By By Siphesihle Dlamini
The Minister of Labour and Social Services, Phila Buthelezi, has hailed the newly launched Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy as a landmark initiative that will empower workers and safeguard their well-being in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Minister Buthelezi emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting a safe and healthy working environment for all workers. He highlighted the significance of the National OSH Policy as a crucial step towards realizing the strategic interventions of the Ministry and achieving its mandate of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full employment, and decent work.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini takes pride in the development of the National OSH Policy, viewing it as a significant stride towards aligning our policies with international standards to promote a safe and healthy work environment,” Minister Buthelezi stated in the policy’s foreword.
He further highlighted the recent launch of the Eswatini Decent Work Country Programme (EDWCP) 2022-2025, which aims to promote sustainable economic growth through the creation of decent jobs in a safe and healthy workplace.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention No.187 provides a comprehensive framework for the creation of a National OSH Policy, System, Programme, and a preventive safety and health culture that upholds the right to a healthy and safe work environment at all levels.
The development of the National OSH Policy for the Kingdom of Eswatini is a crucial step towards aligning with international standards and ensuring the well-being of workers.
Minister Buthelezi underscored the importance of promoting occupational safety and health as a key strategy to enhance working conditions, improve productivity, and contribute positively to the overall well-being of workers.
He emphasized that healthy workers are more motivated, enjoy greater job satisfaction, and contribute to better-quality products and services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals and society.
The newly introduced policy aims to prevent and minimize work-related accidents and diseases, promote a safety and health culture, and improve the existing OSH situation in the country.
With seven specific objectives addressing key challenges, the policy sets out a framework with defined objectives and strategies to enhance OSH practices across all sectors of the economy, including formal and informal employment.
Minister Buthelezi expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and dedication to the implementation of the OSH Policy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government, employers, workers, and other stakeholders to create a secure working environment.
He called for a united effort and shared commitment to upholding the principles of the policy, highlighting the collective responsibility to ensure safety, well-being, and prosperity for all workers in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
In conclusion, Minister Buthelezi urged all stakeholders to join hands in fostering a culture of safety and health in workplaces, emphasizing that through a collaborative approach, the country can achieve its goals of ensuring a safe, healthy, and prosperous workforce for the benefit of all.
