Workplace deaths have risen this year compared to the same period last year, according to Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton.
The rise this year followed declines in previous years. The Department of Public Information (DPI) said that in 2020, there were 32 workplace deaths; in 2021, the number deceased to 27 and then in 2022, there were 21. Twenty deaths were recorded last year.
Hamilton, in his message on Occupational Safety and Health Day on Sunday, stated that the majority of fatalities occur in the mining and construction sectors.
“This situation causes me great concern, and should be the same for our tripartite partners and key stakeholders. Indeed it is quite obvious that we need to act now. Decisive actions need to be taken to prevent workplace accidents and safeguarding (the) well-being of the workers in this beloved country of ours,” Hamilton said.
This, he said, will require concerted efforts from the government, trade unions and employers’ organisations who need to collaborate closely to develop, implement and maintain comprehensive strategies for safety and health protocols, adequate training the enforcement of safety and health regulations and proper equipment maintenance, DPI reported.
“Let us rise to the challenges and reduce our efforts to create safer and healthier workplaces for all together we can make a difference and build a future where every worker can go to work and return home safely at the end of the work day or work period,” Hamilton said.
