary for Labour Chikondano Mussa, the ministry is currently reviewing the National Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1997 to ensure it covers all critical areas related to worker safety and well-being.

This move underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its workforce and creating a safer working environment.

Mussa disclosed this crucial update during a sensitisation workshop for the newly launched Occupational Safety and Health policy held in Blantyre.

She emphasized that the ministry will closely monitor the implementation of this policy to ensure its objectives are met.

“We are in the process of reviewing the National Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1997 to ensure it covers all the critical areas related to occupational safety and health,” Mussa stated.

This review is a timely intervention, given the rapidly changing work environment and emerging challenges in ensuring worker safety.

On the sidelines of the workshop, Annie Chavula, President of the Employers Consultative Association of Malawi, expressed employers’ enthusiasm for the new policy.

Chavula believes that the policy will play a pivotal role in enhancing productivity in the workplace. “Employers are happy with the policy, and we believe it will help in enhancing productivity,” she said.

This positive reception from employers is a crucial aspect of the policy’s success, as their buy-in will be instrumental in its effective implementation.

However, Kelvin Chifunda, Vice President of the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions, sounded a note of urgency, stressing the importance of ensuring the policy is implemented effectively.

Chifunda pointed out that many employees are currently working in risky environments, which makes the rollout of this policy both timely and necessary.

“We must ensure the policy is implemented, as currently, many employees are working in risky environments,” Chifunda emphasized.

His call to action underscores the human impact of this policy and the difference it can make in the daily lives of Malawian workers.

Echoing these sentiments, Johannes Mandowa, an Occupational Safety and Health expert working under the EU-funded Zantchito programme, urged stakeholders to ensure the policy is popularized to achieve its intended purpose.

“Stakeholders should ensure the policy is popularized for it to achieve the intended purpose,” Mandowa stated.

This call for widespread awareness and understanding of the policy highlights the collaborative effort required to make a meaningful difference in occupational safety and health across Malawi.

The launch of the Occupational Safety and Health policy and the review of the 1997 Act represent a significant milestone in Malawi’s labour history.

These developments demonstrate the government’s proactive approach to addressing occupational safety and health challenges.

By working together with employers, trade unions, and international partners like the EU, Malawi can create a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment for all its citizens.

The Malawi Labour Ministry’s efforts to revamp the occupational safety and health framework are a welcome development.

With the support of key stakeholders, including employers and trade unions, and the guidance of experts like Johannes Mandowa, this initiative has the potential to bring about profound improvements in the workplace.

As the ministry moves forward with the implementation and monitoring of the new policy, Malawian workers can look forward to a safer and more secure future.

This comprehensive approach to occupational safety and health reflects Malawi’s commitment to the well-being of its workforce and its broader development goals.

By prioritizing the safety and health of workers, Malawi is not only enhancing productivity but also contributing to the overall quality of life for its citizens.

As this initiative progresses, it will be crucial for all stakeholders to remain engaged and committed to ensuring the policy achieves its intended objectives.