In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine the following Conventions together: Conventions Nos 155 (occupational safety and health), 161 (occupational health services), 162 (asbestos), 174 (prevention of major industrial accidents) and 176 (safety and health in mines).

The Committee takes note of the Government’s report and the supplementary information in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th Session (June 2020). The Committee notes the observations of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) received on 16 September 2020. It also notes the observations of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) received on 29 September 2020, as well as the Government’s reply in its supplementary report.

A. General provisions

Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155)

Article 4 of the Convention. National policy on occupational safety and health. Following to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government’s indication in its report and in its supplementary information that the national OSH policy adopted in 2014 was reviewed in September 2019 and is scheduled to be published by the end of 2020. The Committee also takes due note that, according to paragraph 4.19 of the 2019 draft OSH policy, the policy will be reviewed every five years in consultation with social partners. Welcoming these measures, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide further information on the adoption of the revised OSH policy, as well as on its implementation. The Committee also requests the Government to provide a copy of the OSH policy, once published, and any documents subsequently published related to its periodic reviews.

Article 9(2). Adequate penalties for violations. The Committee notes the observations of the ZCTU, according to which, the penalties provided for by current national legislation remain low and are not deterrent enough. The Committee notes the additional information provided by the Government in response to the ZCTU that the draft OSH Act will increase the penalties in this regard. Its section 48 provides for fines increased from level 6 to level 10 and/or an imprisonment of not more than two years. Moreover, any person who causes an occupational death of another person at the workplace shall be guilty of an offence of homicide, to which the Criminal Law applies. The Committee requests the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure the provision of adequate penalties for OSH violations, including through the adoption of the OSH Act in the near future, as well as any further measures taken to ensure their effective application. It also requests the Government to provide information on the application of the relevant provisions in practice, including the violations detected and the penalties imposed.

Article 11(a), (c) and (e). Progressive carrying out of functions to give effect to the national policy. The Committee previously noted that the Government’s indication that the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) is responsible for the carrying out of the functions enumerated in this Article of the Convention. It noted that the referenced legislation only gives partial effect to this Article and it requested information on the effect given to Article 11(a), (c) and (e).

The Committee notes the Government’s indication, with respect to Article 11(a), that there is a team of OSH inspectors and promotion officers in all provinces, who carry out hazard identification and risk assessment in all industrial sectors. With respect to Article 11(c), the Government also indicates that the procedures for notification are laid out in section 48 of Statutory Instrument (SI) 68 of 1990 (National Social Security Authority (Accident Prevention and Compensation Schedule) (Prescribed Matters) Notice) and that penalties will be imposed on employers who fail or delay reporting of occupational injuries and diseases. With respect to Article 11(e), the Committee also notes that the NSSA produces annual statistical reports on occupational injuries, diseases and fatalities reported under the Workers’ Compensation Scheme. The Government further states that the draft OSH Act, once adopted, will give effect to Article 11 of the Convention. Pending the adoption of the OSH Act, the Committee requests the Government to continue provide information on how effect is given to this Article, particularly clauses (a), (c) and (e), in law and in practice.

Article 15. Measures to ensure coordination between various authorities. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to its previous comments, that the Zimbabwe Occupational Safety and Health Council (ZOSHC) provides advices to the Minister of Public Services, Labour and Social Welfare (MPSLS) on OSH policy issues. It also holds quarterly meetings chaired by the Permanent Secretary of MPSLS and NSSA. The ZOSHC also supervises the OSH activities of NSSA on behalf of the Minister. In particular, it coordinates OSH-related bodies as well as other authorities responsible for environment, radiation protection and energy regulation where there is a need for their participation and inputs. The Government also indicates that the MPSLS and the NSSA carry out joint activities, including joint inspections between officials from the MPSLS and OSH inspectors. The Committee takes note of this information.

Article 17. Cooperation between two or more undertakings engaged in activities simultaneously at one workplace. The Committee previously noted the absence of legislative provisions on this issue.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 12 of SI 68 of 1990 provides for the overall responsibility on the principal contractor to oversee the work carried out by other contractors. The Government also states that the draft OSH Act will address this issue. The Committee urges the Government to ensure that full effect will be given to Article 17 by the new OSH Act with a view to ensuring that whenever two or more undertakings engage in activities simultaneously at one workplace, they shall collaborate in applying the OSH requirements. Pending its adoption, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on how the cooperation between two or more undertakings engaged in activities simultaneously at one workplace is ensured in practice.

