Stefanus Nashama
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) expects the Occupational Safety and Health Bill to include stringent measures to address various health and safety issues that will protect employees of mining companies.
George Ampweya, the MUN Secretary-General on Tuesday said that, although they are still acquainting themselves with the bill, they expect it to prioritise the safety and health of the employees.
“We are still reviewing the bill to make sure that it reflects the interests of the employees and addresses the real issues they face in the workplace every day,” he said.
Ampweya’s comment comes after the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation recently invited all stakeholders to submit their views on the matter by 24 June.
This bill aims to establish a comprehensive framework to ensure a safe and healthy work environment, protect against workplace hazards that may cause accidents and health issues, and establish effective enforcement and compliance mechanisms.
Ampweya asserts that there are no stringent guidelines or requirements for holding employers responsible when employee safety is at risk.
He cited reports on various chronic illnesses, injuries on duty, and fatality reports received by the union in the mining sector.
He emphasised the importance of employee training to execute work functions properly.
“For example, an employee might lose their life because their employer did not provide training. This consideration should also be taken into account by the bill to prevent such incidents,” he stressed.
The unionist also mentioned the lack of oversight, noting that inspectors only visit mining sites after incidents occur rather than supervising them regularly.
He suggests that mines should have at least two or three supervisors who can visit all sites.
Ampweya pointed out that smaller mines, particularly those owned by Chinese companies, have failed to comply with the law by not providing emergency services at their workplaces.
Angula Angula, another unionist, referred this publication to Justina Jonas, the secretary-general of the Metal and Allied Namibia Workers Union.
“I am currently unable to comment, speak to comrade Jonas, the secretary-general,” he said.
Efforts to get a comment from Jonas were unsuccessful.