Article 18. Measures to deal with emergencies and accidents, including first-aid arrangements. The Committee notes that, in response to its previous comment, the Government refers to Part VII of SI 68 of 1990, which provides for the employers’ responsibility to render first aid in case of any accident and to transport the worker to hospital. The Committee also notes that the paragraph 4.10 of the national OSH policy provides that every workplace shall have an emergency preparedness and response plan and procedure. The Government further indicates that the draft OSH Act further provides for the obligations of employers in this regard, including the provision of first aid and other proper treatments (section 21(2)(v)). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to give effect to Article 18 of the Convention.

Article 19(c)–(e). Measures to ensure workers’ participation. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the draft OSH Act requires the employer with five or more workers to elect a safety and health representative and to establish safety and health committees where two or more safety and health representatives are appointed or elected. In practice, NSSA promotion officers assist companies to establish safety and health committees in order to ensure social dialogue in OSH management. Pending the adoption of the OSH Act, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any measures undertaken or envisaged, in practice, to ensure workers’ participation as provided for by Article 19 (c)–(e) of the Convention.

Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161)

Article 2 of the Convention. National policy on occupational health services. The Committee notes the Government’s reference in its report to the national OSH policy, as revised in 2019. Its paragraph 7.2(b) provides that every employer shall have occupational health services which will assure insofar as practicable that no worker shall suffer diminished health, functional capacity, or life expectancy as a result of his work activities and that in the event that an occupational disease is contracted, the worker is suitably treated, rehabilitated and compensated. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the effective implementation of the national OSH policy, with regard to the occupational health services.

Articles 3 and 7. Establishment and organization of occupational health services. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the establishment of occupational health services in certain occupations. The Government stated that the new OSH Act would extend the requirement for occupational health services to all workplaces.

The Committee notes the observations of the ZCTU that effective occupational health services are not provided in all companies. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the draft OSH Act, section 28 of which provides for the establishment of occupational health services at both the national and enterprise levels. The Government also states that the NSSA promotes the establishment of occupational health services in practice, and that most large companies have established such services. Moreover, the NSSA provides occupational health services in complement to those at undertaking level through its mobile clinic facility, which covers various sectors as well as remote areas. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken and envisaged, to progressively develop occupational health services, including the implementation of the OSH Act provisions in this respect, once adopted.

Article 5. Functions of occupational health services. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the draft OSH Act, section 28 of which provides for the functions of occupational health services. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that, in practice, the NSSA carries out promotional activities by informing employers on their responsibilities in this regard, including hazard identification and risk assessment, surveillance of workers’ health and insurance of occupational hygiene and ergonomics. It also carries out assessments and surveys to monitor the practice in industries. Moreover, the NSSA provides guidance to industries on the type of surveillance on OSH issues appropriate to different workplaces, with reference to international good practices. The Committee requests the Government to ensure that the new OSH Act gives full effect to Article 5 of the Convention. Pending its adoption, the Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken or envisaged in practice to ensure that the functions of occupational health services are effectively carried out as are appropriate to the occupational risks of the undertaking.

Article 8. Cooperation between the employer and the workers. The Committee previously noted the Government’s reference to section 1(q) of SI 68, which provides for the employers’ obligation on the establishment of safety and health committees comprised of workers and management representatives.

The Committee notes the observations of the ZCTU that some companies fail to ensure the bipartite social dialogue between the employer and the health and safety representative in this regard. The Committee notes the Government’s response in its supplementary information that it agrees with the ZCTU observations that the enforcement of relevant provisions regarding OSH committee and representatives need to be reinforced in order to strengthen social dialogue on OSH issues at the undertaking level. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on any measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the employer, the workers and their representatives cooperate and participate in the implementation of the organizational and other measures relating to occupational health services on an equitable basis, including in the context of the implementation of the new OSH Act, once adopted.

Article 9. Operation of occupational health services. The Committee previously noted that the Government listed the different types of professions relevant to occupational health services and that these professionals collaborate to provide such services when the workplace setting requires it.

The Committee notes that section 28(5) of the draft OSH Act provides that the occupational health services may liaise with the worker’s personal doctor in order to determine if there is any relation between the reasons for ill health or absence and any hazards which may be present at the workplace. However, the Committee notes that the draft OSH Act does not seem to contain any provisions providing for the composition of personnel or the cooperation with other services in the undertaking. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken, in law or practice, to give full effect to Article 9 of the Convention, including through the adoption of the OSH Act.

Article 10. Full professional independence of occupational health services. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s previous request for information on the implementation of Article 10, that the registration and regulation of occupational health practitioners is provided for by the draft OSH Act and its implementing regulations. The Committee observes that, however, the draft OSH Act does not seem to contain any provisions concerning the professional independence of occupational health services. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on how the professional independence of occupational health services is ensured, in particular in the context of the development of the new OSH Act and its implementing regulations.

Article 11. Qualifications of personnel providing occupational health services. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement that the personnel providing occupational health services are required to have a minimum certificate level of qualification, over and above their basic qualification.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s request on how effect is given to Article 11, that the new OSH Act will address this issue. The Committee notes that, according to section 3 of the draft OSH Act, the term “occupational medical practitioner” refers to a person who is registered as such under any law relating to the registration of medical practitioners and is qualified in occupational health or occupational medicine; and “occupational medicine practitioner” refers to a medical doctor with postgraduate training in occupational medicine or occupational health. The Committee observes that the draft OSH Act does not seem to contain specific provisions regarding the qualifications of other personnel providing occupational health services. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to ensure the determination of the qualifications required for personnel providing occupational health services.

Article 15. Information of occurrences of ill health among workers and absence from work for health reasons. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to section 28(4) and (5) of the draft OSH Act, the employer shall inform the enterprise Occupational Health Services of occurrences of ill health amongst workers and absences from work for health reasons, in order for the Occupational Health Services to be able to identify whether there is any relation between the reasons for ill health or absence and any health hazards which may be present at the workplace. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken, in law or practice, to give full effect to Article 15 of the Convention, including through the adoption of the OSH Act.

B. Protection from specific risks

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

Article 19 of the Convention. Employers’ responsibility for disposal of waste containing asbestos. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 70 of the Environmental Management Act prohibits the discharge of disposal of any wastes in such a manner as to cause pollution to the environment or ill health to any persons. It also provides that hazardous waste shall be transported by persons with a valid licence, to a waste disposal site established in accordance with a licence issued by the Environmental Management Board. Moreover, those whose activities generate waste shall employ measures essential to minimise wastes through treatment, reclamation and recycling. The Committee also notes that SI 10 of 2007 on Hazardous Waste Management Regulations classifies waste asbestos as hazardous waste (4th Schedule, A2050). The Committee takes note of this information.

Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention, 1993 (No. 174)

Article 2 of the Convention. Plans to address special problems of a substantial nature. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to its previous request that, considering the limitations in the current legislation, the envisaged regulation on the prevention of major industrial accidents will ensure the implementation of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate if there are special problems of a substantial nature making it not immediately possible to implement all the preventive and protective measures provided for in the Convention. If so, the Committee requests the Government to draw up plans, in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers and with other interested parties who may be affected, for the progressive implementation of the said measures within a fixed time frame.

Article 5. Development of a system for the identification of major hazard installations. The Committee previously noted that the identification of major hazard installations was conducted through the general inspection system by the NSSA.

The Committee notes the observations of the ZCTU that workers are not consulted regarding the development of the identification system of major hazard installations. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that specific provisions for a system of the identification of major hazard installations will be clearly elaborated in the envisaged regulation on the prevention of major industrial accidents. The Government also stated that, once the new OSH Act is adopted, the related ancillary statutory instruments will be put in place, including a statutory instrument on the identification of major hazard installations. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the establishment of a system for the identification of major hazard installations is institutionalized by the envisaged regulation on the prevention of major industrial accidents. Pending the adoption of such regulatory instruments, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the identification of major hazard installations through the general inspection system in practice.

Article 8. Notification of the existence and closure of any major hazard installation. Following its previous requests, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 10 of the Factories and Works Act and section 3 of the Factories and Works (Registration and Control of Factories) Regulations, stating that all major hazard installations are currently covered by the above legislation. The Committee observes that the above legislative provisions only provide for the registration of factories of a general nature, without specifying requirements for the notification of the existence and closure of major hazard installations. The Government also indicates that the envisaged regulation in this regard will address the requirements of this Article. The Committee requests the Government to ensure that the envisaged regulation on the prevention of major industrial accidents gives full effect to Article 8 of the Convention, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 9(a)–(c) and (g). Documented system of major hazard prevention. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to a series of legislation regarding employers’ general duties in hazard control and reporting. The Government also states that, considering the limitation of the current legislation, provisions of Article 9(a)–(c) and (g) will be incorporated into the envisaged regulation on the prevention of major industrial accidents. The Committee requests the Government to ensure that the envisaged regulation will give full effect to Article 9 of the Convention and that it is adopted in the near future.

Articles 10–12. Requirements for employers to prepare, review, update and amend safety reports and to transmit them to the competent authorities. The Committee previously noted the Government’s reference to the envisaged OSH Act and SI 68 of 1990, regarding employers’ obligation of accident registration reports to the competent authority.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the envisaged regulation on the prevention of major industrial accidents will address the safety reports in compliance with Articles 10–12 of the Convention. The Committee also notes that, according to section 3 of the draft OSH Act, safety record is defined as a written presentation of the technical management and operational information covering the hazards and risks of a major hazard installation and their control and providing justification for the measures taken for the safety of the installation. However, the draft OSH Act does not seem to contain specific provision on the preparation, review, update and amendment of safety reports, and their transmission to the competent authority. The Committee requests the Government to take measures to ensure that the full effect is given to the requirements of Articles 10–12 of the Convention within the framework of the current legislative reform.

Article 15. Establishment and regular updating of off-site emergency plans and procedures to protect the public and the environment outside the sites of hazardous installations. Following its previous comments on progress made to implement Article 15 of the Convention, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that consultations will be held with the social partners in this regard, once the regulation on prevention on major industrial accidents is drafted. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged, in order to ensure that emergency plans and procedures containing provisions for the protection of the public and the environment outside the site of each major hazard installation are established, updated at appropriate intervals and coordinated with the relevant authorities and bodies. It also requests the Government to continue providing information on any legislative developments in this regard.

Article 16. Duties of the competent authority prior to, and in the context of, a major accident. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, during the consultation with stakeholders on the envisaged regulation, information will be disseminated on hazards and risks associated with major hazard installations, as well as on safety measures and behavioural conduct required in case of an emergency. While taking note of the measures planned by the Government, the Committee recalls that, by virtue of Article 16 of the Convention, such information shall be disseminated by the competent authority to members of the public liable to be affected by a major accident without their having to request it and that such information is updated and redisseminated at appropriate intervals. The competent authority must also ensure that warning shall also be given as soon as possible in the case of a major accident. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the competent authority undertakes its duties prior to, and in the context of, a major accident, as required by Article 16 of the Convention, without being limited to the process of consultation on the envisaged regulation.

Article 20. Rights of workers and their representatives. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that sections 1–5 of 3rd Schedule of SI 68 on the general rights and duties of employers and workers also apply to major hazard installation. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the envisaged regulation will incorporate the provisions of Article 20 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that envisaged regulation gives full effect of Article 20 of the Convention. Pending adoption of such regulation, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the consultative process with the workers and their representatives at a major hazard installation and the measures taken in order to ensure that their rights are protected and there is a safe system of work in practice.

Article 22. Requirement for an exporting State to make certain information available to an importing State. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the envisaged regulation will include such provisions. Pending the adoption of such regulation, the Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken or envisaged, in practice, to give effect to this Article of the Convention.

Application of Convention No. 174 in practice. Noting an absence of information in this respect, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the number of major hazard installations identified, and, where such statistics exist, information on the number of workers covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of infringements reported.

C. Protection in specific branches of activity

Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176)

Article 5(2)(d) of the Convention. Compilation and publication of statistics. The Committee notes the ZCTU’s reference in its observations to an increase in the number of occupational diseases among artisanal mine workers, as well as in the number of accidents and injuries recorded.

The Committee notes that, according to the information in the Government’s report, partial statistics on occupational diseases are included in the annual statistical report of the NSSA. Acknowledging the limitations and the underreporting of occupational diseases, the Government indicates that the reporting and compilation occupational diseases will be improved through further capacity-building of occupational health personnel and the extended coverage of occupational health services provided for by the new draft OSH Act. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the compilation and publication of statistics on accidents, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences, including through the capacity-building of relevant personnel and within the context of current legislative reform. It also requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 5(5). Plans of workings. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to section 234 of the Mines and Minerals Act, certain works may only be erected or constructed upon the approval of the plan by the mining commissioner, including machinery or plant used for the treatment of ores, concentrates, tailings, slimes or other residues; dumps; dams for the storages of waste water or slimes; compounds for the employees; buildings of a permanent natures; sewage disposal works; recreation grounds and roads. Section 239 of the Act also provides that certain works may be constructed without the plan being approved, including dumps other than tailings; residences for not more than 32 persons and roads not exceeding 4 metres in width without artificial surface. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the Mining Inspectorate monitors plans of working for mines. The Committee takes notes of this information.

Article 13(1)–(4). Rights of workers and their representatives. The Committee previously noted the Government’s reference to paragraph 5(d) of the national policy on OSH on worker’s right to refuse to undertake unsafe work and section 4(1) of the Labour Act (No. 16/1985) on workers committees.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the draft OSH Act provides for specific rights of workers and their representatives with respect to OSH issues in all workplaces, particularly section 22 on workers’ rights and section 38 on OSH representatives and committees. The Committee urges the Government to pursue its efforts to give full effect to Article 13 of the Convention to ensure the rights of workers and their representatives, including through the adoption of the OSH Act in the near future.